OH WHAT A HAPPY DAY!  Austen came with his family from California to share his birthday joy with all of us in Oregon.  We met at "Grandpa" Battrick's farm.  (His aunt Kandle's father-in-law).  There it had been specially arranged for Austen to get to ride on a REAL TRACTOR!  He, however, knew that it was really a "digger" or back hoe!  Nevertheless, it was a joy for him and all who were privileged to watch him bubbling with excitement to be up on that big machine as it drove about and pushed some dirt.  Cousins and uncles joined the ride and it was truly a family affair on a cold November day.

After all of the children (except Dhruva who was too young to care, and Sebastian who was holding back his dog, Isabo from chasing cows) were able to ride the tractor about, we went indoors to eat submarince sandwiches and chips and soda.  Then there was birthday cake and ice-cream followed by presents and lots of visiting.  Even though his parents and baby brother were exhausted from the drive and not feeling as well as normal, it was a huge success and lots of fun for the happy birthday boy.