“It seemed like we were working seven days a week. There is a lot of work around here. Then about six years ago, there was an opportunity to buy a place at Okoboji. And we thought we wanted our grandkids to remember us not just for working, but having fun also. The place up there has been a lot of fun. We have what we call ‘grand-camp’ every summer. We take all nine grandkids up there for a short week, just Donna and me. We have a blast. It’s been really good for me,” he said. “Mom and Dad have learned to relax a little bit and not work all the time. While the kids enjoy coming out here working side-by-side with them, they also enjoy the fun side of Grandpa and Grandma,” said Andy.
Amy and Adam with their daughters, Kynlee, Aynslee and Rylann. Family photos by Christopher's Photography of Le Mars.
Putting their priorities in the right order was brought home several years ago when grandson Isaac was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Isaac is the son of Jon and Amy Schmidt, Russ and Donna’s oldest son, who has a cow-calf herd and is the chief technical officer and a veterinarian at Trans Ova in Sioux Center. Amy is a substitute teacher at MOCFloyd Valley. Their other two children are Micah and Skylar. Donna said, “Isaac was treated at Sanford Children’s Hospital. It’s an amazing place you never want to have to take your children or grandchildren. Boy, do they do an unbelievable job.” Isaac took chemo for 3½ years and beat leukemia. Russ said, “He’s a normal, healthy 11-year-old kid now. We’ve got a lot to be thankful for. That sort of things changes your life, your outlook, your priorities.”
Kari and Andy with their children, Ayla, Kutler and Emerson.
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Amy and Jon with their children, Isaac, Skylar and Micah. 28
The Farming Families Magazine | www.agemedia.pub | January 2022
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