Who is this girl?

At the end of last soccer season, our little Cassidy was still hanging back, following the ball on the outside of the pack and getting the ball only by chance.  This season, this girl appeared.  Still the same swinging red ponytail and rainbow socks but this girl was right in the middle of the action!  She was making breaks down the field, getting in front of the ball and making stops on defense and actually said "it's not ok to push my sisters, but it's ok to push a little on the soccer field, right?"  Absolutely- Go Cass GO!

I love watching her confidence and assertiveness grow, but also her teamwork and sportsmanship.  After the last game the referee awarded Cassidy the sportsmanship award for the game.  Go Cass GO!

Pumpkin Patch

I'm going to apologize and warn you...there is a ridiculous amount of pictures in this post.  BUT, I am really liking my new camera, the sky was so cool as we caught a break in between storms, AND I have the cutest, sweetest kids ever...Sawyer is in the brown carhart jacket, Rylee is in blue and Cassidy is pink.

 After being cut off from more pumpkins, the crew headed back, still eyeballin' some of those tempting orange globs of fun

 Oh, and there was a super cool "mole hill" with huge tunnels that we spent a wonderful hour getting dirty on...even Chad couldn't resist

 So much good stuff

Hunting

This year's hunting trip can be summed up in just a few words...hunting,hunting, hunting, and wonderful family time.  I was so proud of Cass for stepping a little outside her comfort zone to come hunting with either Chad, Papa or me.  On 5 hunts she ran draws and hiked a ton all without a single complaint and always wanting to go out again.  Uncle Bryce and Howard were also impressed and got the opportunity to enjoy her company out in the field.

Of course, even though we were hunting hard, we still had time for life on the farm.  The first couple of days were gorgeous with beautiful fall weather and colors and we took full advantage when we weren't running brush.  We didn't get a picture, but Cass and I even got a ride in on Bette and Mom's new mule Sweet Pea, and yes she is.

 After the picture, Sawyer insisted on getting off and I couldn't understand since she loves the wagon rides,especially sitting up front with Papa.  But then it all made sense.  If you look closely you will see her running down the driveway, "racing" the wagon and waving

 Mom found a tricycle at a yard sale and the girls totally loved the "track" around the house....check   out the lean!  First Rylee, then Sawyer, then a little glimpse that they aren't always best friends...especially when they have to take tuns on a really fun thing!

 March Madness Girls....Yep, that's our Jess out there, in full camo, harrowing the cow pies down in the field.  She's come so far!

 Mom had a great project going with the girls making gift jars for Christmas...

oops, I ruined the surprise

I almost didn't post this picture...I couldn't believe how old Rylee looks!

 And of course silly Sawyer had a hard time keeping a straight for the picture

 Tuesday afternoon came and despite miles and miles logged, draws pushed and pockets watched there was still nothing hanging in the shop.  So I took an additional day and it totally paid off Wednesday morning with my first buck that I can say I got totally on my own.  Yeah, I was doing the happy dance for quite a while, even while Chad and Dad were coaching me through every step of what it means to "get my buck".

 I LOVE that Cassidy came to the shop to help and Sawyer's response when she found out we got a deer was "yummy"....heck yeah those are my girls!

 After getting home, the real work began but after 2 long nights we had a nice full freezer.  We even paused for "fresh" hamburgers one night for dinner.  I have to say, and I'll admit I'm biased, but those were the best burgers I've ever had