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 

3? Can't be...

We did it....we actually made it another year and the twins have made it to 3!  It's been a crazy busy, sometimes frustrating, usually exhausting and a beautifully wondrous journey.  With 4 busy family schedules to coordinate, we were finally able to get together with Chad's family and had a great time celebrating Rylee, Sawyer and now 17 year old Brady (he was the 4 year-old ring barer at our wedding-talk about time flying!)  I really appreciate and love that while it is never easy, every one commits to celebrating family and all came down for a great afternoon.  The twins and Cass were in cousin heaven and took full advantage of all the attention.  There was even an invite, with an accept, to homecoming mixed into the party for freshman Caden and his girlfriend.  Weren't we just doing his 3 year old birthday party?  Sawyer is in the purple dress, Rylee in pink.  We also had Brady's girlfriend Sarah to add to the fun.  Sawyer is going through a sticking out her tongue phase and I promise, the pics I posted were actually the best....gotta love 3 year olds!

UGH

I know it's been a while and I'm sorry.  I'm even more sorry that in the last couple of months we've gotten a new computer (part of the reason for lack of posts) and new camera which I love but am still learning (another reason for lack of posts) and then a new new computer when the first new one failed.  Somewhere in that process I have lost all of the pictures over the summer.  Thankfully for many of our adventures there were others that also were taking pictures and I'm working on getting copies from them, but it will take a while.
We had a wonderful summer with Chad on his first rotation of day shift in almost 6 years.  It was awesome having him home in the afternoons, although he was usually one of the first in bed (that 5am alarm was NOT his friend).  He was also able to take a good chunk of July off and we had a crazy cross state adventure starting in Portland for the family reunion, then a local camping trip, followed by heading east for Mule Mania (and crazy fun it was) then back to central for some more great camping.  Then it was a week long road trip for me and the girls hauling my dear friend Kate's horse to Blackfoot ID where they have moved.  On they way back we got to spend a few days with another dear friend, Lindsay and Marc and their 3 girls in a beautiful part of Montana where they manage an impressive Angus bull operation.  We got to spend one day at Jr Rodeo where Cass ran the barrels and poles and the twins spent almost all day watching from the back of a very patient, very old ranch horse/babysitter.  We didn't get to spend nearly enough time and have definitely made the commitment to build in more time to visit!  Once home from that adventure we stayed put and enjoyed crabbing, beach time and trying keep up with our place. But way to quickly the start of the school year was upon me and back to work I went.  Chad went back to swing shift and Cassidy started first grade....yes, first grade!
I am hoping to have some pictures to illustrate these adventures soon, but in reality it may not happen.  But keep checking  and I hope you enjoy what we do have.

Spring Madness

March Madness?? Well it is a little crazy around here, but I'm not sure it qualifies as madness...per say.

It started with what has become a wonderful tradition with Auntie Cari.  A day trip to watch an amazing equine experience known as Cavalia, a combination of horsemanship and Cirque du Soleil, theater and dessage.  In one word, beautiful.  

especially with such a beautiful group of friends

 Cassidy's artwork was "published" in a district art show (It's the gingerbread man above her)

 Gymnastics started again (check out those "cowgirl" muscles)

 and my kids got to play with some seriously crazy kids

 It's a known fact, all kids like snacks!  It was something else watching their little tails wag for the 30 seconds it took them to drain the bottle

the girls playing hard, maybe taking some notes from those crazy goats...

Sawyer showing that if you play hard you have to sleep hard 

 A little birthday break with my wonderful hubby

 I love that new barn boots and fencing totally make my girls' day

Rylee is ready to ride....dude! 

 March brought quite a bit of sunshine and we took full advantage and spent lots of time at the barn.  Cassidy is really starting to take ownership with Ziggy and pride in learning skills.  It's awesome and amazing to watch!

The twins are showing strong interest in the horses too and Cass is happy  to give rides and share

And is pushing herself too

 

So what else do we do around here besides play outside??  Well I got brave and let the twins help Cass and I make cookies...talk about multi-tasking!

We also did Kite day and all 3 got to make their own kites and flying them in the HS gym

 oh, wait, the sun is shining again...we are back outside!

And, I managed to get a good picture of all 3 girls for Chad's Birthday present...yay!

Rylee    Cassidy     Sawyer

Easter

I know I'm way behind, but I have to share these now.  They are pictures from Easter and then a Birthday picture for Chad...my sweet girls

 Sawyer, Cassidy, Rylee

 Rylee, Cassidy Sawyer