Fall Memories

Summer has officially concluded, and fall is in full swing. The end of September and into October provided some lovely times with family and friends and in enjoying the beautiful colors of fall.

 On the first day of fall, Pollywog, Sweet Pea, Mozzarella, and some other friends enjoyed a hike to a beautiful canyon. It was pouring rain, but we had a lot of fun getting soaked and wearing rain ponchos like tourists.

 One day before church, Squish (4) noticed that she and I were both wearing black and concluded we were matching. She asked to take a picture, and we went to pose, the Chunk (2) eagerly rushed in, stating he "wanted to take a picture too." Aunty life is the best.

 The Chunk has been through so much, and is doing so well. So thankful for the healthy, happy, strong-spirited little fellow he is.

2018 Edition of "Warning: Contains Images of the Hunted Looking...Hunted" (once again a belated post)

This summer and fall have been absolutely crazy; amazingly blessed, but crazy nonetheless. In the beginning of September, our family was blessed with the opportunity to go on our annual archery hunting trip. Dad, Cowboy, Mini-Man (12), Pollywog (20), and Sweet Pea (17) bagged a deer this year. As usual, we had a lovely time spending time in God's beautiful creation and with each other. Here are some pictures to document the time.

 Mini-Man (12)

 Clari. Who says you can't hunt when you're pregnant? Not her, apparently.

 Clari and Cowboy

 Me and Mini-Man trying to look savage with ferns in our hair.

 Sisters 

 This year we did a lot of camping, and enjoyed seeing the last of the sun setting outside our tent.

 Camping out like bosses. Well, hunting for the day, pulling up to our tent, sleeping, and getting up for the morning hunt...Sort of camping, I suppose.

 Beauty

 Mini-Man looking slightly concerned...

 While these look kind of like friendly maple leaves, they are actually devil's club, and when you're surrounded by them in the forest, things get exciting.

 We saw a deer about 100 yards into a clear-cut, and Mozzarella, very excited, declared, "Guys, I feel like a gazelle and that I can sneak up on it!" While skeptical, we indulged her and she trooped off to try to sneak around the deer..About twenty minutes later she returned with this look on her face, stating, "I'm not a gazelle."

 Having too much fun.

 Red maples. Our grandmother, Baca, loves red maples, and every time we see them, we think of her. Baca, if you are reading this, I am posting these especially for you!