Successful Hunter

For Scott, one of the best things about being back in Idaho is being able to hunt so close to home. He got his bow tag this year and would run out for an evening hunt after work or a quick morning hunt on his day off. 

 

Morgan and Zane each got a turn hunting with Dad as well. Zane came home bummed that they didn't get a deer. He confirmed my suspicion, "Dad is like a mountain goat. He climbs straight up the side of the mountain!" So, it's not just me who feels that way. Morgan came home with her eyes bugging out, "We didn't see a deer but we saw a moose! Right there! In front of us!" Scott said the moose were so close he had to make some noise to scare the gigantic animals away. Morgan was very impressed though and ready to go out again.

Since bow season didn't bring success, Scott was anxious for rifle season to start. He'd gone out a few times and hadn't seen much but decided to give his area one last try. He drove to his spot and parked. Leaving his lunch in the truck, he set out, thinking he would circle around and be back at his truck for lunch.

He went up and over the mountain and was starting to circle back around when, there he was... a nice looking buck. He dropped the buck with one shot. He decided he didn't want to drag it up the hill so he started to go down and around. By now, it was late in the afternoon, he had eaten his last granola bar and was just finishing his last drink of water. He wasn't sure he would make it to the road. 

He finally reached the road, tired and hungry, and found a place to hide his buck. He then hiked up the road to get his pickup. He drove down and found his hiding spot but still had to get the FAT buck loaded.

Meanwhile, we finished our dinner and read stories. Dad still wasn't home. I wasn't sure when I should start worrying. The kids were getting on their pajamas when I finally got a text. Dad was on his way with his prize. Yay!

Scott was worn out! He had left just after breakfast and had only taken a couple granola bars and his sandwich. But there was no time to rest or eat now. He managed to get the buck out of his truck, drug it into the shop, and skinned it. As he tried to hang the animal though, he found that he had very little strength left. He came in and asked me to help him.

The kids were told to stay in bed while I went out to help. Now it wasalmost 11:00 and this buck was heavy. Did I mention FAT?! Scott was yelling pull and I was yelling push... it was not the finest moment in our marriage but, we all survived. We managed to get it a few inches off the ground and Scott decided that was close enough. I told him he really needs to find a hunting buddy.

Scott went to bed exhausted but full of pride at his successful hunt.

Flag Football

Zane decided he wanted to try football this year. I was not too thrilled but dad was excited. We had some cool evening practices before we got to watch him play on even colder Saturday afternoons. I think he only had one game where it was warm enough to wear shorts. Most of the games were played with a sweatshirt under his jersey and a few he wore his hat.

Zane had a great time! He caught several passes, made a few touchdowns, and pulled a lot of flags. I think his team lost more games than they won, but the boys had so much fun.

They ended the season with a double header and actually won both games. When the coach handed him his medal, Zane exclaimed, "This is better than a t-ball medal!" His coach smiled proudly.

We may even play again next year.

Conference Time

We have been counting down the days until General Conference! I found quotes from previous conferences and we read one each day. The kids helped me draw or color a picture to go with each quote. They had so much fun and having been looking forward to our conference weekend.

I filled up our conference bags with treats and activities and the kids pitched their tent. We are ready to listen to our prophet and apostles speak to us.

Field of Pumpkins

Zane's class went to a local pumpkin patch to learn about how pumpkins grow. The kids loved exploring the pumpkin fields! There were pumpkins of all sizes, shapes, and colors, even blue and pink. The white ones were everyone's favorite. They had a fancy name but we called them ghost pumpkins.

The straw bale maze was a big hit too. Our group was lucky enough to get to eat lunch there. I think the kids did more climbing than they did eating.

Then they each got to pick out a pumpkin from the large bins to take home. These were sweet, baking pumpkins, the kind you want for pumpkin pie. I teased Zane on the bus ride home about how yummy his pumpkin would taste. He made me promise I wouldn't cook it until after Halloween. It's hard to wait!

Roasting Marshmallows

The temperatures are dropping. Summer is quickly coming to an end. But there was time for one last marshmallow roast. Brittany came to spend the weekend with us while Levi was off hunting.

As the sun slowly sank on the horizon, we huddled close to the fire and enjoyed one last, golden, gooey marshmallow.

Random Days of Summer

Summer went by way too fast! There was just too much to do!

 We found parks to play at . . . 

Learned to roller blade, went swimming with friends . . .

 And sometimes, we just took silly pictures at Walmart.

 And for the grand finale . . . we went to the Eastern Idaho State Fair.

"Summer ends, and Autumn comes, and he who would have 

it otherwise would have high tide always and a full moon every night."
~Hal Borland~

Back-to-School

Morgan and Zane were so excited to wait until September to start school this year. It still feels like summer though so it's hard to think about school.

Zane is excited to be in 1st grade and is looking forward to a full day of school. Morgan is glad to be in 5th grade but would prefer to stay home. (School is not her favorite thing.)

Today, they got to ride the bus home.