a little bit of lots of things

I haven't been too good about blogging so here is a quick attempt at catch up. We have been doing the usual things when we come home to visit like spending time outside and playing with Rhone.

Rhone is one of the crowd with the dogs. Our dog, Ace is to the left of Rhone.


One Saturday my dad, brother and I went on a quick hunt while my mom watched Rhone. Here's Brock with his hun, me (I never even pulled the trigger) and our old dog Whitey.

There are always chores here, but now that I'm older I enjoy working outside and taking care of the animals, they don't so much feel like chores any more. We were putting hay in our dog boxes for bedding and to help keep them warm. Rhone and I got a hay ride while we pulled the hay into the dog yard.

We have some great family friends who have horses. So Ed saddled one up for us. Rhone was a little nervous about the huge animal looking him in the eye, but once he was on top he loved the view and going for a ride. I haven't been on a horse since my freshman year of college and I must admit it was so much fun to be back in the saddle- even if for just a bit.

Rhone and Papa on Dusty.

Rhone sure made a cute bare back jack. He really liked this because he was by himself and he could get a good handful of the horses mane. It looked like he was doing the splits with his little legs on her.

Not so cute of me, but Rhone's smiling.

Just chatting on the phone. He certainly understands what you do with a phone now- especially since we talk with Ben.

Rhone and Brock were both wearing their carhartts so we took a picture. Notice Rhone is sporting his new boots. We couldn't pass them up since the camo is Mossy Oak- whose head quarters are in the town in Mississippi where Rhone was born. We gotta keep our little man close to his southern roots.

It has been a long time since I was home for my mom's birthday. It was so fun to celebrate with her. She even had the day off work so I took her out to lunch and we did some shopping. This week we have an apt to get manicures together too. I am so blessed to have such a great mom.

Rhone and Nana with her cake. I tried our old family German chocolate recipe. It turned out pretty yummy. Wondering why Rhone doesn't have a shirt on? See below picture.

Because 10 minutes before he was eating this. My dad gave him the beater with chocolate frosting on it and unfortunately the bib didn't keep the chocolate of his cute shirt.

fishin'

I have lived less than 30 minutes away from Daniels Reservoir. Fly fishers driver hours to get to this fishing hole. Somehow the fish have practically eluded me and my dad for nearly 10 years. Last week was a glorious one. We finally caught fish- not just fish, but over 20 inch trout! The first trip out my mom and Rhone joined us. There were probably about 10 other fishers on the water. The second outing was just my dad and me on the whole place. It was freezing cold- actually colder than freezing it was 19 *F when we pulled our boat off the water, but it was absolutely worth it. Ah the satisfaction in finally landing those beauties. Hopefully it warms up again, so we can head back out.

We think my fish might be a cut throat/ rainbow hybrid.

Just practicing

My dad's fish is a very, very silver rainbow trout.

My mom and Rhone all bundled up.

a little patriotic

Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day (to celebrate the end of WWI), is a "day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace." Thank you to all of those who have served and sacrificed for America's freedom and peace in this world. We love and miss our airman.

a world a part

... well at least half the world.

Ben's View

Meag's View

pumpkins: take 2

Ben got a chance to email me the picture of our pumpkin carving. I wanted to include them because of course I think they are cute, I love getting to see pictures of us with Ben, and Ben took the time email them to me. So here they are.

Rhone getting brave enough to stick his hand inside the pumpkin.

Ever wonder how fried pumpkin tastes? Just ask Rhone, he was born in the south, after all.

Everyone with their own pumpkin.

All lit up

did we land in Africa...?

Nope, but Rhone looks pretty adorable in his zebra costume.


We had a fun, but busy Halloween. Especially since we got home for the airport at 11 pm the night before. We headed up to my Granny and Gramps' house for festivities with my mom's side of the family. All the kids (and Kris too) got dressed up to get their treats. We had delicious home made spaghetti. The noodles were even orange because some one played a little trick and died the boiling water orange.

Me, Kurtis, and Lill just watching the chaos.

Here is the crew all dressed up.

When we got home Rhone and Papa carved a pumpkin together. We ate dinner and got all dressed up again. Rhone only trick-or-treated a few houses and played with the trick-or-treaters that came here. He got a Case IH tractor from Grandma and Grandpa Rose, a cute ghost bib from Grandmommy and his halloween costume and huge hershey's canndy bar from Nana and Papa. What a great Halloween!

Playing in the pumpking with Papa.

When I was a little girl my great grandma Pete always got us these huge hershey's candy bars. One year my brother was devastated when the weight of the hershey's bar and candy split open his trick-or-treat bag and his candy scattered everywhere. I love that my mom is carrying on the tradition!