Christmas Break

Every year over Christmas break, this happens......

I usually like to clean up the trash as we go.  This year I was told to "stay sitting." This is a picture of the aftermath.

This also happens every year, 3 days after Christmas......

Happy 14th, Devan

This year something happened that I don't remember ever happening before.  We had such cold weather for a long enough period of time and we had the best hard clear ice for skating on the ponds (even though we had a 1/2 inch skiff of snow to scrap away.)  It was during Christmas break and some cousins were here and the kids brought the New Year in by skating in the moonlight.  Oh.... and they also hooked up a cool disco light as well.  Great memories!

Renae, Jewel, Sarah, Melanie, Ericka, and DANIEL

It was nice while it lasted.... which was about 5 days once it was thick enough..... and then we got a 6 inch snow followed by a thaw.

Random Stuff

In looking through photos, I found a few random things that missed getting put on the blog.  Here is one from a fishing trip that Lyn, Darryn & Devan went on late summer.  They went out 60 miles in the ocean to catch mahi, mahi.  They caught a bunch of smaller ones but Devan got the biggest.

46" Mahi, Mahi

Dwight has been playing around with a forge, thanks to some supplies and things he got from his Uncle Brian.

His friend Ryan is assisting.

So far, no finished products.

Mostly just playing with fire.....

And speaking of fire.......... this happened........

The big 5-0

November 2017 Deer Kills

Dwight & Renae each got their biggest bucks so far, both 8 points and both shot on DE opening day.

They couldn't find Renae's deer.  She was very disappointed because she was sure she made a good shot.  Two days later, when walking near the general area where she shot, she saw turkey buzzards. So she followed them and sure enough.... there it was.  She was very happy, but it was sad to see the meat wasted on fox & turkey buzzards.

Lyn got this nice buck on opening day in MD.

9 point, 20" wide.

The freezer is full and we have given away several does that Lyn has shot since these.

No Shave November

Dwight first attempt at growing a beard.  It was nice to see Dec. 1 arrive!

Home away from home

Darryn & Ericka are back at Rosedale Bible College.  They are both on staff this year.  Darryn is the Men's RD (Resident Director) and Ericka the Women's RA (Resident Assistant), which basically means they oversee dorm life as well as other campus activities.  Ericka will be taking half time classes and working about 15 hrs. a week with Enrollment Services.  Darryn is only going to be taking about 1 class a semester (He only needs one more to graduate.)  They are excited about their new roles and looking forward to a good year.  Since I forgot to take a picture of them before they left, they humored me and sent me these.  Glad they have these opportunities!

Back to school

This is Dwight's senior year.  I picked the picture where he is looking good (his eyes were closed on the others) even though the others are goofing off.  Renae is a sophomore and Devan an 8th grader.

Surprise

So this year, on Aug. 8, marked 25 years since Lyn & I said "I do."  We wonder where has the time gone?  Our kids decided to throw a surprise party for us.  They almost pulled it off, but Lyn got suspicious the night before and when you are suspicious, you notice things that you normally wouldn't.  We were good sports and didn't put them on the spot, and then someone accidentally leaked it in church that morning to confirm our suspicions.  They got us away by having Rob & Jen take us out for lunch and then a stop at Cabelas.  The kids went all out by getting the Aunt's to help with food, and had pictures and nice decorations up.  It was held down at our pavilion and everyone was patiently waiting for us to return.  (Rob had a hard time getting Lyn out of Cabelas.)

Making our arrival

The cake table

They even made us do this....

I was going to be nice..... until I had frosting on my face.

They had invited a wide variety of people and it was really a nice evening. Thanks, kids, for doing this for us, and thanks to everyone who helped them and to everyone who came to help us celebrate.

Held on Aug. 20, 2017