Thankful

What a wonderful Thanksgiving we had! I don't think there is anything better than spending time with the ones we love the most. I had some combination of all 5 grandchildren all week, so we actually celebrated all week.

The rest of the gang headed up to Papa's to help Pop cook the turkey. I stayed home to get everything ready.

The delicious food didn't compare to the wonderful company. I love these times! And I have absolutely no problem enjoying a Thanksgiving meal with the house fully decorated for Christmas.

After eating, we headed back up the street to work on our candy houses. It was such a beautiful day, and the patio was the perfect place for us to spread out. This year was year 30 of this tradition. I love that we are passing this on to our grandchildren! To me the Christmas season doesn't begin until the houses are made. We have this down to an art now. All you need is your box, icing, candy and your imagination! Then the fun begins! This year the biggest challenge was getting them back down the street in one piece. Luckily, they all survived. After finishing, the boys enjoyed a little playtime.

This precious one led us in an activity. Depending on the color of M & M you drew, you had to tell something you were thankful for.

Ta da! Our finished products include a clock tower, a couple of houses, a dog house, a church, a camper and more!

Happy Thanksgiving! Now on to Christmas!

Hunting, Raking and Riding

We are loving this beautiful fall weather.  It almost seems wrong to stay inside on these perfect days.  Reed wanted to let Belle work a little with some quail, and I tagged along as the photographer. Belle is as active as a dog can be, but it is awesome to see her doing what she was bred to do.  She loves it! 

But first, this cutie got in a little yard work.  We believe in starting them young!

Here he is actually singing, "Happy Birthday to Nana!"  Melted my heart!

Now on to the hunt. All ready to go! I am not even going to pretend that I know the correct terms or what's really going on.  All I know is that Belle was in heaven, and it is lots of fun to watch. She is not quite a year old yet, and is simply spoiled rotten........

Her job is to locate the quail and hold them with a point. Beau (our Boykin Spaniel) is usually there to retrieve, but Reed just wanted to work with Belle on this hunt.

There's also lots of walking in this sport.  I am happy to say I was following a safe distance behind on the ranger.

She actually seemed to do better as she got a little tired.  . She could have done this all day long!

No hunting for this cutie!

All smiles.  He will be 6 months old this week.

Maddie, Reed and Josh enjoyed a hunt this weekend.  Maddie got her first deer of the season.  I was actually on a FaceTime call with Lindsey when we heard the shot. Pop thinks this was her 14th deer.  We are hoping Reed gets his first one this season.

My next post is going to be on horse riding lessons.  All three are loving it.  Lillian had quite a few stories to share about her lessons. More on that next time.

Life Lately

I can't believe that November is already half over!  In one way, time is flying and in another, it's crawling by slowly. I am still working virtually from home, and I greatly miss my students and co-workers.  I am in the final year of this grant, and I amazed at how quickly the time flew by! Total retirement will be here soon! The big kids were here last weekend, and we had lots of fun in a very short amount of time.  I am looking forward to their upcoming breaks.  My plan is to squeeze in as much time as possible with them. My house is completely decorated for Christmas, and most of my presents are wrapped and under the tree.  My plan is to sit back and enjoy it as much as possible! It's truly my favorite time of the year. Here is a quick glimpse into life lately-

John Sawyer is enjoying the zip line!

Jack enjoyed a little stroll on this beautiful fall day.

Maddie and Reed love hunting with Pop!

Lillian has become an expert at making pancakes!

Sweet tree climbing boys!

Pop had some real estate business in Livingston, and John Sawyer and I tagged along.  We had a great steak supper at Diamond Jim's. He hasn't been out to places like this very often in recent months, and loved it!

This angel will be 6  months old this week. Time flies!  He is an absolute joy!

Horses, Playground and More

Maddie, Lillian and Reed have started horse riding lessons, and are loving it.  I am looking forward to going one day soon to watch.  They are all thrilled!  They each get the same horse each week and are learning all about caring for it! So much fun!  They were here this weekend, but I am so far behind in the world of blogging that I will cover that on the next blog.  Reed and Maddie enjoyed a couple of hunts with Pop.  They all loved hanging out with John Sawyer and Jack.

These pictures are from their first two lessons.  They are learning all about the body parts and how to care for the horses.

Is it just me, or does she look grown?

That's a really big horse!

Teamwork

They are going to love this adventure!

I've enjoyed hanging out with these two lately!

Jack is growing so much and is the sweetest baby!

John Sawyer and I have enjoyed a couple of park days recently.

This is from this weekend.  Yes, I have decorated for Christmas. It makes me happy, and I need happy.:) Jack got lots of attention from the big cousins.

John Sawyer wanted no part of the Christmas picture!  This is actually the best one out of about 20.  And yes, I am going to use it.  It will definitely be a memory! He was completely fine within 10 seconds after we stopped trying to get a picture.........

Last but not least, I had a wonderful birthday last week.  They seem to be coming a little faster these days.