Happy Halloween!

We had a fun Halloween!

Kalyn's school had Red Ribbon week (Say No to Drugs) so the whole school was able to dress up each day this week. They kicked off the week by wearing something red to school on Monday and received their red bracelets. On Tuesday the theme was "Lay off Drugs" so the kids wore leis to school. Wednesday's theme was "Put on the fight against drugs!" with the kids wearing camo wear. Team spirit was the theme for Thursday so kids wore any sports shirt. Friday was "Boo to Drugs!" day so everyone wore their Halloween costume to school...even the teachers!! I'm sad that I didn't take any pictures, but it was a fun week at school.

Our Halloween weekend was even more fun with my parents here for the festivities. We started off our evening with hotdogs for the kids and delicious tortilla soup made by Mimi for the adults. Our good friends Bonnie, Mason, and Jenna joined us and the kids had a blast! As soon as Hannah Montana, Hunter Mason, Darth Vader, and Princess Jenna were ready we drove to town to join the Halloween fun on the streets. Each year there is a block or two in town completely blocked off for trick or treaters. It was interesting to see all the different characters walking up and down the streets.....even some adults were dressed up! It was fun watching the kids have fun wearing their costumes and running up to each house to get candy. So many good memories of my Halloweens with my family came flooding back as I watched the kids...so fun!! We were exhausted by the time we got home and the kids are already talking about who they want to be next year!

Hunter Mason, Princess Jenna, Hannah Montana, and Darth Vader

Trick or Treat!

Next house!

Hannah Montana

Darth Vader with Granden

Even Daddy Ricky had to be Hannah Montana...Kalyn wanted to be Miley!

Our Jack O Lantern

We finally got around to carving our pumpkin this week. The kids were so excited and did better this year although Sheldon still thought it was "yucky." Kalyn really got into it and was a big help. I have always loved this tradition as a kid so it is special to share this time with Kalyn and Sheldon. I hope they feel the same with their own children when it is their turn!

Getting ready to "gut" the pumpkin

Kalyn working at it...love this pic of her!

Sheldon's turn

I gave them their own little pumpkin to work on while I finished up the other one.

Sheldon, "Jack", and Kalyn

Getting Ready

Trapping season opens next weekend. Ricky has been waiting for this time of the year for so long...he was busy all day yesterday and this afternoon getting things ready. See for yourself what he put in my dishwasher this evening! Gotta love being a trapper's wife! ;o)

Spending time with Granden

The kids and I went with Granden to feed some cows last Friday afternoon before I left for Junction. We always enjoy riding in the gator and seeing our beautiful ranch...we feel so blessed to have this family place!

Opening the gate

Looks like Kalyn knows what to do!

So many memories here at the cabin...my great grandfather built it in 1947

Granden feeding the cowsThis barn is one of my favorites...it is OLD!!

Granden with his grandkids

Llano, Junction, Llano, and back home!

Whew....we did a lot of traveling over the weekend! I took the kids to Llano on Friday afternoon then met Ricky in Junction for the Fall Texas Trapper's Rendezvous. It was alot of fun meeting new people and making friends. I was in a skillet throwing contest and got 3rd place...I plan to get 1st place in the Spring now that I know what to do! Ricky was in the speed trapping contest...it was fun to watch all the guys set 7-8 traps as fast as they could. There were several demos, an auction, craft making for the ladies, and alot of good food and fellowship. I even tried frog legs for the first time...they were yummy! Ricky and I are looking forward to the Spring Rendezvous in Jacksonville already!

We got back to Llano around midnight on Saturday night and enjoyed spending some time with my parents yesterday. The kids had fun with Granden and Oni while we were gone. They went to Llano's Homecoming football game on Friday evening and had fun walking around the square on Saturday for "Heritage Day." Mom said there were alot of booths, activities, vendors, etc...sorry I missed it!! They also drove to Brownwood that evening for a wedding. Sheldon said he loved the chocolate cake and Kalyn just loved the whole wedding saga. Figures!

Here are some pictures from our weekend...enjoy!

Ricky visiting with a fellow trapper, Pilgrim

The ladies made this cross for crafts...mine is blue and tan

Skillet throwing contest

Speed Trap Setting contest

Eating frog legs

watching a fleshing demo (guy is showing us how to take skin off a raccoon)

Happy October!

The kids and I had fun raking leaves on Saturday afternoon. I found those cute trash bags at Target and couldn't resist taking pictures! Here's a silly picture! ;o)

First Kill of the Season

Ricky finally had the opportunity to bow hunt this morning after being busy the last two weekends. He said he had a spike, a 4-point buck, and a 6-point buck come in to the feeder and he really wanted to shoot the spike to let the other two grow some more. However, he couldn't get a good shot on the spike before it walked off with the 4 point. Not knowing if this would be his only weekend to bow hunt before rifle season starts, he decided to go ahead and shoot the 6-point. Needless to say, the kids were thrilled to see the kill when Ricky got back home!



Now, let's hope Ricky shoots a pig this evening so we can make some yummy sausage!! ;o)

Budding Trapper?

Sheldon practiced setting traps at the Wildlife Expo on Sunday. He surprised us all, even the professional trappers, when he did it all by himself!! They are pretty hard to do. He is so proud.

Be sure to check the next three posts...I had alot to share!! ;o)

Wildlife Expo

The kids and I went with Ricky to the Wildlife Expo in Austin on Sunday. Ricky is a member of the Texas Trappers and Fur Hunters Association so he was helping in their booth over the weekend. We had fun!! There was so much to see and many fun activities for the kids. I really enjoyed meeting the trapper wives and getting to know them. Here are some pictures...enjoy!

Kalyn and Sheldon playing with trap set demo

Kalyn and Sheldon using air guns to shoot plastic bottles into trash cans

Sheldon and his catch (trout pool)

Fishing in the trout pool

Kalyn reeling in (catfish pool)

Kalyn and her catfish

Mmmm...shaved ice!

Ricky at work

Sheldon and Kalyn suited up to fight wildfire!

This was so neat! Kalyn spraying water on the fire

Sheldon's turn

Kalyn dressed in fur (blue fox and beaver)

Regulars

This doe and her fawn have beome regulars around the house. I love watching them from the front porch in the mornings. They've become less jittery when they see us outside.

Boo!

Look who was waiting for Sheldon in the toilet the other night! It was so funny! ;o) I remember this happening to Carie and me at the cabin in Llano when we were little.

We miss you, Larry!

Today is the one year anniversary of Ricky's dad's journey to heaven. Even though I didn't meet Larry until after he became sick I felt like I had known him for a long time. He was a great man and always made me laugh. I could understand his every expression and we had a good relationship. I am grateful that the kids and I had the privilege of knowing him as Pepaw. Ricky and I want to thank each and every one of you for all your prayers, love and continued support for our family. Please continue to keep us all in your prayers, especially Ricky's mom as she begins to find joy in her grieving process. We love you all.