NOVEMBER

CUTTING AND SHOOTING
Here are the pictures from our tree cutting day. This is one of our family's favorite traditions. We've gone in the snow and the freezing cold, but years like this are my favorite. We had sunshine and blue skys and only needed jackets because it wasn't very cold (usually we pack coats, snowpants, boots, hats, gloves and scarfs). The turkey soup and chocolate doughnuts were delicious as always. Grandpa and Grandma found their tree pretty quickly.
Then, everyones favorite... shooting!

Here are most of the cousins. We were missing a few this year.

These three had a great time. They didn't want to quit shooting.

Here they are walking up to the target to see how they did.

S was so happy to be outside and to be playing with cousins. He learned how to cock the BB gun by himself this year and really enjoyed shooting. He was happy to have a turn to drive the Rhino (thanks Aunt Tamra) and he was happy that he got a chocolate doughnut this year, too (thanks Grandma).

T likes to shoot the BB gun but he really wanted to be brave this year and try some of the other ones. Uncle Cody showed him how to look in the scope and helped him shoot the rifle. Then he thought he'd try out the shotgun. Uncle Cody stood behind him to catch him when the gun jerked. Good thing he did, because T was so surprised when the gun kicked. He was even more surprised when he blasted the clay pigeon. He jumped up and down and did a little cheer. It was fun to watch him joining in the fun and having a great time.

Z enjoyed shooting the rifle. He and the older boys tried out a bunch of different positions to see which way was the best for hitting the target. They did a great job hitting it, though I don't think any of them ever hit the bullseye. Z also loved shooting the shotgun. He had to stick with the smaller gun because the other ones are so heavy and long, but he did pretty good with it. He hit several clay pigeons. He and the other two boys shot almost the whole time. Grandpa couldn't believe how many shells they went through.

J and I took our turn, too. J usually shoots a few rounds but he really likes to work the clay pigeon thrower. I usually only take about 8-10 shots because I hate the kick, and the gun seems so heavy to me. This year I enjoyed it more than I have for a long time. I think it's because the weather was nice and my hands weren't freezing, and also I was wearing a big puffy vest that protected my shoulder. That was nice!

And of course the day wouldn't have been complete without these two running around in circles and jumping on everyone. They were so excited to be there, but so in the way. They dumped soup on Grandma, tried to eat a few rolls and generally caused problems. Gotta love Jack and Charlie!

REFLECTIONS WINNER

T really wanted to enter the Reflections contest this year. The theme was "Diversity Means..." He entered in the Visual Art category and drew a picture of a boy playing different sports. He wrote about how it's okay to play different sports and have fun, even if you aren't the best. He won first place at the school in his grade and got a trophy and a book.


I'm proud of him for working hard and doing the whole thing all by himself.


FRIENDS

S has loved this fall. The weather has been just beautiful with very few cold days. He has spent pretty much all of October and November outside- from the time school gets out until it gets dark and I make him come in for dinner. He rides his scooter or plays kickball with the boys in the neighborhood. It doesn't really matter to him what he's doing as long as there are friends over and they are playing outside.

Here is S with the neighbor boys. We love these friends!