Adding Branches: Grouse Hunting & Halloween

Well this is my inaugural post on Juli's blog site, but I felt the need to post in regards to my most recent grouse hunt. It was not the best hunt I've ever experienced, it was not the most productive, but there was one thing that made this hunt extra special, my son Nathan was able to come along with myself and my good friend Trent. Although we only flushed one grouse, it did not matter. Seeing the thrill on Nathan's face when I picked him up from school on Friday to acting goofy on the car ride up to Trent's cabin and to just witnessing him being so excited to be hunting with the boys! Papa Nellie and Trent, I thank you guys from the bottom of my heart for letting me bring Nathan along. We arrived at camp around 6 pm on Friday night, of course we had to cook a few burgers and brats on the grill, they were very tasty. Nathan also beat me at a couple games of cribbage played his way. With him going off to bed around 9:00 Trent and I played cribbage until about 2 am. He ended up skunking me in the last game and I owe him $3, good luck collecting on that debt!

Saturday morning Nathan was ready to get up and hunt at 6:45 am. We eventually left the cabin around 8 am after our healthy breakfast of powdered sugar donuts! They were so good and will be a staple for future trips, Little Debbie never disappoints! We hunted for about three hours and Nathan never complained once, walked in the woods (not on the trail), and stayed behind me allowing me ample space to shoot should the opportunity had arisen.

See the pictures below from our day in the woods.

Getting in the truck to start the day! Look at that smile!

Getting ready to head into the woods!

Posing with Dad's gun!

Posing with Dad's gun again!

I can shoot your gun Dad, really I can!

Three tired animals after a fun morning of hunting!

Well all good things must come to an end and we headed back to the cabin to help Trent and Papa Nellie clean up!

I know one thing, I can't wait for the next time we head up hunting together little man!!

Trick or Treating......

Tonight we had trick or treating around our neighborhood! The kids had fun, Nathan was hard to nail down as he ran from house to house at warp speed, Katelyn spent most of her time comfortable in the stroller only getting out at strategic times when her brother said "Katie they have the big candy bars!", and Ana was happy to be in Mom or Dad's arms for most of the night unless she encountered a dog. The she would yell down, dog dog!

Nathan provided enough candy for himself along with his sister's. He was pretty clear that he needed three pieces because his sister's are right over there! Here are a few pictures from our Halloween Night!