Elk Hunt

Ty was old enough to put in for hunting this year so we put Preston and the two boys in together.  Preston was drawn a couple of years ago and a couple years before then so we seriously doubted they would get drawn.  We were shocked to find out they got a tag.  I thought I had put in for only cow tags to help the boys thinking it would be easier but I guess I put in for the late bull that starts the day after Thanksgiving.  

Saturday I got a call around noon with Preston telling me he got one down.  Preston was hunting with Aydon and Aydon said he couldn't get a shot on it so Preston took it.  

It was a 5x5.  

Ty & my dad were hunting together and John was hunting with Shawna & Jalen.  John wanted to be left a spot for a while so Shawna and Jalen were off squirrel hunting when they just happened to pass each other on the road when Preston was trying to get help getting it out.  

There was a couple of days of snow storms plus being the late hunt it was a hard hunt.  Unfortunately, even though everyone had seen them and even got some shots off we only got 1/4 tags filled.

Thanksgiving

Since the guys had an elk hunt, we knew they would eat Thanksgiving lunch and then head out to the woods for the hunt.  Gary & Vickey decided to go to Garrett's and offered to take the boys so they could play with Emmett.  They were SOOO excited...like didn't even say good-bye, no hugs or kisses...just ran out the door!  They loved it.  They had planned on staying for a few days but Vickey's brother was in the hospital and they ran to New Mexico to see him so they were only gone one night, which was ok with me because it was weird not having my little guys with me on Thanksgiving.

Preston and the boys got to go play in the annual Turkey bowl.  We all had dinner at Corey's house with her family as well.  It was a great day and yummy food.  

I had planned to do family pictures for the calendar's I always make for the next year, but I had a little health scare while eating Thanksgiving dinner and with that, I missed the picture opportunities.  When we got home I said we at least had to take a selfie.  

Gary's retired!

Preston & Gary on Gary's last trip for the railroad.

 Preston had to go from his Engineer's turn to a Conductor's turn so they could work together and they asked that they try to get as close to each on the board as they could.  Gary showed for noon and took the foot so they ended up going later that night.  I wish they would've just taken the day trip so I could get some good pictures of them.  It was late and with the poor lighting I didn't get the best pictures.  I couldn's use my flash because of the reflective vests they have to wear.

  

 Gary in the engineer's seat with his red hat and Preston is in the conductor's seat (more difficult to see).

I had waited around for them to pull off but when they got to go another train was passing in front of them so I sped downt the road and tried to catch a picture, but again...midnight is not an ideal time to get pictures.

 Preston took these pictures on the other end of the road coming home.  

Enjoy retirement!  

Ty's Walk-a-thon

Prize winners for most laps and top donations.

Avery, Keaton, Ty, ?, Kane, Sammy, Jhett, ? 

Washington school has been doing walk-a-thons for several years now to raise money.  This was the first year we've had a kid at this school.  Ty said all they were required to do was get a minimum of $10 in donations.  He hit up Vickey and she gave him that amount and he didn't ask for anymore after that.  

They then had to set a goal of how many laps they would walk.  He set a goal of 30 laps.  I had to work that day so on my lunch I ran over the track to check on him and see how it was going.  He was covered in sweat at 11:30ish when I went.  They were there from 9:30-2:30 and they had lots of little booths they could get stuff from and the medical helicopter was there.  I had went to see if I could get a picture of him in the helicopter but because he was actually walking (not many were at that point) I didn't get a picture.  I asked how many laps he had done and he said he didn't know but I could count.  He turned around and they had his number on his back with a hole punch for every lap and I was like, there's too many to count.  I asked who was in the lead and he said he didn't know.  Turns out the little stinker was!  He finished the day jogging/walking 58 laps which is 14.5 miles!  I was shocked!  We have always done our family runs and he is always first so I knew he'd do good but I couldn't believe he had done 14.5 miles!  When I picked him up from school that day, I could tell right away his legs were sore...he complained for a couple of days.  He was very tired and dehydrated but by the time the weekend was over he was good.  We sure were proud of him.  He got to pick out of all the prizes which one he wanted.  He chose a tablet...it's just like the one that Zack got for being a top reader.  

Awards

 Ty was student of the month for August

 Perfect Attendance

"On A Roll"

Golden Growl winner 11-7-16