The First Buckle

A VERY important milestone in any cowboy's life is winning that first buckle. Brykn has wanted to win a buckle so bad for the past couple years. And, believe me, he's put in so much work with his trusty horse, Rio, that he deserves it!

This year at the IRHA banquet, all the kids in the Short Stirrups class received a very nice buckle that was sponsored by their parents. Brykn had no idea he was getting an award. When they said his name and I told him he won something and to head to the stage, I thought he was going to pass out! After the shocked look on his face, an ear-to-ear grin emerged! So, so fun!

It didn't take but 2 seconds for him to have the old buckle off his belt and the new one on it! He was so proud--and I love watching that.

Marriage

Kids say the funniest things! Last night I was standing in the kitchen stirring some soup on the stove top when Brandon came in and starting hugging me. Because I was trying to stir the soup and get things done for dinner, I told him to move and wait for a minute. That's when Harlee piped up and said, "Mom, Dad's trying to marry you!" Oh man, we laughed and laughed! So funny!

Hunting Success!

The mighty hunters are at it again! Brykn absolutely loves going with the guys. In fact, when I start asking too many detailed questions, all he says is, "Mom, Dad told me that what happens on the mountain, stays on the mountain." Geez--thanks.

In all seriousness, I love that they bond during that hunting time. I'm sure they do all that gross boy stuff (Harlee says they are stinky), but I'm so glad they go together and have such a wonderful time together. Harlee and I do fun stuff too--you, retail therapy. And, dang, we are good at it! This time we also hit the Tree House Museam where we met a puppet named "Grork," milked a cow, and had a great time!

This year's buck was a small one, but a pretty one. When Brykn called me from the mountain he could hardly get the words out fast enough! We gave the meat away, but I'm hearing the horns are for keeps. :)

Ick! Look at the blood on those pants! Brykn was SO proud of that...EW!

Santa...in September

Just a funny, random conversation between Harlee and me...

Harlee (with her finger raised to her cute little chin): Mom, does Santa have a girlfriend?
Me: Nope. He has a wife!
Harlee: A wife?
Me: Yes, a wife. And she wears a red and white dress.
Harlee: Wow. I bet she's beautiful like me.

I could do nothing but smile. She absolutely IS beautiful.

Five minutes later, she was zonked...

Christmas 2012!

We had a super fun Christmas this year. Harlee understood the concept of Santa and Brykn is still in full "believe" mode. I never want these days to end. They are so fun and the kids are so precious. As they grow up, I hope they never lose the feel of a magical Christmas we've tried so hard to give them. We don't shower them with priceless gifts, but we've tried really hard to make sure they remember fun, happy Christmas traditions.

You are my world, kiddos. My whole world.

Another picture slideshow by Smilebox

Breakfast with Santa

What a fun tradition! Santa invited us to his breakfast this year and we couldn't have had a better time! Brykn's wanted to talk to Santa about the possibility of Santa bringing him a four-wheeler, a bow and arrow, and some frogs in an aquarium. Let me tell you, it was a VERY serious discussion....Harlee on the other had, only wanted a "talkin' baby." But, she was scared to pieces of Santa. However, Santa's helper seemed to help her calm down for a photo!

Writing his letter to Santa...

Really, does ANYBODY like Grinch?

Important cookie decorating...

Cute Little Turkeys

I have the cutest little turkeys every! No, really, its true. And this Thanksgiving I am SO thankful for them! (Okay, really, I have 2 little turkeys and one big Tom!)

This Thanksgiving we made turkeys from Oreo cookies. They were meant to go on popsicle sticks, but we couldn't get the sticks to hold our heavenly treats, so we ditched that idea and put them on a platter. It was a really fun family activity and the kids were super proud of their creations. And, wow, it was an intense! Just look at the concentration on those faces!

They were also super proud of the artwork they made in school. When Brykn came home from the "1st Grade Feast" and pulled out the hat, shirt, necklace, and drum he made, Harlee was right behind him saying, "I made a turkey hat too!" The look of pride on her face as she pulled out her turkey headband was like nothing I've ever seen. It was like she was saying, "See, I'm just as big as him!"

Love those little kids!