Bear!

Last night Lucas and I went out bear hunting, what an exciting time we had! When we got to our bear blind we could hear some bears stomping around and gnashing their teeth, so we snuck in and waited. While we were in the blind we kept hearing them stomp around us, so we opened three sides of the blind, Lucas had his 45 drawn and we waited. But we didn't have long to wait (I think it was about 20 minutes) and then I looked out at the bait barrel and there he was coming out from behind a tree! I tapped Lucas' leg and pointed. Lucas reminded me to take my time and after I got my breathing right I switched the safety off the 30-06 Browning (which I need to practice doing quietly because he heard me and turned broad side) and then...

I shot! I got him right in the shoulders and spine. He went down and then started growling! Then he rolled behind a tree and we could still hear him growling so we jumped out of the blind and Lucas took the rifle and put one more shot in him (so he wouldn't roll any farther down the hill).

He's at lease 225 pounds! So Lucas gutted him and then we had the trek out. Lucas carried him up the 50 yards to the top of the saddle and then we pulled him down the hill.

Look at those claws!

Me pulling him down the hill.

What a beauty he is!

It was such an adrenaline rush! I had a great time!

Autumn is Here

I wanted to take a break from the Military tributes to say:

Autumn is here!!

Not only with the decorations that I've put up in the house, but I had to start a fire in the wood stove today (I could have done it this whole week, but I was trying to put it off for a little while longer). I'm so ready for fall. I love the fall and winter seasons and everything that goes with them (well, not really, I really don't like Halloween).

~HAPPY AUTUMN EVERYONE ~

Past, Present & Future

This is for all those who have paid the ultimate price for freedom, their lives. Thank you, from a very grateful American.

Military Tribute

This week I wanted to remember all those who have given their lives for our freedom, Our Military men and women. This is a week that changed our lives forever. We must never forget. May God shed His Grace on us.
I found this song on youtube, by one of my favorite Christian artist and I thought it is very powerful and reminds us that in all our storms that Christ is our rock and refuge. Many you all be blessed as well.

Surprise!

Yesterday Lucas came home from work with this surprise, a black bear! Well, a black bear with a chocolate coat and a blonde butt. In this picture you can see the blond backside.

Cora had so much fun playing with the ears and petting the paws!

We didn't get a picture of Audrey, but she stayed outside with daddy the whole time he was skinning him.

Cora's Birthday

Opening a gift from Gramma & Papa Swanson

Not sure what to think

Looking at everything, but very tired.
She loved the books and pjs (which she slept in last night).

the cupcakes I made

opening a gift from Auntie Holly and family

as you can tell she loves it!

Wasn't to sure how to blow the candle out, she put it out with her hand. ;{

I think she likes it!

Yep, she does!

OK, I'm sleepy

I love this picture of Audrey! She's growing up so fast!

playing together

We had to have our guns and hunting. I killed the first two grouse of the season for us. Cora had just woke up from a 5 minute nap in the truck, to a shotgun going off.

One Year Ago

I was in the hospital giving birth to our little Cora!

Our new little sweet girl

Our little family growing

Cora having her birthday breakfast! She loves pancakes and syrup!

still feeding herself

full tummy and very happy!

now on to the bath!

More to come...