Christmas 2009

This Christmas was so much fun with the twins. They started catching on to what the whole thing is about. Porter was brave and sat on Santa's lap requesting his race track and cars. Autumn was in line and I could tell she was getting progressively apprehensive. When it came her turn she declined sitting on his lap and opted for a wave instead. Brayden teased her that Santa wouldn't bring her baby doll since she didn't sit on his lap. She was worried and would say, "I not sit on Santa's lap. I not get baby doll."

We headed to Grandma and pa Richmond's in Blanding for Christmas. All the family was there except for Stewart and Carrie who live in Alaska. It was so much fun to have all the kids playing together. Autumn and Porter LOVE their cousins. Porter especially loves it when Coleman is around so he can play with a boy cousin. They also love their uncles and aunts and they were spoiled with attention the whole time we were there.

Christmas Eve was a special night with the reading of the Christmas story and the little ones acting out the parts. Sierra and Coleman were Mary and Joseph, Nana was an angel, Autumn was a shepherd and Porter was one of the wisemen. They all did great. The Elves visited and left some new pajamas.

Christmas morning was not a disappointment. The kids were overwhelmed with a bombardment of presents and they were happy with what they received. They had fun playing with their new toys. Porter loved all his cars and his race track. Autumn was thrilled to get a baby doll from Santa and also loved her purse with little dogs in it.

There was about two feet of snow, so we had to get the kids out to play in it. Grandpa Larry shovels the snow into a pile off of their deck and this year it was a good sized tower. The twins did their best getting to the top. They had a lot of fun for about a half hour then they were done.

Christmas Tree Hunting

This year we had better luck hunting deer than a Christmas tree. It was a tough year to find one that was just right. It was still fun to have an excuse to get out and enjoy the beauty of winter. Autumn and Porter love going for rides, so it was worth it. They liked the snow and they were excited about their new gloves.

Here are some pics by the decorated tree.

Brayden & Paula's Deer for 2009 (One big, one small)

Well we both got deer this year. Mine took all three seasons and just a couple days before the close of the rifle hunt. I must say that I had a blast hunting deer this year. I have not enjoyed it this much for a long time. Brayden was a trooper and would stay home with the kids while I would go looking for deer. Brayden found one spot that was my honey hole. I was on deer about every day and saw some really nice ones (170-180 class bucks). I came within 80 yards of a beautiful four point during the bowhunt, but he winded me and took of. Man I still have a lot to learn about hunting. I finally shot this two point at about 250 yards while he was trotting away. I was standing up and shot him free hand. I must say again that I LOVE Brayden's gun. He went down after a few steps. The kids were with us on this hunt which was really fun. Autumn will still out of the blue say, "Mom shoot a deer?"

Brayden's deer is obviously much bigger than mine. He shot this beauty on the Pansaugant during the muzzleloader season. We all went camping as a family and endured 20 degree nights, cold windy days, and a trip to the emergency to patch up Porter's forehead after a stumble in the trailer. The twinners were super troopers and went hunting with us every night. They did so good and hardly complained about spending 4-5 hours a night in the truck. After one week of hunting, on Friday night, we were all sitting in the truck watching a water hole. It was amazing the amount of deer that were coming into the water. This nice buck came in three different times and on the third time Brayden decided to take him. It had his back leg shot off by another hunter which was the final deciding factor in shooting him. I got the shot on video and in the background you can hear Autumn, "Daddy shoot a deer." It was so fun to have Autumn and Porter with us. I'm glad we stuck it out through the cold and were able to see dad shoot this awesome buck.

Hanging out in the trailer.

Porter at the hospital.

Porter looking AWESOME in his thermal PJ's.

Brayden glassing for deer.

The beauty himself. . . deer or man, you decide!

The whole family.

Speed Goat Hunt '09

October 9-11th we went hunting by Loa for doe antelope tags that I drew. The weekend involved A LOT of driving, but it was a very fun hunt. We brought our tent trailer to camp in. Let me tell you how much I love that thing! It makes camping with the kids much more comfortable for multiple night camping. It is one of my favorite purchases. We didn't see much on Friday night, so we came home to some yummy dinner and just hung out until bedtime. Saturday I got up bright and early and hiked up the hill by our camp. We had seen some antelope there the night before, just before dark, so I thought I'd try to find them in the morning. No luck this time, so I headed back to camp. We ate breakfast and headed out in the truck to see what we could find. We drove for a couple of hours and around 11:00 we found a herd about 1000 yards away. I grabbed the gun and my pack and went after them. Luckily they were in terrain that had a lot of rolling hills so it wasn't too hard to sneak up on them. I got within 450 yards and something spooked them over the next ridge. They weren't looking at me when they spooked, so I thought I'd continue my stalk. I reached the place they were before they spooked and was able to peek over the hill. There they were! I was so excited. They had no idea I was there. They were 340 yards away. There was one that had a collar of some sort. Brayden really wanted me to shoot that one if I had a chance (so did I). I set up next to a tree and made a steady rest with my backpack. The collared goat was wide open. I took my shot and she dropped in her tracks. I didn't even see her move after I shot. The rest of the herd ran about 100 yards up the next hill. Since I had two tags I hurried and set up again where I could see them. They were now 440 yards. I found one standing alone and took the shot. She dropped in her tracks. I was so pumped. Two shots within about three minutes and they both went down in their tracks. I love Brayden's gun. It gets the job done. The hunt was a blast! Brayden's parents and little brothers, Dylan and Chase, came that evening. Dylan and Chase had drawn the same tags as I had. We went out with them the next day with no luck, but still had a good time.

As a side note I was on this hunt when I found out about the death of my step-sister Heather Christensen from a phone message from my dad. I was shocked and my heart went out to my step-mother most of all. She is very close to her children and I knew it would be very hard for her. Heather is an amazing person and I had a great time living down the hall from her in college. She knew how to have fun and loved to laugh. She never compromised her standards and along with her roommates was able to keep the spirit in their apartment. I spent most of my time in their apartment because I liked how I felt when there. After college years she always greeted me with a huge hug and smile. Then she'd update me on the old roommates. She was very motivated and knew what she wanted. She showed a lot of dedication and it paid off. She was doing what she wanted when she graduated to the next stage of life.

More Pics from Blanding - Sept. '09

Brayden and I took the kids glassing for elk one night. They had a blast playing in the dirt and running around the bushes. I hope they grow to enjoy the outdoors as much as their mom and dad. So far it's looking good.