Elking and Canning

The boys met up with Grandpa yesterday morning for some elk scouting, also known around our house according to Bridger "elking". Although it sounds like they didn't see any elk they did see many elk tracks. I heard about this all night last night after the Boys woke from their nap.

What was I up to this weekend, well of course I went into school to do some work and then I had on my to do list: grocery shopping, laundry and salsa making/canning! The last one was by far the most exciting. As I type I am hearing the "popping" sound of the jars sealing! Success!

Ben and I pulled everything that was ripe from the garden over the last few days and stocked up knowing that today we would make our first round of homemade salsa. Although we had way to many jalapeños (they are going to work with me in the morning) we were able to use everything else. After three hours, cooking dinner in between, we have officially made 3 and 1/2 quarts of fresh canned salsa. Only time will tell if it is good,   gosh I hope so! It was a lot of work, but so much fun. 

O and Sunday night is not complete without a little bronco horse riding! Ride Em' cowboy! 

The boat

What a beauty! 

1968 Saber Craft, beautiful color (think robins egg blue with a little tourquoise mixed in). 

Here's how the story goes: 

Last Thursday, 15minutes before Open House at school I get a phone call from Ben telling me that Aunt Barbara and Uncle Dan are making room for their RV and either they would have to sell the boat that has been in the Guskey family for 50+ years or if Bill or us wanted to house it then they would be okay with that too. 

So Ben proceeded to fill me in how this would all work and insisted that he would clean out the garage and rearrange everything so that not only the boat would fit but also both cars and the golf cart too. After several minutes He asked me, "how to do you feel about that?" 

How could I even possibly say no? What an honor it is to house such a memorable keepsake for both my Aunt-in-law and mother-in-law. They both have shared stories with me and Ben about this boat and I can only wait till the few adjustments that need to be tweaked are fixed and we can take them both out on a cruise around the lake. That'll be a day to remember! 

Last Saturday Ben got home from his travels and was so excited to run down to Aunt Barbara and Uncle Dan's to measure the boat and look it over. We headed Down, unfortunately we interrupted their dinner but they graciously came out and talked ben through all aspects of the boat. Then it was decided that, Yes, the boat could fit in our garage and Sunday after everyone got back from church everyone would come up and help get it into the garage! 

And that they did! It was quite a site to see after working all day in my classroom to see the family up at the house angling cars in, moving around boxes and a beautiful prestign 1968 Saber Craft perfectly parked in the garage. 

Auntie B was very adamant that There needed to be enough room so Bridger and I could get in and out of the car every morning with no hassle and so I can say with full excitement that YES we can.

We have a little boy who comes home every afternoon from school and climbs the ladder next to the boat and insists with all of his might that he needs to "Drive the Boat"! There hasn't been a day since then we don't climb in that boat and let Bridger's imagination take us on a boat ride. 

We look forward to sharing and making lots of memories on this beauty they call a boat! 

First Day of School

It's a new year! 

We had a great day! 

So much different this year on the first day then in years past. 

6 years old compared to 9 and 10 years are MUCH different! 

I could go on and on but I don't have a lot of time tonight since we just got home, 5:45pm. 

Here is our yearly photo and a big photo dump on my phone. 

Cheers to a new year! 

Exhausted

Today was the first day back for both Bridge and I at school.
I had meetings, prepping for tomorrow's open house.
Bridger was busy getting acquainted with his new 2-3 year old classroom. Mrs. Jeannette is his primary.
When I picked him up he just looked like he was exhausted. Poor thing wanted to continue playing basketball but his poor body was not moving very fast.

I on the other hand was tired, exhausted and ready to call it. I am currently typing this on my iPhone while rocking Bridge.

We are both soooo tired. Lots of big changes happening and we are just trying to adjust to them.

It was great to see all the girls, but so hard to know that summer is over. We had a great one and I certainly will cherish the time and memories with my cute little boy. 

Wrapping up

***This was typed on Saturday***

Our summer is quickly coming to an end.
It's been a great one, one that went too fast.
So memories made.
On to a new school year!

Since the last post we have been busy.
Daddy turned 31 and we celebrated with family all around the dining table.
Of course daddy's request of manicotti, and confetti cake!
Another year in the books for this guy.

Following daddy's birthday on Friday I had a full professional catalog shoot for Koda Adventure Gear.
They are a brand of LB.
It's exciting to watch my photos be acknowledged and put into print. The website is getting an overhaul and will encompass my photos as well.
It was fun to spend the morning in the same office as my husband. Although we weren't working together:) I was busy in the editing room.

Daddy took off on Sunday for OR and is finally getting back home tonight!
Ben suggested we fly Gaga out to help me out and spend some quality time.
Best decision ever.
She arrived on Wednesday and leaves on Monday.
It's soooo nice to have her here and we have enjoyed our entire week getting all my checklist done!
Not to mention she even cleaned and did laundry. What can I say, I am thoroughly enjoying ever bit of it.

We took gaga to Roaring Springs on Thursday so bridge could show her how he can do all the kid slides by himself! Such a little brave boy! We shopped, enjoyed some, restaurants and lots of evening patio fun which encompasses a little baseball of course!

I think I'm pretty much caught up! It's hard to believe I am heading back but I know that a new, exciting year lies ahead!

Here's to the last day of summer.