My First Montana Hunt

So here are the photos' of my hunting experiences. Thanks to Levi and Adam I have my very own bull Elk hanging in the shop. (I am darn excited for all the meat that we will get on Thursday night when we butcher it).

Monday morning I rose before it was light out. I got all of my stuff together and hiked up the mountain . It was still dark when I arrived at my spot, just after shooting hours began. About 15 minutes later the woods were full of Elk bugels and cow alls. It was incredible just listening to it all. And then at 8:15 a bull and two cows walked up right where I was hoping they would. So even though I was shaking with excitement I raised my rifle and shot the bull. It only ran a short distance and then died. Jim Hawthorne came up and helped me figure out how to gut the thing and then we started dragging this massive animal. Fortunately for us Levi took a half day and came to our rescue. Ten hours after my shot Levi and I sat down to backstraps on the grill. A rewarding and incredible day. We now have meat for the next year and a half. And if any of you want to stop by and eat some organic meat just let me know, I'll defrost some and turn the grill on.

Mayne, Family & the Sea...

Here are just a few pics of Mayne and I in Maine after we went to Daniel's wedding. My mom organized some extended family time and so Mayne got to meet several of here extended family members included two of her great grandmothers. She also got to meet her cousins for the first time. I know she won't remember it, but I enjoyed having her meet everyone. Here are a few captured moments.

Lava Lake

We have been trying to get out a bit more before the snow starts to fly....a few weeks ago we headed out to Lava Lake on our day off. It was the perfect day for a hike. The sky was incredibly blue and the temp was perfect. So far Mayne seems to be doing well with the out of doors. (now that she is getting used to sun and wind) It was a sweet time for our family to have together!

Daniel's Wedding

Mayne and I recently had the chance to fly back east to attend the wedding of our friend...Kelly Daniels. It is been a cool priviledge to watch the journey that Kelly has been on. The Lord has allowed her to experience His sweetness in the midst of some very trying circumstances and this wedding was an amazing reminder of how He cares for our hearts. It was also a neat time for me to reconnect with old friends. I laughed so hard that it hurt. Thanks to my husband who loved me well and helped make it possible to send us to Maine. Love you babe!

Mayne's 1st Hike

Fairy Lake...this was the first hike that Mayne went on. It was a beautiful August day and we had family out to visit. In these pics we are with Nana, Pa and Aunt Amy. It was a huge blessing to have them here with us when Mayne arrived home. Mom took care of all kinds of cleaning, laundry, meals, the flower bed and bouncing a fussy baby. Dad jumped in with dishes, refinishing a dresser, the flower bed and cuddle time with Mayne and Amy was able to keep us company and have some quality time with Mayne in her few days here. It was great to have them experience more of our world in Montana and to have Seth and dad have more time to connect.

Amazing...

Seth and I were talking the other day as we were out hiking and appreciating the beauty of the place we live in. All of these pictures were taken within twenty minutes of our home. The Heavens do declare the glory of God! What an amazing place.

Story Hill Fest & Friends

We were so incredibly excited to be able to experience with the Eads family the completion of one of Jeff's life long dreams...to sit back and soak in Story Hill in the mountains of Mt. The time we spent with them was sweet and encouraging. We had late evenings of laughing together and sharing our hearts. We are so thankful that God has placed them in our lives. Here are so glimpses of our time together.