Happy 15th Birthday!

Happy Birthday! 

Today is Elijah's birthday.  I thank God for my older brother and what a blessing he has been to me through my life.  I can't believe how fast he is growing up and becoming a godly man.  

I love you, Elijah.

Love,

Jeremiah 

Mr. Bucket head.

Cowboy E

Big brother.

"Daniel Boone" and "Davy Crockett"

Uncle's ideas - sort of!

3D movie? Nah...rather be hunting...

...from pheasant...

...to big bucks...

...to bigger bucks.

Elijah John "Deere"

Raking leaves at Grandma Great's.

Bug head!

Our first kayak trip.

Elijah's baptism.

This sword that he received at his baptism signifies

the sword of the spirit and living as a warrior for Christ.

Pilot buddies.

Snuggle puppies.

Tree climbing.

The dogs taking us for a ride to the pet store.

Weeding.

Elijah got first place with his photo at the county fair.

Four-wheeler rides.

Snow shoveling.

Our snow fort.

Ready for hunting.

Practicing shooting for the upcoming hunt.

Sliding on the ice.

Week in Iowa

This past week, all five of us spent some time with our family in Iowa.  Our uncle lives out in the country and has a pond.  We camped out in his backyard for three nights.  We also went fishing, canoeing, went to an archery range, climbed trees, learned new skills and much more.  It is one of the most memorable times that we have had in Iowa.  I thank God for the priviledge of enjoying His creation.

We had a wonderful view of the corn from up in the tree.

This was our first experience in canoeing.  We had a blast!

Camping by the pond.

God blessed us with some amazing sunrises and sunsets.

Part of the morning's catch (we also caught a Walleye).

Instruction/cautions on the dangers of catfish.

L-R

Uncle Spencer, Jeremiah, Elijah, Grandpa, Uncle Nick

Samo's big buddy.

After we filleted them, we had a fish fry.

First we dip them in the batter, then the eggs.  Next they were tossed in potato buds.  Then they went into the fryer. 

It made for a great meal!

Jeremiah's first crappie.

Christian getting pulled in by his first crappie.  (just kidding)

Jeremiah and I had a "blast" lighting off fireworks on Sunday night.

Christian "riding" his dream.

A salamandaer!

Uncle Spencer's domestic geese, Gus and Sarah 

 (they have a nest in the back of the pond).

Too busy chowin' to keep a good look-out (fortunately I wasn't a cat!)

Rain storms on the way home.