Birthday!

Thursday was Christian's 9th birthday.  It has been wonderful to spend these past nine years with him.  He is such a blessing to our family.  It is so amazing to look back and see how much he has grown over the years. I love his brave, chivalrous, and courageous personality, along with his quick wit and sense of humor.  He keeps us laughing!  Christian you are such a blessing from God, and we thank Him for you.  

Wasn't he SO cute!

Little Christian trying to do his own clean-up job.

Christian was pretty proud of his belly flops.

One night we were staying in a cabin in Iowa and Christian heard owls hooting in the woods.  Here's how his face looked when he asked, "Do owls have hands?  Do owls have swords?   Can they open doors?  What do they eat?"









Jeremiah and Christian's "major" bike accident (no one was harmed in the photographing of this incident). They do all of their own stunts.

Christian's birthday cake last year.

This year's cake - a healthy cake made with black beans and avocado.  Hannah will be posting the recipe on her blog shortly.

Christian had the marvellous idea of buying coffee ice cream to go with the cake.

Christian still makes this face.  *just kidding*

Deer Butchering

November 19th was opening day for gun hunting.  It lasted for 9 days and within that time, we were blessed with three deer, two does and a button buck.  Papa used a .300, Elijah used a 303 British, and Jeremiah used a 30-06.  On the last Saturday in November, we butchered them in Northern Wisconsin with the Richter family.  We had a lot of fun and it was a great learning experience.  Here's some pictures from our time. 

This is Mr. Richter's buck that he got opening morning.

While Mr. Richter was dragging out one of his deer, he found this temporary bear den.

We had a snowball fight on Wednesday night.

Elijah, Jeremiah and Grant skinning the deer.

Before we butchered the deer, we torched the hair off of them.

Cutting off the tenderloins.

These are some of the tenderloins and roasts.

Christian and Jonathan helping Grant grind the meat.

Christian

Lunch break.

Mr. Richter wrapping the deer burger and John labeling.

We washed the floor where they hung after we finished butchering.

The Richters have a really fun tradition...

The Richter's have a family "contest" to see who can get the most nubbins.  They like to pick on Mr. Deland Richter!  :)

Our Thanksgiving 2011

This year, we spent our Thanksgiving in Iowa with Mama's side of the family.   It was great getting together with family again. It has been quite a while since we've seen them.  Here's some photos of our trip:

This is all just snacks! 

Most people do a "taste test" but I don't know if this quite qualifies!  :) 

"Samo"

After the meal, all of the men went out shooting.

We shot the 30-06. 

I shot a 12 gauge. 

Mama even shot the 30-06.

River, ready to shoot. 

Grandpa brought his .44 pistol.  It's got enough kick to nearly knock you down! 

Papa shooting the .44.  

Jeremiah skeet shooting. 

That night, we had a big fire. 

The next day right before we left, I saw this squirrel up in a tree and climbed up after him.  He ended up running to a branch that he couldn't jump from, so I was able to get some good close-ups.   

...Not sure what to do. 

His master plan of escape...straight down the trunk!