Happy Birthday Son

So my youngest was born January 24, 1997.  Can't believe we are here celebrating his 17th birthday.  Life is flying by and we can't stop it or even slow it down.
 
It was pretty awesome to be able to have a party at a local archery range.  I was so proud of myself for thinking up such an "out-of-the-box" idea.  We always want to try and do special things for our children, especially on their birthday, but my son is so low key and never really asks for anything.  What was I going to do to make this special?  He loves to celebrate at "Cheeseburger In Paradise" but we have done that many times.  So I pick up the phone and ask the question.  You know what they say, "It is always no if you don't ask".  How true.  So to my great pleasure, they agreed to let us have a party at the range and it was a very nice party.

Isn't this a beautiful cake?!  I thought the target idea would be great since we were at the target range.  Cake was made by "A Piece of Cake" in Greenwood.  My son picked cherry-chip for the flavor.  So delicious and served with vanilla bean icecream.  The local Chicago's Pizza delivered for us which allowed the guys to continue with their shooting.  This saved some time. 

Seventeen.  As I said, can't believe it.  Where does the time go. This was such a great idea.  Getting a smile is hard to capture but there it is.  I felt like I had hit the target :) 









 

... and what are the chances of finding a numbered 17 birthday card?  But, I did.  My plans just kept getting better.  I couldn't believe how everything came together and worked out so well.

I thought this gift was a great idea since we knew he was taking Christmas & birthday money to buy and Xbox.  We were going to be getting him the Call of Duty Ghost game and that is what this T is.  He was really happy with this gift.  We don't get much reaction usually, but we knew we had done well.

To add a little to the theme, we were permitted to put balloons at the end of the range for targets.  I thought that was a little more fun, especially for a birthday, than just boring flat targets.

And what is any celebration without throwing in a little Greenbay Packer?  This fantastic rug was a gift from his sister.  It is really plush and fits well in his room.








Well, this is definitely a party to remember.  Not only were we very pleased but Honeycreek Tackle was very thankful for the idea.  I think they now have a whole new way to promote their services.

Target Practice

Do you remember the new bow my son received for Christmas?  Here is the target after a little practice with his new bow and arrows.  This bow's draw weight makes this a little harder for him.  His arms were pretty sore when we left due to the extra pounds on the bow.  But, what is more impressive is the grouping of arrows.  

 

 

 

 

 

I took one picture without the arrows so the holes could be seen better on the target.  I think he did pretty well.

 

 

Fall Roundup

 

 My sister had a Fall Roundup at her house over the weekend.  Although it can be difficult to get families together, she wanted to have one more outdoor event before the colder weather sets in.  The idea was nice but the weather didn't want to cooperate.  So, due to the rainy weather, most conversing was inside, but there was a window of rain-free time where the younger kids got to go outside and play some games.  There was a 2 person team egg toss, sack race and apple bobbing.  The theme being "Round Up" set the mood for western wear.

 

 Here is my honey and me in our western shirts, jeans, boots and yes cowboy hats.  I never wear a hat but this was very fitting for the event.

                                                                       

 

 

Here is my nephew and his son, my great nephew, playing "egg toss"

                                                                            

Here is my great niece bobbing for an apple

... and one of her brother's

 

 and this is just my daughter with Baylee acting silly

(Baylee is "pawing" Vanessa to be petted).

My Granddog Scottie

So here is my little granddog Scottie.  I couldn't leave him out.  My daughter has had Scottie for seven years.  He is  just six months older than Baylee (our female dog).  Scottie entered this world with quite a few challenges.  He was the smallest of the litter, had severe ring worm, swollen tummy (due to him not eating), and very weak.  We nursed him through and he is a very good dog. He has had an ear surgery, which is why the one ear lies down, and the other ear was attacked by my daughter's roommate's dog.  He is still adorable to us.  He has had a few battles and hurdles to get over, but he has such a great little personality.  

My little girl....Baylee



Baylee

This is Baylee.  We have had her for 8 years.  Even though she is a mutt, she is a very good dog and provides much pleasure to us.  We are told that Baylee is a Beagle/Jack Russell mix.  Her hair is definitely wirey like a terrier; however, she hunts like a beagle.  Her biggest amazement was catching a bird in flight. 

Although she is technically my son's dog, she follows me around like my shadow.  I have actually stepped on her little paws because she is under my feet all the time.  She is a wonderful comforter and snuggler.   I'm sure you all feel the same about your pets.  Enjoy them.  They are one of God's little blessings.