Throwing rocks

We were in the beautiful Ozarks for our Thanksgiving holiday where my parents own some property close to RB's family. We stayed in what my family lovingly calls "the shack," a little cabin that was existing when they purchased the land. Despite the chilling weather- thanks to an old wood burning stove- we were all toasty warm (the shack also now has new walls, a fully functioning bathroom, washer/dryer, seven beds, and a satellite- a regular hunting paradise). Here are a few pictures RB took of the rather scenic remains of some of the other original buildings still standing... barely.

We all had a great time there and despite the late nights, Noah still managed to rise at the break of dawn each day. I couldn't figure out where he was getting all his energy until I discovered his little secret...
After that, Grammy was willing to keep a close eye on him to make sure there was no more mischief.
Calvin was introduced to the 4-wheelers, again. Up until not too long ago, he was deathly afraid of them and their "too loud engines." Now, for better or worse, there was no fear. His uncles, aunt, and grandpa were all happy to drive him around to his heart's content. They even showed him a few tricks that will probably come back to haunt me someday.

This is how you scare your mom...
this is how you jump...
and this is how you die...
Along with the safety-first theme, Calvin also discovered the hereditary love of artillery-from both sides of the family. Grandpa and RB were all too willing to show him exactly what to do with a gun.


Fortunately there were other distractions besides the guns and ATV's. I've realized how much money we've wasted on toys! All both boys wanted to do was play in the dirt and throw rocks into the river. They honestly could have spent all day out there, just throwing rocks. I must be missing something. Luckily, with Christmas right around the corner, a big pile of rocks and dirt fits right within our budget.


One of our favorite things about this trip was that Thanksgiving dinner and the annual, pre-feast football game were able to be enjoyed with both families together. Calvin was in heaven with all of his grandparents, aunts, and uncles (sorry Any) in one place .