E.D's first Dove hunt 9-1-09

So Today was E.D.'s first day for going hunting. This lively little 3 year old never stopped all day long. And he thought that he actually shot some doves.
Today we went with Mike Shirts, Jerry Coon, Dean Arnoldsen, Tony and E.D. out west of Idaho Falls along the Lava's and only got 5 doves total. We had a good time enjoying the nice weather and eachothers friendship and also for me, watching my son and grandson interact and bond just like my dad and I used to do. That was the best part.

The final score was, hunters 5 doves. Doves clearly won after nearly a hundred rounds at them. What a great day!!!!

Stealth Cam Run 08-29-2009

Today for me started out at about 5;45 a.m. I purposely stayed in bed for an additional 15 to 20 minuted so that I could tell myself that I slept in. It is amazing how guilt works on the mind!!!!I got up and cleaned the kitchen so that Annette wouldn't have too. She really doesn't love cleaning the kitchen. and I don't mind because it's small . I also folded the white clothes, and ironed a few pairs of pants for both of us. All this becuase I wanted to make sure that we could get off to the Sacred Hunting grounds and place the stealth cams up in our strategic spots. I did have to slip into the office and meet with a client for his annual review and Annette had Visiting Teaching to get done.

We left by 2 p.m. and took our two oldest grandaughters with us ( Hali and Niki). We got there and we were off to do the chore. It is an all day job and because of that, we were only able to get two cameras up and into place.

The girls hiked up those mountains with not too much problem for sure. They are tough little girls. Annette came home sore and tired. as did I .

I only got the 4 pictures but, they should speak a thousand words.

Annette has her own Blog!!!!! Hooray!!!

Yes, she has her own blog and what a treat it is.

Annette is the most well versed woman in the gospel that I know. She can expalin simple truths and make them very understandable and fun. She can also take complicated and difficult subjects and make them very easy to understand.

I remember listening to her as she explained things to me and I was always most impressed at how close she was to the Lord. I've never met anyone that prays so sincerely and so easily as she does. She does this because she is well practiced. C'mon, living with me has required her to be on her knees a whole bunch! he he he he...

http://thinkaboutit-annette.blogspot.com/

You'll find tons of inspiration and well thought sincere thoughts that will warm your heart and give you hope. (check out some of the responses too. some of them blow me away!!)

David's Graduation from Lineman's College 8-13-14-09

We had the opportunity to attend our little Davey's graduation from the Northwest Linemans College and Linemans Rodeo in Kuna this last Thursday and Friday. It was an opportunity to see David excel in his love of his new career. What a great thing for us as parents to see a son make good choices and have opportunities in multiple ways presented before him. We can see how he and Stephie will be greatly blessed for the sacrifices they have made.
It was also fun giving the girls ( Kenzi and Ry) rides in the bucket. David was busy competing in the rodeo when I had the hair-brained idea to take Kenzi up in the bucket about 50 feet or so (hey, it's windy up there and wobbly). David didn't see us until I was about 20 feet up! He just looked and said "NOOO!" Too late! We were up in the air and what a view. The Lineman that operated the bucket was so very kind and polite. Anyway, we made it back down and a little later Donette took Rylee up and Dave actually took the controls over and took them up.

It was fun watching and I was so proud to see David with his entire graduating class and see the hope in all of their eyes. It was a great weekend.

The girls are doing great and they are beautiful. It was a great trip for Annette and I. I was informed that I hadn't done a thing all summer with Annette and that we didn't go anywhere. So, we squoze one day into the summer. Hey, it's been a tight year so we'll make up for it next year.

We love all of our kids and are especially pleased and glory with all of those who have made great choices in life. We celebrate with you and revel with you in your new found career choices and love you dearly for it. We love all of you and want the best for you all. Keep making good choices and you'll see what happens! Trust me!!!!!! It's Good!!!!

Love,

Papa Ralph

Summer Fun Pics

We've taken several misc pics and had so much fun this summer, that I thought I'd just post a bunch of pics and movie clips of Ellory. Also, got some photos from my dad of our fsmily. My friend Joe Sacco, his wife is a professional photographer and she took family photos of us. We are all pitchin in to buy the disc. She took over a hundred photos and I will post some later. In the mean time, here's a bunch of candid shots.

Life is wonderful and all are doing well

Annette's Surprise 50th!!! 6-13-09

Let me set the stage!!!!! I had been Lying, and Lying and Lying to Annette as she so inquisitively asked questions for the previous couple of weeks as to what we were going to be doing on the weekend of the 13th and 14th. I said we would work on the house and other vague things and she was wondering why I was being so elusive. He he he he... It was fun playing with her for a week. It was so hard not to say anything and she always wondered why I would slip outside to answer my phone if I saw it was one of the kids.

Anyway, We invited all of her closest friends, her family and most showed for the party. her dad Wayne came up and Davey and Stephie came up from Caldwell ( lying that he had a job interview) the twins and all but our lovely Missy and Tom came up to be with us. It was fun.

It rained the whole time we were partying. It didn't before, and it didn't afterwards. It was worth it to have her be so surprised.

By the way, she still hasn't forgiven me for throwing the party. She hates being the center of attention and she let me know for three or four days that she wasn't happy with me!!! Oh well, when have I ever NOT been in trouble!!! I like it!!! wink wink

Blessing the Little Ones!!!!

Last weekend we went to Caldwell, or rather Middleton and had a wonderful time spending the weekend with the newest additions to the family, Kenzington and Rylee Perez. We spent time with Dave and Steph and the Hammonds at their beautiful home and enjoyed their wonderful hospitality. We enjoyed eachothers company too and all the fun we had at the Mall, the Cafe ole with Dave , Steph and the Twins and at the hotel with Tony & Julies family, and Critter and Ellory.

We topped the weekend off with the blessing of the girls in Middleton and what a beautiful blessing David gave the girls. His blessings were so touching and the Spirit was so strong while he blessed them. It was good to be there with my two sons and most of Stephies brothers and Rich.

We had a great dinner afterwards and had a great time with all the family. Afterwards, Annette, Hali and I traveled home and we went the Mountain Home/Fairfield way home. All I can say is WOW! It is absolutely beautiful to take that route. I think We'll take that way home and there everytime!