The Rest of Thanksgiving Break...

Believe it or not, while the boys were off hunting, I did put my books away and get out of the house! I woke up before the sun on Black Friday and did a bit of shopping, got a swag bag and found some steals on fuzzy Birkenstocks! We had lunch at one of my favorites, complete with an apple cider margarita and lots of laughs and girl time!

My new quilted bow topper finally arrived and with Remi's help I got it up on my topless tree and then I fell in love with my staircase when my new framed photos (from my most favorite photoshoot of all-time) were hung! Please note the garland.... I had to join all those long strands together with twine because the length did not match up with the distance between the banisters and how I wanted my swags to hang. It was quite the glittery, time-consuming endeavor! 

I also met up with my fellow Wicked lovers and had a jolly good time eating popcorn and Twizzlers while watching an impeccable film version of my favorite Broadway musical! I will say, the Movie Tavern does not carry movie theater pickles and for that, I was much disappointed!

The minute Roen got home, he had some Benny time, followed by a shower and a little library visit, where his feet got cold. The dogs had an absolute heyday sniffing all the hunting gear and just knew they were  going to find some birds in all that camo. They were not successful!

Our break was wonderful in all the best ways! Family, friends, the great outdoors and even a little sweater weather! 

Hunting in Arkansas...

While Remi was away with Pops, Micah and Roen joined up with some good friends for a little duck and geese hunting in Arkansas!

It was cold, and quite the drive, but these boys had the time of their lives! Please note, the picture of Roen with no shirt on... it was 30 degrees outside! He got too hot walking to the blind so he shed his shirt. This goofy boy has always been such a hot box!

And, this mamma isn't even going to try and pretend having the house to myself for a few days was it's owe little slice of fabulousness! All three of them were very concerned about what I was going to do with myself, little do they know, days of quiet are a bookworm's dream!

Hunting with Pops...

Remi left straight from Thanksgiving at Gran's for a little guy time with Pops out in Marysville. He didn't come home with the buck he so very badly wanted, but the season isn't over and he enjoyed every minute of getting in some one-on-one time with Pops!

He did get to shoot a coyote, and I was so proud of Pops for getting a picture! 

Thanksgiving Day...

We spent Thanksgiving at Gran's this year, and as always, it was a full house with cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and blessings! 

We did our annual ornament exchange, which is one of my most favorite traditions, while the guys watched the game. Kiley made the best pecan pie bars, Roen ate his weight in mac-n-cheese and the rest of us ate ourselves full to the top!

It was a blessed day with those we love!

Hunting with Dad, Illinois Bend...

At the very beginning of Thanksgiving Break, Micah took Remi out to Illinois Bend for some outdoorsy guy time, in search of a big buck! They went out on two different days, and though they did see a few that would have been big enough to take, Remi had his heart set on something bigger.

Hunting isn't always about the kill,  and I can say for certainty, that Remi loved having this time with Micah... even if all they brought home was a bunch of camo to wash!

Basketball Pics '24...

I think it's safe to say, this is the year, that this group of boys is feeling pretty big, being 8th graders and all! I ALWAYS buy the pictures... and the magnet, and the digitals and the group photos! I just can't help myself! Anyways, now you get to enjoy *wink wink*

8th Grade Basketball, Red River

Roen had his second game of the season right before Thanksgiving break, and though they did not win, they did have a much better game! Micah was out of town, so he was pretty sad to miss his game again. Roen was pretty excited that Bennett came to watch and was happy that I was able to snag so many pictures! 

UA Tournament, Tangle Ridge...

The boys just finished up their last Under Armour tournament of the fall! These tournaments were pretty spaces out, so I feel like it took a long time to wrap up. 

Roen played consistently well and ended the Tour as League Champion for his age bracket! He has qualified for Nationals and will get to play in Florida, this February, for the third year in a row. Super duper proud of this boy! He puts in so much work every single day- never a day off!

Remi puts in a decent amount of work toward his game. Honestly, he has passions that run deeper than golf, and so his game has stayed right around the upper 80's. I know he has it in him to play better and more consistently, but I also know that every child is different and allowing them to follow their path is important. Golf keeps Remi in a competitive sport, but it will never be what keeps him fulfilled. For now, this is where he is and he enjoys what he gets out of it. Take a look at how close he was to a hole-in-one on that par 3!!

Roen:

R1- 41, 3rd Place

R2- 35, 1st Place

Remi:

R1- 46, 2nd Place

R2- 46, 3rd Place

Proud of you boys! Roen, I am proud of your focus and drive! Talent is important, but your self-discipline is what sets you apart! Remi, I am proud of your integrity. No matter what you do out on that course, you do it as a gentleman, and that is what sets you apart!