Garrett's First Hunt

Today, November 16, 2013, is the opening day of Prairie Chicken season in Kansas. It is also the first day Garrett got to go on a hunt with his Dad. This opener is one that the Jackson men look forward to every year. The day starts extremely early in the morning, winds down a bit mid-morning, and then picks up again from late afternoon til dusk. 

Following is a picture of the Jacksons who participated this year. 

Garrett got to join his dad after the noon meal. However, he was up almost as early as Steve in anticipation of the day ahead! They traveled to a field around Cassoday and had some down time before the birds made their grand appearance, so Garrett did a little sightseeing. (His toy gun looks very similar to the one his dad uses. Steve has used it as a tool to start teaching gun safety.)

A few hours later...looks like the elusive Prairie Chicken was caught off-guard this year! 

Once Garrett returned home he headed straight to the sofa and laid down. I asked him how it went and he proceeded to excitedly tell me how great it was. I believe it's safe to say Steve will have at least one hunting buddy for life!

A Fall Afternoon at Jackson Acres

As you can see, we have an abundance of fall leaves on our property. They aren't just any leaves, they are large, beautiful, crisp leaves that fall from our huge Cottonwood Tree in the back yard. They are the perfect kind of leaves for piling up and running/jumping through!

Reece looks ready to go...

Swoosh! Into the leaf pile he goes!

Garrett decided to run and jump into the piled up leaves.

Where's Garrett? (The giggles clued us in to where we could find him. Well, that and the John Deere Green hoody!)

Daddy giving Reece the giggles as he covered him up.

I Adore this Fantastic smile!

Fun times in the Fall Leaves

I need to check with my mom. I know we have a picture of me and my brother that is very similar to this one.

This one makes me smile...

...along with this one...

...and especially this one.

There is so much beauty on our small piece of the country.

Steve eyed this patch of red among the golden leaves on this tree. I think it was the first time I've stepped foot inside the pasture since we moved in. I need to get out and do some more exploring!

Checking out the barn. No cows in there...yet!

My little country boys.

October Park Outing

After my brave boys got their flu shots, I decided to treat them to some fun at a local park! It was a perfect, fall day for an outing.

Yes, this slide is too high for my liking...Garrett thought it was great! Mama's knees were weak as I took this pic.

We made an attempt at feeding the ducks, but they came at the boys a bit too fast for their liking. Garrett is not seen in this pic because he high-tailed it outta there when the ducks started getting too close! (For those of you who were at the birthday party, picture Garrett's reaction to the fire truck horn. He was not quite as speedy this time, but his actions reminded me of that comical moment in time.)

My brave little boy attempting the monkey bars...

...Garrett actually made it more than half-way on his own! I was impressed!

I'm pretty sure this is a look of pride on his face. 

Reece was also a little dare-devil. He climbed up this wiggly ladder over & over again.

Hooray! He did it!

Another knee-weakening moment courtesy of my eldest son.

WEEE!

I LOVE these sweet smiles!

After the playground, the boys decided to attempt feeding the ducks again. We had much better luck when the ducks were in the water.

We also checked out the leaves under this beautiful tree! It's been a fabulous fall here in Kansas this year. The amazing colors make me stop and thank God for all of his blessings.

Back across the bridge. On the way back we heard sirens in the background. Garrett started doing his new silly-crazy-happy-dance that he's been doing lately when he is excited about something.

Hoody's, sweatpants, and fall leaves = love this time of year!

Fire Prevention Week, 2013

As we all know (or at least those of us with little boys who love all things with sirens know), October is Fire Prevention Month. We visited the newest El Dorado Fire Station during their open house. During last year's visit, Reece was too small to enjoy the fire trucks...but this year he loved climbing all over them with his big brother.

Whoa! I don't think Reece knows where to begin!

Look Out! Reece is driving! I love the look on Garrett's face in this pic. 

Hang on tight!

It's Garrett's turn to drive an old-timer.

Stay Back!

Reece is ready to roll!

Where's the fire? Garrett is on the radio listening for directions!

Two Future Fire Fighters

He looks so serious! 

Another look at the old-time truck.