James’ new love in life is fishing. He lives to fish. He is always learning something new about fish. We can’t go to a store without looking for the fishing aisle. When he spends his money, we head to Sportsman Warehouse. He lives & breathes to fish.

A couple Saturdays back, Gramma made his dreams come true… she took him fishing! They had gone before to a local lake without much luck.. This time Gramma did her research and found a stocked trout pond where kids are sure to catch some fish… 7 trout to be exact.

The weather was cold and rainy, though it didn’t stop James from jumping into his fishing gear. He packed a sack lunch for he and Gramma, a blanket for a picnic, rain-gear, 3 of his poles & his tackle box. However this pond was ready for even the most novice fisher-person. They provided poles, buckets, tools, etc.

They even clean the fish for you… so you can head home for a fish fry. Unless of course you are James. He allowed the people to clean the fish guts out, though he asked that they leave the heads on. he wanted to cut those off himself.

Once they arrived back to our house, it was time to ‘science’ the fish. Gramma had to jump in and help. Together they cut off heads, inspected the fish inside & out, then bagged up the heads & bodies into separate bags to store for later viewing & ‘science-ing”.

Thanks for taking James fishing, Gramma! It was a perfect day!

Over the weekend, we were surprised with some warm weather! The girls took advantage of the Fall sunshine and hopped into the pool. It was refreshing! After a very quick dip in the pool, they decided to wash our cars for us… lucky us!

James organized his tackle box, fished in the yard for moles, the hottub for jet-fish, and in the house for cat & dog-fish! He loves this hat he created with some of the awesome hand-tied flies Grampa Fred sent him. These flies were made by James Great-Grandfather many years ago… they are quite special to James.

Here he is examining the hand-tied flies trying to figure out how he can tie his own flies. While he hasn’t quite figured it out yet, he has started collected bird feathers and other treasures for the day he teaches himself to tie those flies!

and I just can’t resist throwing in a super-cute picture of our Max every now & again. Max was not happy when we went back to school. He is getting used to the routine now, and is so excited to see us when we return. Always nice to see a happy boy with that wagging tail when I get home!

At the close of each summer, we debate on whether we should spend the $$ and head out to the county fair. We usually decline the idea, though this year we had a GOOD reason to visit the fair… Abbie was working the Young Life booth selling various food & drink items! What fun to see our baby-girl busy pouring frozen lemonades & slopping up bbq sandwiches!

She worked several days & it was on her final shift that we decided to surprise her with our camera in hand! After she turned in her apron, we walked around munching on food, looking at all the animals, and riding a few rides… while at the fair, we might as well have FUN!

The Young Life food booth

The exciting kiddie-coaster!

The always fun merry-go-round

A night-snack for the drive home! An all-time favorite of mine… and so proud my kids share the love of caramel apples!

~~~ Back to School Pool Party ~~~

Exactly one week before the kids headed off to school, Abbie planned a pool party to kick start the new school year!

The girls lucked out with a HOT sunny day! They had lots of fun splashing, jumping, & playing in the water.

James greeted each guest with a bright-colored lei.

Festive decorations

Tasty foods & drinks

After playing in the pool, the girls ALL slipped into the hot tub. While they all fit into the tub… the water escaped!

Of course, I did not pull this party off alone. I had helpers, Cary & Sam. Thanks to these super-duper girls, the party was perfect!

We enjoyed our summer & celebrated the end of one season & the beginning of a new one…

Welcome Fall