In a "Rut"

Shaun returned last weekend with his prize Bull Elk after hunting for about 7 days. Bo was able to spend some precious time with his dad looking for the "big one" and cow calling the bulls right to them. The bulls were hungry for some lovin' - they call this hunger "the rut".

This was Shaun's first bull elk hunt so, considering that, he was very successful. Both Dad and Shaun shot nice Elk. They have each wanted to draw this tag for a very long time. Kind of interesting that they would draw the same year.

Something really funny to me is the two aspen trees you see below. My Uncle Alan elk hunted in this same area years ago and didn't see anything. So, he carved "NO ELK" in a tree. Years, and years later, my cousin Luke (Alan's nephew) killed a 360 BULL and carved his success in the aspen right next to Alan's. Egg in his face!

Update. . .

It's been a long while since I've posted anything. Things have been pretty average around here. The kids are back to SCHOOL and it always seems to take a few weeks to get a routine going. Bo is doing an oral report on Africa today. He went over it once last night, so it should be interesting. Knowing him, he will somehow pull it off. Savannah invited Grandma Jake to go to school with her last Friday for Grandparents day. It was really special to Savannah and made her feel important.

Shaun is ELK HUNTING and has been gone for several days. I think he is enjoying himself and getting much alone time with nature & wildlife. He calls each night to give Bo an update. He is seeing many elk but just not the right one. Truly, he say's he is waiting for Bo to come back up because he would like to share the manly moment with him.

The Simmons' FAMILY REUNION was Saturday and it was a joy to see all of them again. It has been one year since LaJoy passed. I think it is important to keep in touch more often. They're all good people.

A couple of weeks ago, Bo was ordained a Deacon and received the PRIESTHOOD. Grandpa Harley Gillman ordained him and said all the right things. Grandpa Harley is a man that I honor and respect more than anyone on this earth. He loves his family so much. What a great gift. I don't think Bo fully understands it quite yet. He is enjoying the Young Men's activities but he is nervous about passing the Sacrament. I think I would be too. I need to go buy him a suit $$$ (as soon as I have the money). I am so proud of him.

Savannah started back to DANCE last week. I think this year may be much better for her. She has already made some new friends on her team. I have told her stay away from the little girls that are "clicky" and just be friends with everyone. She will now have 3 different instructors. It is always good to change it up a bit. Her Jazz/Ballet technique instructor is Kelly Messerly! It wouldn't be the same without Alexis so she will still be doing her company choreography. YEAH! The question is whether or not to do a solo? We'll see.

That's it in a nutshell!

School Begins. . .

School started smoothly - without any major breakdowns. Bo was anxious to see his friends again and Savannah was anxious to wear her new clothes. All I can wish for is a smooth and pleasant year and for both of them to do well learning what they should.

Bear Lake with the Jacobson's

My Parents gave us a trip to Bear Lake

for Christmas last year.

The big weekend arrived and we had a great time.

We stayed in a condo that had a balcony

overlooking the beach and the beach was a short distance away.

It was a little crazy with all the kids in a tight space

but well worth it.

I thought the pic of the 3 girlies (Indy, Swayze, Sav.) was so cute.

Oakley was buried in sand and didn't seem to mind.

Stryker braved the freezing water with dad.

Cute DIVA in the sunglasses.

Bo was so cute with Shilo, she would run away giggling

everytime she seen him and loved it when he chased her.

I don't think I heard Hanks cry the entire weekend.

He always seems to be so content -

and looking pretty cool in his shades.

Steele loved hangin' with Bo.

Sav. and Indy were buddies and got along great.

Love the pic of Swayze jumping over the waves.

Oh, and let me introduce Sebastian in the pic with Hadlee

(he loved the sand as much as her).

Ellery planned a couple real fun activities - material tied flip-flops and

manicures & pedi's. Savannah decided she didn't want her toes done

because it took her mom waaayyy too long to do her fingers.

Kite flying, playground, and rides on the tube were other fun festivities.

Great memories!

Bo Rowdy

I just loved this picture of Bo.

He is so great and fun-loving -

for the most part.

Sad to see summer end and he is too.

He's gone for 5 days and I will miss him.

See you soon Bo Rowdy.

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE. . .and don't need the practice?

So. . .I was watching So You Think You Can Dance last night and was enlightened when they interviewed Janene. She told of when she was a little girl, she really hated to go to dance class and it was her mother who forced her to take dance lessons beginning at the age of 3. It took her years to enjoy dance and quit fighting her mom. She now believes that her mom knew what was best for her.

This reminded me so much of my little "dance relationship" with Savannah. I had nearly made the decision to pull her off the team because she hates to practice and I'm sick of fighting.

Coincidently, her Team Auditions were today. So. . .I felt like that interview was just what I needed to hear. . .and just in time.