Hog Hunting!

Dane had his deer camera up on some family property off of hwy 105 during deer season, and most of the time when he checked it there were pictures of wild hogs that were coming to his feeder and eating his corn. Brady had been asking him all deer season to shoot a big, black pig. He decided to take Kade down there one night to see if they could get lucky enough to get one of the hogs. Well, they got lucky; one big, stinky, black bore hog is what they came home with. Kade was so excited. Brady had fallen asleep before they got home, but we woke him up to see the big, black pig that he had been waiting all season for. I think he was satisfied.

Christmas Program at Church!

This year (by year I mean 2010) all three boys were in the Christmas program at church. Kade was one of the grandchildren visiting their grandmother and got snowed in. While snowed in, they found a puzzle. The puzzle was the story of Jesus' birth. As the grandchildren put the puzzle together, the story came to life on the alter next to them. Brady and Nate were lambs that came in with the shepards. They were too cute. Brady, as usual, was quite hesitant about going up front, but with the help of Mommy walking up with him, we got him to go. He does not like to be the center of attention in front of a big crowd. It was a cute program that helped us remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Maurer/Siemsglusz/Rau Christmas 2010!

We had our 2nd Annual Christmas with Maurer and Siemsglusz families. The Maurer's had us all over to their house where we enjoyed great company and good homemade Mexican food. I can't say that it was what you would call a relaxed evening with nine kiddos all under the age of six, but it was sure fun. The kids all exchanged gifts with one another and enjoyed seeing what everyone got. Thank you for hosting us once again Jamie and Wes, and it was great hanging out with all of you. We can't wait until next year.
It's kind of hard to get nine kids to look at the camera and smile at the same time.

Santa Baby!


Kade got a new pair of binoculars.


Brady got a homemade bow that Wesley made for him.


Nate got a new bath toy.


Nate enjoying his first Christmas experience.

Silly boy!

Christmas Parade 2010!

This year Brady was in the Downtown Christmas Parade. For once, the spotlight was on him, and he didn't have to share the attention with big brother. He rode on the Bouncing Bears float from St. Paul's CDS. The theme for their float was "Away in a Manger." I was one of the parents who helped decorate the float. One of the fathers actually built a manger (he did a fantastic job) and we decorated the trailer over at our house. It turned out great, I think. Anyway, Brady was a shepard on the float. Brady is one of those kids who doesn't like to be in the spotlight, so I rode with him to ease his anxiety about riding on the float. He did great though. He and his buddy Gene yelled at the top of their lungs "Merry Christmas" to everyone. Unlike last year, we had great weather for the parade, and it turned out to be a really nice evening to spread some Christmas cheer.

Our little shepard boy

Brady sitting next to his good buddy, Gene


Brady sitting next to Catherine

8 Months Old!

It amazes me how much a baby can learn and do in only a months time. Nate seems to be learning something new everyday. He is growing so fast and wants to be such a big, independent boy. He gets so irritated when he can't do something that his big brothers are doing. Don't rush it Nate; you will catch up to them before you know it. At 8 months old, Nate:
*pulls up on anything and will try to let go to stand by himself for a few seconds.
*walks behind his little toy walker he got for Christmas.
*has completely given up on eating baby food. It is table food or nothing for this little guy.
*has pretty much weened himself from nursing.
*has started bouncing up and down when he hears music being played.
*loves to go into the bathroom and unroll the entire roll of toilet paper. He can do it in record time too.

Soccer Season 2010!

Kade played soccer for the second time this year. Dane and Cody Stelter coached their little team again. They kept their same team name as last year, "Rampage." The boys had an awesome season; they only lost one game out of eleven. Kade scored his share of goals this season. You could tell he was one of the oldest ones this year. Soccer seems to be a sport he really enjoys. Great job this season Kade. We are so proud of you! Until next season...

Thanksgiving Weekend!

Thanksgiving was pretty laid back for us this year. Thanksgiving Day for lunch, we had Popo Loewe, Uncle Joe, Aunt Lolo, and cousin Coy over. We cooked the usual Thanksgiving meal: turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, gravy, rolls, etc. That evening we went over to Nana and Papa Rau's house along with Hardy's to enjoy another round of some home cooking. That night we all watched "the big game" against the Aggies and Longhorns together. Friday morning we and the Hardy family loaded up for a weekend trip to Fredericksburg to visit Wallace and Delores on the Longbranch Ranch. We did a little hunting, and ended up getting a pretty nice 8 pointer. The kids loved it. They played hard all weekend. We did everything from a scavenger hunt to a jeep ride looking for deer. Thank you Wallace and Delores for another great trip to the ranch.

Mommy's big 8 pointer

Brady and Mommy


Kade and Mommy


Hanging out at the camp house


Daddy and Brady


On our scavenger hunt


Taking a break for a picture


Getting ready to go on a jeep ride


We're loaded down


Feeding the catfish


Brady loved playing with all of the deer horns


Nate enjoying the jeep ride


Nate catching a little snooze while we rode around