A Walk to Remember

While Randy was on his elk hunt (see previous post), the boys and I spent the week in Cando, ND with Grandpa Greg (or Dreg as Bennett calls him) and Grandma Bev. My mom picked us up in Jamestown and we headed north. The boys had fun spending some quality time with Grandpa and Grandma. We also took lots of walk/ bike rides around town. At the end of October my mom and dad will be retiring from their jobs and moving away from the town they have called home for over 35 years! I thought it would be a nice memory to take a walk with Blake and Bennett around town and capture, through photos, some places that were special to me growing up in Cando. There were lots of great memories in the house that I grew up in and the town that I called home. Now "home" will be where my family is and where new memories will be made.

A photo of Blake and Bennett in front the school where I attended elementary, middle and high school. Back then it was called Cando High School instead of Northstar. Go Cubs!

A picture of the boys on the Cando Stage Line at the city park just a block from my house, equipment that was there when I was a kid.

The pool, also just a block from my house. Spent many summer hours splashing away at this place!

The track/football field where I ran lap after lap and watched high school football games!

The Cando sign at the 4 corners. Also in the background is the Dairy Queen where I worked for 6 years in high school!

A final photo of Blake and Bennett on the front steps of the house I lived in growing up. Jessi and I would play Barbies on these steps for hours! I am going to miss this place!

Randy's Elk Hunt

This past week Randy fulfilled a lifelong dream of tagging an elk. He made the 15-hour drive to Wilsall, Montana (small town located 30 miles northeast of Bozeman, MT). On his second day of hunting this 6 x 8 beauty came into view. Randy had a 50 yard shot, drew back, and let the arrow fly! He and his guide decided to wait a few hours before tracking it to make sure it wouldn't go too far. 2 hours later they found a few drops of blood and found him lying under a pine on the side of the mountain. Randy was ecstatic! He texted that evening to tell us the good news!Iknow that this is a much abbreviated story of the hunt, but Randy can describe it much better than this non-hunter can:)! As I type this, the cape and antlers are at the taxidermist, the crockpot is full of elk chili, and our freezer is stuffed with elk steaks! Randy said next on his hunting list is a moose! We better make room on our wall!

Randy and the boys with the antlers before they are taken to the taxidermist.

Randy with his elk after tracking it!

Blake's First Day of 4K

Blake was very excited about starting school today! He woke up to a special "Back to School Breakfast" and "First Day French Toast!" I asked him what he was most excited about and he said, "riding the bus!" Blake will be in the PM class at Anthony School where Ms. Falkner is his teacher. We had the chance to see his classroom and meet his teacher last night. This morning we went on a walk to collect some flowers that he could bring for Ms. Falkner for his first day! We are proud of you, Blake, and we can't believe you are already starting school!

"Back to School Breakfast"

Blake on the morning of his first day of 4K! Grandma Bev might want to steal this visor from you Blake!!

Blake's "First Day French Toast."

The night before his first day at his Open House. This is taken outside of his classroom.

Heading out the driveway to get on the bus!

Happy Birthday, Randy!

Happy birthday to a wonderful dad and husband! Thank you for providing for us and for showing us so much love! Here's to another great year! Here is a picture of Randy and Blake and also one of all the boys before Blake and Randy went on his birthday archery shoot at the local conservation club.