Weekened With The Warta Boys...

Brian and Keagan joined the other 'local' Warta boys for an annual camp out. Again this year, Hailey desperately wanted to go...BUT, Keagan was sure to tell her this trip was only for BOYS!
Casey, Claire, Bethany, Hailey and I enjoyed our weekend...WITHOUT THE BOYS...by having a sleepover, going out to dinner, and shopping in Grass Valley for beads. We are very excited about what next year will bring for both the boys and the girls. This has become a fun family tradition.
Keagan is more like a big brother to Landon than a cousin. I just love the way he watches over him. Notice the protective arm around Landon. So cute!

When you are with Keagan there is never a dull moment. He is so full of animation! He is so very proud of the fish that daddy caught one would think he caught it himself.Camping isn't complete without s'mores and a few burnt marshmallows.

classic cars, old trucks, & new trucks...

Over a year ago, Brian parked his car in the garage for the first time since high school. As a teenager, Brian restored this car with his dad. "Old Betsy" was now in need of another restoration.

Brian started driving his dad's old truck as his main source of transportation. Believe it, or not; this '85 Nissan truck with over 500,000 miles was more reliable. At first, the kids were a bit embarrassed by its "well-used" condition. In no time Brian and the kids decided to give it a name. I was beginning to think that "Old Blue" would always be a part of our family! The kids thought when the engine died we should turn it into an obstacle on the paintball field or into a sandbox.

The truck just wouldn't die! In late August, Brian sold it to a struggling college student who was eager to have a vehicle to drive rather than his bicycle.
Also in August, Brian purchased his very first vehicle! This 2005 white Toyota Tundra was a steal of a deal! Brian had always dreamed of owning a white Toyota Tacoma, but with a family of five the functionality of a 4-dr. truck caused him to lean towards a Tundra.

With "Old Blue" gone and a reliable/functional truck in the driveway, Brian's interest in "Old Betsy's" restoration had diminished. On September 14th, Brian sold "Old Betsy" at our yard sale. Crazy, I know. The buyers were coming back to pick it up the next day which gave us time to take it for one last spin.

Brian and I were overcome with emotion when we thought about how symbolic this car was of our youth. Selling it was going to be harder than we once thought. So many memories filled this car- our years of dating, many hours of restoration spent as Father & Son, Saturday night car shows at Chubby's Diner and I-Hop, countless washings/waxings at the little hands of Hailey, cramming 2 car seats in at one time knowing that once the door was closed they weren't going anywhere!

Just minutes before the buyers came, Brian took "Old Betsy" out for one last drive. As he drove her around our neighborhood, a peace came over him and he knew he was making the right decision.

This car carried us through many seasons of our lives. The endless fun and entertainment that it brought to our lives will be cherished always. God has brought us to, yet, another season of our lives; raising kids.

Our little hunter...

The night before the opening day of Dove Season. Keagan's clothes have been laid out like this for the past 3 days!

He woke up at 5:45 a.m., got dressed and ran outside to meet Uncle Matt (Ithuburn) in the driveway. It was still dark outside and he was talking a hundred miles an hour. Poor Matt. He still hadn't drank his morning coffee.

Keagan and his hunting buddy, Grandpa Loren with their dove. Notice Matt in the background still intently hunting. Keagan & Matt stayed out in the back field until the late morning. Fun memories! Thank you so much Grandpa and Uncle Matt!