Fall Fun

 We are experiencing a most beautiful fall season. I am trying to soak in the gorgeous colors before all the leaves are gone--the view out my window, the countryside on longer drives, walks on our road.

Fallen leaves provide great entertainment for the young'uns and exercise for the adults. I spent nearly an hour Sunday, after a very windy Saturday, clearing the driveway of leaves and sticks.

Uncle Skye and Rebecca

And it's pumpkin-carving season. 

"Look at the faces we designed. Any favorite?"

Recently, I enjoyed a memory that surfaced and the story represented--young David and gigantic Goliath, BUT GOD! 

Any giants in your life?

Stephan carved this some years ago

This is the last picture of Michael at the Matthews shop Tuesday, the day before he and Stephan took off for a duck-hunting trip out west with nephew Jeff and his son Cody in the wilds of Idaho.

Yes, he worked practically non-stop till the last minute and then slept through two flights and a five-hour drive to their destination. 

The first day the weather was beautiful, great for enjoying the scenery but not so good for upland bird hunting.

On the homefront, Wednesday was a full day with a fun visitor all afternoon. Rebecca and I played games, walked in the woods, delivered a meal to a family with a newborn, colored together, and went to Basics Jr. at church.
Here she is showing off the little panda "Beary" that great great grandma Hoyt purchased for her with her Bingo Bucks because it reminded her of panda bear I used to have as a little girl.

Rebecca likes to swing Beary on my exercise pulley.

Thursday I visited Mother again on Bingo Store day but mostly because it was the Fall Festival where the residents welcome the community families for an evening of trick or treating. Mother had fun handing out treats, and I tricking the kids with the strange-eyed Victorian mask.

Saturday morning treats from Deluxe Donuts appeared on our counter. Moriah thought of us even while out partying Friday night! I just had to take a bite while they were fresh, then I put them in the freezer to enjoy together with Michael when he returns. I hope that works.

How is fall treating you?

P.S.:
The BIG family news of the week:
Skye and Destiny found out that their baby due in March is a BOY! Skye is very excited!

A Whirlwind Week

Is it possible to cram more life events into one week?
I am convinced by now that our normal is the unexpected.

The daily hunting expeditions were successful, in spite of an occasional debacle (a favorite descriptor that brings back treasured memories of hunting with Grandpa Koch).

Sunday was our last day together with the Koch relatives. Brother Terry and SIL Sandy left a day earlier than planned for their drive back to Wisconsin, so as to avoid the snow. (The last time they were stranded eight hours in the mountains!)

One member was missing at our farewell dinner, teenager Cody out with friends, so I got his photo later.

Halloween Monday, Kenzie (16) celebrated with friends.

Tuesday we said goodby to Idaho and flew back to Indiana.

That same day our granddaughter was married in a quiet ceremony before the Justice of Peace.


We arrived in Indianapolis in the wee hours of Wednesday morning, spent the remainder of the night in a hotel and before heading home stopped at some major stores to begin thinking about appliances and furniture.
It was fun to get back to the changes awaiting us at the 'new' house--the drywall up and some of the siding.

Mike's Studio

My Writing Center (the loft)

That same day, Stephan finished his masterpiece that tells the story of our family's journey and the overriding theme of God's blessing. The icons represent the various phases of our lives. He didn't miss anything.

...my cup runneth over...

The rest of the week was a blur of preparation for the marriage celebration and farewell.
Saturday evening we had a house full of family and friends.

Idaho

The traditional Koch brothers hunting trip is on again this year and we were able to get away for the week.

Sunday
Goodbye happy Upland temporary home...

(don't you just love the daughter's cute decorations?)
...and Indiana sunsets.

Monday
We arrived at Mike's nephew's place mid afternoon.

And ever since the men have been hunting birds of some kind every day for as many hours as possible.

Tuesday
Mike, however, did help butcher great nephew Cody's first deer.

Wednesday
I try to get out and walk and enjoy the beautiful countryside, the different vegetation, the mountains in the distance, and the blue sky.

Then, a surprise on the path! Any ideas?

Thursday
Mike's artistic ceramic tiles found an appropriate home next to the photo of the three hunters.

Nephew Jeff, our host, hunter extraordinaire, would spend every waking moment out there if he could.

Friday
Meanwhile, the ladies knit. SIL Sandy is the knitting queen. She has completed several projects already.

Saturday
Hostess Suzan has the day off and is learning to make wrist warmers.

The guys are having fun and so are we gals--sharing fun times, good food and life stories...

...and the obligatory cribbage every evening!