Hayden goes hunting

Hayden and Todd just got back from Haydens second hunt. They had so much time, and according to Hayden "sure did get a nice little buckie." He has been so excited since Todd got this buck that he just can't stop smiling. He had a great time with his Grandpa Sargent, his uncle Beau, and his uncle Ryan. He played poker, ate pop tarts, and apparently drank lots of Mountain Dew. When I asked about this, he informed me that the caffein in it is there to help him walk longer distances. I guess it's a good thing mom doesn't go on the hunt. We are so happy Hayden had such a good time, and now we have a freezer full of meat!

Ollie

How could I forget the most recent event in our family. Because we don't have enough going on, we decided to get a puppy. This is Ollie. He is a German Shorthaired Pointer. He is a fun, energetic puppy. The boys are still getting used to him and all his energy, but I think in time he will be a great addition to the family!

Wow, what a year it has been so far. Since my last post so many amazing things have happened. We have a new member of the family, Porter was born in January. He is such a happy and fun baby. It is amazing how much joy a little guy can bring to a family. Hayden is in 2nd grade now, and loving it. He is really excelling in reading and spelling. His latest reading adventure is The BFG. He gets such a kick out of that book. Cooper is in Kindergarten. Nothing makes him happier than getting to go to school. He is loving all his new friends, and learning to read. He loves to have me quiz him on how to spell things, and he does pretty good sounding them out. Both Hayden and Cooper are in soccer again this year. It is awesome to see the progress they make each season. Hayden is loving to play defense, and Cooper still just likes to run in the general direction of the ball and just have a big grin on his face.

Griffen is my little tornado! That kid can get into anything in a matter of seconds. And when he gets caught, it is always the "oh hi Mommy" with this little grin that you just can't get mad at. I am pretty certain that kid is half monkey, but the funny thing is that when he is with others he is so quiet and reserved. That is the way Cooper was at this age, so it scares me for what is to come!

Todd and I are doing great. I just finished all my cancer treatments, and that is one thing I am totally excited to have behind me. It was an amazing journey full of hope and fear. I learned so much on that journey, and relationships were made and some were deepened. It is an experience that I never want to have again, but in some strange way was very beautiful. I know that may seem strange, but there are things you will never know you can accomplish until you have to. There is strength you never knew you had until you must use it. And most of all, there are friends and family that give their all to help you. I love all my friends and family so much for all they are and all they do for me. I could never make it through without them.

Todd is back in school. We are both excited for him to finish up. He is still working so hard to make a nice home for our family, and we love him so much for all the sacrifices he makes for us. I am so lucky to have him for a husband and a friend.