Bison Hunt 2012

One day right before Halloween this year I got the mail and there was a letter from the Wildlife Administration with my name on it.  Turns out they had added a bunch of cow bison tags to the Henry Mountains unit and I was offered a tag.  We debated for a weekend on whether or not to go, and I had just about decided that I couldn't do it when we changed our minds and I called and took the tag.  The hunt was a month later, and we got all the plans made to go.  Dave decided to go out to the Henry's a couple days early so he could get an idea of what was where.  We had heard from quite a few people that had been out the weekend before looking at bucks that the buffalo were out and about.  I was pretty encouraged and thought we'd be able to find one quickly and maybe get home to my kids early.  Once Dave got there and he realized just how big of an area the Henry's are and the fact that they could be anywhere from the tops of the mountains at 10,000+ feet clear down to the mesas, we got discouraged.

The day before the hunt started my dad and I headed to Panguitch from Kanab where we left the kids and met up with Rob, Jeff, Dakota, and Dusty and made the long trip out.

Dave met us out at the turn off of the Notom Road and led us back to where he had set up our trailer right near Steele Butte, but it just happened to be the windiest place on the whole mountain.  We set up camp and jumped on the fourwheelers to have Dave give us a quick tour of some of the closer places he had been to get us familiar with the area closest to us.

We got up to a big lookout where we saw a couple pretty impressive bucks.  I've never really gotten too excited about seeing big bucks and used to think that people who would drive that far to look at deer were crazy, but these animals were incredible.  I don't know how anyone can see bucks like that and then go back to a regular unit and shoot a dinky 3-point!  We watched them for a while, but as soon as I realized there were people on the point on their phones I called Lori and talked with the kids to make sure everything was going okay.

We got back to camp and ate dinner and then met up in our trailer in what ended up being a tactics meeting. The guys busted out their maps and made some decisions on what the plan for the next day would be.

The next morning we got up and split up.  Rob and Dusty went south, Jeff and Dakota went north of McMillan campground, and Dave, my dad, and I headed out to some reseeds.

My dad stayed up on a point to glass while Dave and I hiked out to the edge of the reseed where he could set up the spotting scope.  After we finally made it to the edge and Dave got set up it wasn't 5 minutes before he started almost squealing that he had spotted some.  He took his time getting good landmarks and making sure he had a plan and then called everyone on the radios and got them headed back to the trailer to regroup and go after them.  He thought it was a small herd of 3 bulls, but because it is so hard to tell on bison we were going to go after them anyway.

We left the fourwheelers and had a pretty good hike up to the top of a ridge where we were hoping to be able to look down in and see them.  Dave got us right where he had seen them, but they had moved on so we walked along the ridge trying to see if we could tell where they had gone.

We still couldn't see where they'd gone, so Rob, Dakota, and Jeff made their way back to the fourwheelers while Dusty, Dave, and I followed their tracks through the drainage.  It was SO frustrating because we had fresh tracks, poop, and even hair at times the whole way through that drainage.  We were trying our best to be quiet and sneak while moving as fast as we could, and every time we got to a new little ridge I think all of us felt like we were going to come up on them, but we never did.  We walked about 3 miles or so in that drainage until we came to a road where the bison tracks got mixed in with the tracks of domestic cows and we lost them.  It had been a long hike, and to come out empty handed was hard.

We went back to camp and got lunch and headed out on the fourwheelers toward the Horn.  We ended up going out on top of Tarantula Mesa looking for a place to look down in to the areas below.  Lots of people we talked to said that those areas are where the bison are, but the road has a seasonal closure on it, and the only way in is about 5 miles to hike or on horses.  It was a long ride out and back to the trailers that night.  With our hike that morning plus the hike up the ridge and through the drainage Dave thinks he and I ended up going about 5 miles on foot that day.  I was worried I wouldn't even be able to walk the next day.  That fourwheeler ride had about done me in, and Dave noticed.  I was alone in the trailer for a minute after dinner, and he told me he would put on a movie for me and let me "be a girl" for a minute.  I wasn't sure what he meant but then I started to get frustrated tears in my eyes and he said, "Yep, be a girl and cry for a minute."  I had pretty much given up on the hunt, and it was only the first day.

The next day we went up higher towards Bull Pass.  It was fogged in and COLD.  The crummy thing about stopping to glass was that we always stopped on top of a ridge so we could see, but that's also where the wind blows!  By the time we got up to Bull Pass we decided the fog wasn't going to lift any time soon and we wouldn't be able to see much anyway, so back down we went.

After getting back to camp we decided to split up again.  I had liked the reseed we had hiked the day before (because I knew the hike was doable!), so while the older guys went to town to get fuel, Dusty and Dakota went down low while Dave and I hiked back out on there.

Dave took us up this STEEP road on our way out to the reseed to see if he could glass it from there..  This picture doesn't even come close to showing how steep it was.  As we went back down I was standing up behind him on the fourwheeler.

It was WINDY, but while we hiked back out on the resseed it wasn't too bad because the wind was at our backs, but I was dreading the hike back to the fourwheeler.  We got to a spot where Dave set up his spotting scope, and I hunkered down out of the wind and fell asleep.  About 45 minutes later we started making our way slowly back to the fourwheelers with Dave glassing as we went.  Dusty and Dakota met up with us, and we found a spot where we could get under some trees out of the wind, and we sat down to watch.  We got talking and laughing loud enough that if anything had been coming in to get water at a nearby pond they would have turned and run before we even saw them, but sitting there with those boys that afternoon was one of my favorite parts of the trip.  Right before dark we made it back to the fourwheelers.  We saw a herd of deer with a few nice bucks that we watched for a minute and then headed back to camp.  I was feeling better by this point and had decided that the deer were cool enough for me and that I wouldn't be too disappointed if I didn't end up with a buffalo.

The next morning we decided to split up again, with everyone going out to different spots to glass.  Dave and I were heading back out to my favorite reseed.  The last part of the hike out of that area sucked because it was uphill.  Not terrible, but sidehill and uphill enough that it made me out of breath every time we had done it.  We had just gotten to the bottom of that area when Dave heard Dakota trying to call Dusty on the radios.  Dave answered him and Dakota told us to meet them at the spot we had seen the big bucks.  I was not super happy because that meant I had to turn right around and go right back up my least favorite part of that hike right after I had just come down, but I figured if they were telling us to come they must have had something spotted.  Of course, Dave also had this figured out so he practically ran back out with me chasing and huffing and puffing and lagging behind.

We made it to the lookout point where Jeff and Dakota filled us in on what they had found.  They got up there and didn't see much at first when all of a sudden Dakota saw some bison move out from behind some P/J.  They had kept an eye on them, and pretty soon Dave, Dakota  and I were bailing off the side of that tall lookout after them.  It was an awful hike down!  The whole side of the mountain was loose rocks, and we slipped and slid all the way down.  When we got to the smaller ridge where they had last seen them I thought the worst of our hike had to be over.  We tracked them through the P/J and after a while we could hear them on the other side.  We hiked a little further and all of a sudden I saw movement through the trees.  I stopped and hit Dave on the shoulder until he whispered that he had seen them too.  I moved back to where Dakota was where there was a bigger break in the trees and sat down to try to get a shot.  They moved through so fast that we couldn't get a shot and definitely couldn't get tell if they were cows or bulls.  We chased them through the trees for a while, but they were gone.

Listening to Jeff and the others on the radio we knew which way they were headed and we looked up and saw them going up onto a reseed.  It looked like it was FOREVER away.  I sat down and gave up.  There was no way we were going to get to them before someone else did.  There were so many people up hunting, and there was a herd of buffalo out in the middle of an open reseed.  It was silly of me to ever doubt that Dave would go after them, and pretty soon he sent Dakota up somewhere and he and I were practically running through the trees.  I don't have any idea how I was able to keep up.  I know actually SEEING the buffalo and getting that bit of adrenaline helped and also knowing that I had gone that far only to basically chase those things out in the open for someone else to shoot made me mad.  I learned that I don't like to hike for nothing, and I definitely don't like to hike for someone else's benefit!

As we got closer to the reseed we heard a shot, and then another one.  It was all I could do to not sit down and cry right there, but Dave kept moving, so I did too.  We could overhear the talk on the radio, but ours wouldn't let Dave call out.  We knew it was Dave's cousin's wife who also had a tag who had taken the shots, and that they weren't sure if they had gotten one or not.  The herd wasn't too spooked, so we kept moving to where they were.  I was so amazed at how Dave knew just where to go and the best way to get there.  I learned early on when hiking behind him I have to just keep my eyes on his boots so I 1. Don't fall, and 2. Can't see how far we have to go.  Plus I was so disoriented and tired that I could barely tell which way was up!  We came up over a small rise and saw the herd.  Dave had me lay down to try to get a shot, but I wasn't used to shooting that way and we couldn't get a good shot before they had moved past us, so up we were moving again.  By this time I was so done.  I had tears in my eyes, but I was trying so hard to keep them out of my eyes so that if we got another shot I would be able to see through the scope.  We got another shot with a dead rest on a tree and watched them go through  a small wash.  As they came through I watched through my scope and Dave and I felt like the ones we saw were bulls.  It was so hard to tell.

We moved on AGAIN.  The emotions of having found them and lost them and trying to get shot after shot plus the exhaustion from having gone so far so fast was getting to me.  We didn't go much further and we came out on a small rise and were standing probably 50 yards away from the herd.  My initial reaction was to wonder what the hell Dave was thinking and he needed to get down so they couldn't see him, but then I realized they weren't looking at us and they weren't running.  The part where I actually got the shot is a blur to me.  Dave and I had practiced shooting so much that I wasn't worried.  Dave told me where to sit and I got down and looked through the scope.  The last bison in the herd looked like a cow, except her horns were throwing me off since they were heavier at the bottom like a bull.  Dave told me he was confident that she was a cow and that if we were wrong that it would be an honest mistake.  I looked at her horns one last time as she turned her head away from me and then thought I had better take the shot before she started to move again.  I aimed right where we had practiced on the buffalo target he had made for me, and pulled the trigger.  I don't remember what happened right after the shot.  I looked up and they were gone.  Dave said later he had heard a pop and knew I had hit her, so he wasn't worried and knew we had enough people around watching to watch her to see if she kept with the herd.  As soon as I had shot though he turned to me and asked if the cows had humps.  I burst into tears and said that no they didn't.  I cried because I was tired and relieved we could stop walking and scared that I had shot a bull.  I was more or less hysterical, but I knew how ridiculous I was being and took a picture of myself.  I thought about posting it, but yeah, I think I'll hold on to that one.

We heard Dave's dad yelling "She's down!" from a hill across from where we were, so we slowly made our way to where the cow went down.  I saw her laying there, and Dave told me to stay where I was while he moved around to make sure she was a she.  And she was!  And the tears came again.  We were so excited.

I looked up and saw that one of the mountains close by was covered in snow.  I thought it was so pretty and took a picture of it, but the best part is Dave on the side of the picture mid fist pump.  I knew he was so excited for me, and it was an awesome experience to be able to do that with him.

Everyone made their way to where we were.  THE BEST thing about where we were actually able to get the shot was that almost everyone (except poor Dakota who spotted them in the first place!) was able to see or hear the shot.  I couldn't have asked for anything better.

 I was especially glad my dad was there.

And Dakota made it there finally too...

I did the easy part, and then Rob did the awful job of gutting her, and then the other guys were able to get her back to the truck whole, and we rushed back to camp, loaded up, and headed for home.

We stopped at the butcher to get her skinned, and Dave made me get up on the truck and stand next to her to show just how big she was.

Blood on my new boots...

We got home to the kids around 8 that night, and they were excited to see us and even thought the buffalo head was pretty cool.

The whole experience was awesome.  I owe the success of the trip to every one of the people who came with us and took their vacation time and skipped school and spent their money and used their fourwheelers and trucks and trailers to be there for me, so a big HUGE thanks to Rob, my dad, Dusty, Jeff, and Dakota.  I also owe an enormous thanks to my mom and Lori for watching the kids.  I was SO nervous to leave them, but knowing they were in the capable and spoiling hands of their grandmas made it possible.  And of course I owe the biggest thanks to Dave...

I think I am more impressed with how I hiked than with the fact that I made a shot at 50 yards, and I love that Dave had the faith in me and knew he could push me to that limit.  I love that he trusted me to make the shot and didn't have to tell me where or when to shoot.  I love that he knows that I'd never let him take a shot at an animal for me and wouldn't even ask.  I guess after almost 7 years the guy knows me a little bit.

Tessa - December 2012

Oh Tessa, Tessa girl. You've been my little walking buddy this month.  The weather has been so nice that I've loaded you and Ty up in the double stroller and gone for a walk quite a bit.  You are quite a trooper on those trips, and one day that was a little colder than normal Logan and Tyson were complaining about being out, but not you!  You guys love to stop at the park on our way home, and we found some leaves to play in one day.

The other day we went to the park while Logan was at school.  I met up with some mom's that we haven't really done much with before, so you didn't know the kids very well.  I was SO surprised to see how shy you are when Logan isn't around.  I always thought you were less reserved than he was.  I know that you like to play by yourself at home, but I thought that was more out of necessity when Logan is at school, but you had a good time playing at the park by yourself too.  Who knew you had some shyness in you?

Everyone that meets you for the first time always comments on your pretty dark eyes.  I love them too.  I wish mine were the same color as yours myself!  They have been that way from the very start, too.  This is the face that gets your dad into trouble.  I can hear you saying, "PLEEEEEASE?" just by looking at it.  There isn't much you don't get away with when you use your charm and that face on your dad.  He started his winter time off work this month, and I'm going to have to whip you guys back into shape by the time he goes back to work in January.

Aunt Lisa and I did a color run in St. George this month, and Grandma and Grandpa Hillier brought you guys over to watch us finish.  We found you guys about 30 yards or so from the finish, so I grabbed you and finished the run carrying you on my hip.  They had photographers taking pictures of the runners, and this is the only one we could find of me, and I'm holding you!  Dad says it looks like I am power walking, but I actually did run with you.

After we finished, Aunt Lisa gave you guys some color packets she had bought to throw.  You had a pink one and Uncle Joe found you tap, tap, tapping his leg with it and turning him all pink.  It was pretty funny.

And this is the face you made when your color packet was all gone...

The other day I happened to catch this sweet moment.  Most of the time if Ty is in a pestery mood he's trying to pull your hair or claw your face off, but this day I guess he was feeling more sweet.  I love this picture.

We made some cool Christmas ornaments last week by getting clear glass balls and putting paint inside them.  It was hard for you to be patient and let the colors swirl inside the ball.  You were ready to do another, and another, and another before your first one had even gotten halfway swirled.  I did convince you to try to move the paint around inside for a few minutes before doing another one though.  Your dad says our tree is going to look crazy with all the different ornaments on them, but I want to have a tradition of making a new ornament every year to put on the tree.  It may not make the prettiest tree, but I think it will make a really awesome memory tree as you guys get bigger.

We had a really fun Thanksgiving at Grandma and Grandpa Hillier's house.  Aunt Lisa is so cool and brought a bunch of props and did a photo booth.  I'll have to get some of the pictures from her, because you and Logan had some pretty cool pictures.  Grandma and Grandpa cooked a yummy dinner, and we had a fun time playing games and visiting   Then the next day we went and got our Christmas tree with the Veater side of the family.  You and Logan had fun eating gummy worms what little snow you could find up there before dad found us a HUGE tree.

I'm so nervous to leave you guys for my bison hunt.  By the time this letter posts (YES! I'm typing this almost a week early!) you will be at grandma's, and I will be on my way to a hunting adventure with both grandpa's, Uncle Dusty, Uncle Jeff and Dakota, and your dad of course.  It's a funny feeling to leave you guys because I don't want you to be nervous to stay with your grandma's, but on the other hand when I ask you guys about it and we talk about it, you and Logan both act like it will be the most amazing thing in the world, and it makes me sad.  I guess it is not so much that you are happy to get away from me for a few days as it is you are excited to be spoiled by BOTH grandma's for a few days.  Hopefully I will get a bison sooner than later and be able to come back home and resume our normal life. :), but for the rest of this week you can definitely expect more hugs and kisses and cuddles than normal.  I've got to stock up while I can!

I hope you are good for your grandma's, and I think I will put you on grandma-watching duty to make sure they don't teach Tyson to walk before I get back.

Love you sis,
Mom

Tyson - November 2012 - 11 Months

Your first Halloween was pretty uneventful.  You got dolled up in the lion costume and I totally forgot to draw on your whiskers and black nose.  I was so mad!  I'd been waiting all day to do it and then forgot.  Dad was home, so we took advantage of that and had him drive us around to the houses of people we knew, and the big kids made a pretty good haul.  Here's a picture I took of us in the car with you doing the smooshy face.

Logan's kindergarten class took a field trip to Best Friends this month, and for some reason I got the dates wrong and instead of getting to leave you at home with grandma, I ended up taking you with us.  You weren't all THAT impressed by the pigs and horses that we got to see.

Later that day you got a hold of one of Logan's monster trucks and started making the sounds boys make with their mouths when they play with trucks.  This AMAZES me.  I remember Logan doing it too, so it has nothing to do with the fact that you'd seen him do it.  Boys are just practically born knowing that when you play with a truck you have to make the truck noises.  I love to see your personality come out as you start to learn how to play and be more interactive with the rest of hte family.

Ah... the toilet.  I really hate bathrooms these days.  I used to be constantly yelling at someone for not putting the lid down on the toilet.  Then you figured out how to get the lid up, so now I am constantly yelling at people to shut the bahtroom doors.  EVery once in a while when I go looking for you through the house I'll find you splashing in one of your favorite pools.

We stopped at the park the other day on one of our walks and found a perfect pile of leaves that someone had left just for the 3 of you to play in.  You weren't quite sure what to think about the way they felt or the noise they made, but you warmed up to them pretty quickly.

Ah the fridge...another one of your favorite spots.  You love to take things out and chuck them on the floor.  Sometimes you try your bets to put them back, but usually I'm left to clean up the mess when you decide you've had enough.  You also love to throw your food off your high chair tray.  It always makes me wish we had an inside dog to help clean up.

So proud of yourself.  You cruise!  And finally the park is getting a little bit easier since you aren't constantly putting the rubber pieces in your mouth.

We had your buddy Kyler come over and play with us for a whiel the other day.  It was pretty funny to watch the 2 of you "fight" over toys.  You weren't really a fan of someone else playing with your stuff.

Aunt Lisa and I did a "color run" the other day, and Grandma and Grandpa Hillier near the finish line.  You were NOT impressed by the color on my face.

Then you decided I was okay after all and that maybe you might want to lick that colorful stuff off my face.

We're getting you hooked on chocolate pudding early there Sanchez...

Giving big sis a big hug...

Logan got a litle flashlight the other day, and he figured out that he could get you to act like a cat with a laser.  It was pretty funny to watch.

 We had a really good time at Grandma and Grandpa Hillier's house for Thanksgiving.  You spent most of the day working on mastering the 2 stairs going in to the family room of their house and making people jump out of their chairs to catch you when you started to fall.  In your typical Tyson fashion you out-ate your brother and sister at dinner too.  I'm crossing my fingers that trait stays with you because I can't think of one thing I've had you try to eat that you didn't like.

The next day we went and got our Christmas tree up on the Paunsaugunt with Grandma and Grandpa Veater and Uncle Boo and Aunt Bre and your new cousin Tinsley.  This tradition always makes me laugh.  It's fun to see who is going to get grumpy first.  This year it was grandpa :)  There wasn't much snow this year, so dad was able to hike further away from the road than usual and found a HUGE tree and then had to hike all the way back to the truck with it.

The Saturday after Thanksgiving some of the employees from the North Kaibab R.D. got together and decorated a float for the light parade.  You and I got there just as they were finishing up.  We came back later that night and our family was able to ride on the float.  You learned how to wave just in time and did a good job waving at the people.  You heard the other kids saying Merry Christmas, so you joined in with your version of yelling too.  This is a shot of you checking out Smokey while we waited for the parade to start.

You weren't too scared though.

The days before your dad and I go on my bison hunt are going by really fast.  I'm trying to get everything done that I need to plus make sure that I get my extra cuddles from you and your brother and sister.  I feel like such a crappy mom to be leaving you before you are even 1.  Your dad keeps telling me that you won't ever remember this trip, and I know you won't, but I'm so afraid I'm going to miss something or you will be used to your grandma's and not like me when I first get home.  You aren't super close to walking, so be a doll and wait for me to get home, okay?   I've threatened them not to have you practice and that if they see you even thinking about taking a step they should push you over, but if I know your grandma's they will be practicing with you the whole time I'm gone.  I'm pretty sure they think I'm kidding, but I'm not. I'll have plenty of time on the fourwheeler while I'm gone to think about a punishment for teaching you to walk while I'm gone.

You are mighty close to getting your second tooth, too.  I swear some days I can see it.  You are more than welcome to get that tooth while I am gone.  :)  Actually, you haven't been too bad teething so far, so I guess I'll knock on wood that continues too.  (I wrote this 3 days before your actual 11-month date, and I've changed my tune on this.  I've been trying to get the house cleaned and everyone's stuff packed this week, and you are so stinking clingy and whiny it's making it dang near impossible!  I definitely CAN see the tooth, and it is SO close.  I never remember teething being as bad as it is until it comes back around...)

I love you Tiger, and I love your personality that shows through more each day.  I love, LOVE this age.  From now until you hit your Terrible Two's at about 18 months, anyway.  You love to play with us and laugh and tease your brother and sister, especially when we say prayers at night.  We are so glad you are in our family, and I wish I could freeze us in this stage for a year or so and enjoy it for a little longer.

Love you Ty,
Mom

Logan - November 2012

This month we had the deer hunt, and even though it was cold and windy and miserable for about half the time we were camping, you still had a good time.  As long as there is a fire and dirt - you're happy.  You were also pretty happy because we broke down and bought you guys a little fourwheeler.  You had fun riding on it until Tessa ran it into my car and broke the brake line.  You're still pretty mad about that.

Dad and I were going to go hunt together one night, and you decided you wanted to come along.  On the way to the spot where we were going to get out and hike you totally fell asleep.  This is you trying your hardest to stay awake.

After we got to the spot where we parked the truck we got out and started walking up the hill.  It didn't take long before you were tired.  You and I stopped and waited for you to catch your breath for a minute nad told dad we'd meet him a little further up.  You caught your breath and up we went.  By the time we got up to where dad was though (and it really wasn't THAT far), you were out of breath again.  We asked waht you wanted to do and you said you wanted to go back to the truck and play Angry Birds on my phone.  I have to say, I wasn't all that sad to have to take you back.  The last time I hiked with dad his foot was bothering him and I could keep up with him pretty well.  This time, well, this time I have to admit I was pretty out of breath and glad you stopped too.

The other day I asked you to clean your room, and when I went in to check on it I had to laugh at what I found.  Apparently this is how your bed looks when it is "made."  You have so many books and stuffed animals on your bed that this is the best you could do.

Dad called me the night we were supposed to carve pumpkins and said he would be late.  I wasn't about to cut, gut, and carve 3 pumpkins all by myself, so I told you and Tess we would have to wait until the next night to carve them.  Well, your dad is a softie and when he got home around 8 he decided to let you guys carve them anyway.  You were pretty proud of the way yours turned out.

It took us FOREVER to decide what you were going to be for Halloween.  We went back and forth between this and that for days, until I finally gave in and let you be Spiderman for the 3rd time in your 5 years on this earth.  You weren't allowed to wear masks at school, so I decided to paint your face.  You were pretty excited, until your face started itching.  I guess I forgot to mention that happens when your face is painted...

You are seriously the funniest kid.

When you got home from school it was such a nice day we decided to go for a walk.  I had you take your costume off, and this is what you ended up going out in.  I had to stop and take a picture because you looked so ridiculous.

Right before Halloween I got a letter saying that I drew as an alternate for a bison tag.  Your dad talked me into taking it, and I got scared about how out of shape I was.  While your dad was in Colorado hunting we went for a walk every day thinking it would help me get in a little better shape.  The only problem is that you guys begged to stop at the park every time.  One day it was absolutely perfect, and we stopped to play in a pile of leaves that someone had gathered...

And I managed to somehow snap this absolutely perfect picture of you throwing up a handful of leaves.  I LOVE this shot.

"Color runs" are popular right now, and your Aunt Lisa and I decided to do the one that came to St. George.  Grandma and Grandpa Hillier brought you guys over and met us by the finish line.  I tried to get you to run the last 50 yards or so with me, but you didn't wnat to get any pink color thrown on you.  Afterward Aunt Lisa gave you and Tess some extra color packets to throw, and you nailed me right in teh face with some blue.  I think my face had been fairly clean until then.  I'm still trying to get all the blue out of my ears.

Your dad and I leave for my bison hunt a week from tomorrow.  To say I am nervous to leave you guys for 4-5 nights is an incredible understatement.  I know that your grandmas are more than capable of handling you, and I know that you guys are excited to have fun getting spoiled by them, but the thought of not getting to spend my days with you guys makes me sad.  I know sometimes I feel like I'd be a better mom if I was still working and that I would do almost anything for a break, but now that the opportunity has come I realize how thankful I am that I am able to do the sometimes mundane chores of fixing meals, doing homework, and running you to and from school, etc.  I hope you will be good for your grandmas and remember all the things I told you to remind them, like to make sure you brush your teeth and how to make sure Tyson's seatbelt is on right.  You are a great big brother, and I am glad I can count on you to help.  Knowing that makes it a little bit easier to leave.

Love you so much,
Mom

Tessa - November 2012

I'm late getting this written, as always, and at the moment you are sitting next to me after begging to stay up and sit by me, so I'm going to try to make this short so we can both get to bed.

I took a couple pictures at your Kindermusick class the other day.  I can't remember what you were doing in this dance (neither can you, I just asked), but it was pretty cute.  I think it was some kind of a flower because you all started out in the ground as seeds and then grew up and blossomed.  You still enjoy going every week and playing and dancing and singing with your friends and Ms. Jill.

I'm not the only one you can convince to let you stay up after you're supposed to be in bed.  You're dad is the #1 sucker in this house when it comes to his Tessa girl.  You've got that man completely wrapped around your finger.

The other day I noticed that you seem to be growing up right in front of my eyes.  Where did your baby face go?  I had to take a picture just of your pretty face so I could make sure I have a good reminder of it as it is now before all the baby-ness is gone completely.

You still sleep like a goon.  You ended up in bed with me and your dad the other night and by the time we woke up in the morning we had your feet in our faces.

We went for a wlk the other day while Logan was at school.  The weather was perfect, and we stopped at the park for a bit.  You looked so pretty to me that I started snapping pictures....

Then Tyson crawled away and you wandered off to the playground and I rolled onto my stomach to watch you from the blanket.  It didn't take you 5 seconds to notice before you ran back over and jumped on my back and begged for a horsey ride.  This happens EVERY time someone gets down on their stomach or on their hands and knees around you.  You LOVE horsey rides.  Unfortunately for you, this horsey has a bad back and ribs and doesn't give horsey rides anymore, and you soon gave up trying to convince me and ran off to play again.

We waited until the Monday before Halloween to carve our pumpkins, and then I got a call from dad saying he was going to be late and I could either carve the pumpkins with you guys by myself or wait until the next night and carve them with him.  I decided we would wait, and you and Logan were NOT happy with my executive decision.  Dad got home from a LONG day of work and you guys begged him to carve pumpkins, so being the sucker that he is (see above...), we carved pumpkins long after you should have been in bed.  I helped you carve your cat, and it turned out pretty cool when we got the light in it and put it outside.

I had gotten you a cheap Tinkerbell costume at Walmart earlier this month because you are pretty easy going and happy with pretty much anything you get.  Then, when I was looking online for Logan's costume later, I saw this witch costume on sale.  I asked you if you would be a witch next year too (you know, to make it worth buying another costume), and you said yes, so I ordered it for you.  We got Logan in his costume for school pretty early in the day, so I decided to let you wear yours too while we ran some errands.  Everyone we saw commented on what a cute little witch you were. I can't believe I didn't get a picture of just you that night, but we were trying to get out and get our trick-or-treating done (even though now we're pretty sure you guys were the first kids that half the houses we went to got), so I guess I'll have to make sure I get some of you when you wear it next year.  I was totally jealous of how cool the dress was and wish I could find one in my size! (Notice your poor cat pumpkin didn't last long...).

We also had the deer hunt this month, but when we go camping with Grandma and Grandpa Veater I pretty much don't see you the whole time we're there.  It was windy and cold the second 2 days we were out there, and you stayed in grandma's trailer almost the entire day watching movies and eating candy.  Also on that trip I was trying ot help you ride the little gas fourwheeler we bought for you guys.  Logan had gotten off and left it running, so I put you on and was just about to climb on behind you so I could drive when you pushed the gas and took off!  I screamed at you to stop and chased you, but you ended up steering that thing right into the back of my car and breaking the brake line.  Oh Tessa dear, I'm thinking your dad is going to be the one to teach you how to drive.

We love you Tessa Sue!
Mom