Busy with lots of excitement!

The week flew by once again, and I'm just getting around to updating the blog. First I want to say Clint's parents are visiting this week... Bill got here on Thursday and Sheri will be flying in on Sunday. We are super excited to see them and we should have a very good time. Bill has a doe tag so we are going to work on finding him a nice deer.

On Wednesday I headed out to a great ranch outside of Dupuyer to see if I could find a buck. Clint had to work and couldn't get off, but I was fortunate enough to be able to sneak away. The weather was not what I thought it was going to be. It was cold and started out raining but then started snowing. Needless to say I hadn't dressed warm enough but as long as I kept moving I was okay. Anyway, the critters were moving a ton and I didn't seem to be able to get into the right place at the right time... Finally I was hiking along next to this really thick creek bottom and I heard a buck grunting. I have never heard a "real" buck grunting. Of course I've heard the calls but I never have heard it in the wild. I was pretty excited so I set up and started rattling with some horns that Clint had sent with me. After a while this guy stepped out and looked right at me. I made a little "maaaa" noise and he stood there just long enough for me to get a shot off. It ended up being a great shot so he only went about 20 yards back into the bush. I do have to say that I worked my butt off getting that critter out... it took me a couple hours and I was one tired girl when I got back to the truck!

I also really missed Clint during the hunt. Even though he was a small 3x3, this buck did mean a lot to me because I really earned it. I did it all by myself from start to finish. But, Clint is such a great partner and we really make an amazing team! I missed him during the whole day and it means more when we share it. That is what it's all about for us... Sharing the experience with those we care about! Anyway, here is a picture of me and the buck. He was a nice deer and will eat really well!!!

Last weekend when we were coming home from the cabin we saw some really nice deer. They were so "rut stupid" that they just stood there and let us get some pictures.

Here is a really nice whitetail and his ladies!!!

This is a mule deer that jumped the fence and was aggressively approaching a whitetail buck and doe that were just off to the right. I know that the picture is kind of dark but it was really cool. This buck had his ears laid back and was walking kind of stiff legged... We thought we might get to see them scrap but they didn't.

Here are some pictures from our hike today. We went up on the Butte and had a great time. The wind was blowing and it was pretty chilly, but we all enjoyed getting out.

This is Clint and his Dad. His name is Lee, but we all call him Bill! (long story... he is such a great sport!)

Dane is doing really well. He is going to have a very good time with Nana and Grandpa. He is really getting his coordination figured out and now kind of lunge-crawls... For those of you needing a baby fix I will put some more pictures of him in the next few days!!!