Easter Pictures

I have to admit, as much as I love having pictures of my kids, they are also the hardest ones to get pictures of all - after all, there are 4 little boys to wrangle.  4 little boys that don't always enjoy having their pictures taken! I love all the pictures of them not paying attention, fighting with each other, or just plain messing around because that IS how they are!  I don't want pictures of them that don't remind me of how they are - I actually like all their little complexities.  And now I have a picture to always remind me of the way Vance sticks his bottom lip out and points when he is mad.  Oh the things you learn to appreciate as a mom!

Ahh.......the memories - not always a wall portrait, but treasured just the same :)

Boy, Oh Boy :)

Aside from my dad, I grew up in a house with girls.  We didn't hunt or really even care about wild animals.  Then I was blessed with 4 beautiful little boys that changed every single thing I ever knew about life!  I soon found out that all boys seem to be born with a love for tractors (specifically John Deere ones - although they love Uncle Dana's as well!), hunting, and all things in between. 

Considering that I have never had an interest in tractors, hunting, or anything along those lines, imagine my surprise when I found myself decorating a room in John Deere, reading about hunting, and subscribing to a Bear Hunting magazine because of Ryder's obsession.  I've even considered learning how to hunt myself and planning future family vacations around hunting trips.  No one could have been more surprised than myself - its funny how you love things that your kids love. 

My boys all seem to love hunting and wild animals, imagine how excited they were to learn that they could go see a wolverine!  When dad was on Spring Break, he decided they would go to the Bay City State Park.  With all the enthusiasm and excitement, Vance put on his bear hat and out they headed for the day.  Pictures are courtesy of Ryder :)

Through the Eyes of a 5 Year Old

I don't think I could have been any happier when Ryder picked up a camera and started taking pictures.  After all, photography just happens to be my favorite hobby!  I don't think I could love these pictures more.  I mean, how often do you really get to see how a 5 year old sees the world? 

A Successful Unsuccessful Fishing Trip

Ok, so we didn't catch a single fish.  As a matter of fact, we didn't even get a single bite!  Yet, I am still counting it as a successful trip.  A couple hours with my boys on the river, what can beat that?  I want my boys to have as many memories of fishing as I do.  My sister and I went fishing with my grandparents all of the time.  There was nothing better to do as a kid.  It is one of my favorite childhood memories - sitting in anticipation waiting for that first bite, the thrill of feeling that familiar tug and reeling as fast as you can so you don't let it get away!  There is something to be said for being away from technology, toys, and the distractions of every day life. And I hope when my kids are grown, they take their kids fishing, and are as reminiscent about our fishing trips as I am about mine.

It didn't seem to matter to Ryder or Brecken that they didn't catch a fish and the minute the line hit the water, they "had a bite".  Their enthusiasm never waivered!  The minute Ryan had one line free from the snags and back in the water, the other was needing attention.  I never tired of listening to them giggle as they reeled in branches and weeds.  If they had this much fun without catching fish, I can't wait to see how much fun they have when there is a fish on the end of their line!