Love this shot

My boy is never happier than when he is out in the woods hunting with his Granpda. Here they are in Carrizo one wintry Saturday. They had shot a hog earlier in the day. I am so grateful that Granpa will take Will (and John!) to go hunting with him.

Alivia is NINE! Will is SEVEN!

BY ALIVIA

Q: What is your favorite color?

A: Aqua

Q: What is your favorite food?

A: Noodles and sauce and pizza

Q: What is your favorite book?

A: Kirsten Saves the Day (American Girl book)

Q: What do you want to be when you grow up?

A: A vet

Q: What is your favorite toy?

A: roller skates

Q: What is your favorite thing to do?

A: Rainbow Loom

Q: What is your favorite memory from this year?

A: Opening my present on Christmas with the roller skates in it

Q: What is your favorite thing about Third Grade?

A: Having friends at school

Q: What is your favorite TV show?

A: The Odd Squad

Q: Who are your favorite friends?

A: Lainey, Anna, Josie, Avery and Paige

BY WILL

Q: What is your favorite color?

A: Black

Q: What is your favorite food?

A: Pizza

Q: What is your favorite book?

A: Berenstain Bears

Q: What do you want to be when you grow up?

A: A fisherman guide

Q: What is your favorite toy?

A: my pocket knife

Q: What is your favorite thing to do?

A: go hunting with Grandpa

Q: What is your favorite memory from this year?

A: going hunting at Carrizo with Grandpa

Q: What is your favorite thing about First Grade?

A: That I get to sit at a desk

Q: What is your favorite TV show?

A: The Odd Squad

Q: Who are your favorite friends?

A: Avery and Paige

Alivia's 9th Birthday

Alivia wanted a skating party for her birthday. Avery had just had one a few weeks before and she got roller skates for Christmas and roller blades for her birthday. It was a really fun day full of friends and lots of skating. It is crazy to go back to the roller skating rink that I grew up going to. Playland has not changed very much.

Will's 7th Birthday

Will wanted to have a fishing party for his birthday so we invited some of his friends out to Bertram for the day. The weather can always be a big factor during December so we were a little unsure about this plan, but it turned out to be a perfect winter day. Only a few kids came which made it really fun and manageable. Matt and I were BUSY keeping everyone's lines baited and out in the tank. Thankfully Luke Mezger was there to help out as well. Mimi and Grandpa also came and kept an eye on baby Matthew which was really helpful, too.

We caught several beautiful catfish and bass and brought them home for a fish fry that night. Will was in heaven. It was just the type of birthday celebration he wanted.

First stop - fishing bait from a store that is lost in time

At the ranch - this is Tanner, Will's best friend

Luke and Blake Mezger

One of the first catches of the day by John!

Sam Underwood and John - they have a special friendship

The birthday boy!

Yay Blake!

Mimi enjoyed sitting by the fire pit

View of the tank from the porch - the tank has gotten alarmingly low

View of the tank and the house from the other side

That's my girl!

Bailey Mezger loved getting rolled around in this old barrel - so funny!

Josh and Sam Underwood - dear boys that love John

The cake! We had a tough time getting the candles lit because of the wind

Precious 7 year old boy!

Will and Tanner

The boys! (Bailey and Blake had already left)

Me and Grandpa selfie - love the hat, Dad

Deer Season 2015

The boys really love going hunting with Daddy and Grandpa. I can tell this will be a huge part of their lives as they get bigger. I feel so blessed to have properties for them to explore.

Heading out the Bertram for a deer hunt

I LOVE this pic for so many reasons - first of all my Dad's outfit is awesome. And Will looks SO HAPPY and content. He would rather be no where else than with his Grandpa out on the land. They were in Carrizo in this picture.

Alivia's Turns NINE!

Emily clued me in that a birthday party at Skateland was really easy and really fun. Alivia had gone to Avery's party there and really loved it so we decided to have her party there, too. It was so fun! We gave out little plastic watches for party favors that were a huge hit. So funny. Alivia had a blast which is the most important part.

Our beautiful birthday girl!

I love roller skating, too! 

We love cookie cakes - I think almost all the kids have one for their birthday

The kids practiced a LOT after getting roller skates for Christmas - I was amazed how good John became so quickly

Wonderful, fun friends came to celebrate

Merry Christmas from the Risingers!

Beautiful card designed by JillBee Designs. Thank you sweet Jill!