Life at Willis Creek Ranch: October 2015

Saturday, October 31, 2015

Wrapping up October

While I am not looking forward to true winter and cold & snow, I do love the changing of the leaves and the colors of fall. This year has been a bit odd, though. It seems strange to look out and see the trees changing color with the grass still so green! We have had such a wet summer the grass has held onto its color longer than I remember it doing in a very long time. I like it, though!! :)

Jonathan has also taken full advantage of this lovely autumn weather we have been having to ride often. He saddles up Governor and rides around the place with his faithful dogs, Marley and Mac, alongside. Good way to spend an afternoon!

Earlier in the month we enjoyed lunch after church with the entire B. family - including David and Carolyn who were in town for the weekend.

Shonda, Carolyn, Jeremy, Marvin, Daddy, David, Mama

Jonathan and Cody

Brianna and Jackson

Shonda, Carolyn, Jeremy, Marvin,
Daddy, David, Laura, and Mama

I am trying to remember to take photos at special gathering times with friends. So often I let the time pass by without a photo. I realize a photo isn't what makes the day special; but it means so much to me to be able to look back at the photo and remember the time together. These ladies are very dear to me.

Susan, Kelly, Deb, Laura, and Alicia

We have been trying to gather for pots of homemade soup after church lately. It sure has been soup weather! Plus, it is easier to visit and hear each other around the table at home.

Rojina, Jackson, Brianna, Jonathan, Marvin, Daddy, Mama, Julie

We attended the Lyceum presentation of The Official Blue Brothers Revue at Truman. We had two extra tickets so invited Chris and Carlos to join us. It was a fun evening and it is always special to spend time with friends. :)

The Blues Brothers Revue

Carlos, Chris, Laura, Marvin, Jonathan

Surveyor

You may remember that Mama and Daddy traded in their horse trailer with living quarters for a new camper. That camper was on order and they were able to pick it up Oct. 22. What an exciting time! They headed on down to Table Rock Lake to spend a few days and nights, then traveled to Oklahoma to visit Kerry and family and to attend some of the year long Galileo's World exhibit (that Kerry has worked so hard on!) What a great way to 'break in' their new travel trailer.

It is absolutely beautiful and I am so happy that they are able to enjoy their new camper! The road awaits!

Mama and Daddy with their new 2016 Forest River Surveyor 265RLDS

They were happy to see the surprise inclusion of the 39 inch TV!

Mama's camper kitchen - where NOTHING is over her head! All her size!
(this is the first time she can say that since 2000!)

They are enjoying the electric fireplace.

Nice big shower!

Beautiful setting for their first night in their new camper.

They enjoyed time at Silver Dollar City!

Settled in at the campground in Oklahoma.

The view from their camper in Oklahoma. :)

with Kerry - Curator of Galileo's World

Hannah, Grandma, and Grandpa

Friday, October 30, 2015

Jonathan's 16th

Jonathan turned 16 this week. It seems that every birthday and milestone gives me pause these days. I realize I sound terribly cliche and even a bit maudlin, but Wow, time flies. I do try to live in the present moment and soak everything in. I have always tried to do that. This blog is helpful, as well. With every year that passes, the ability to go back and see the mundane everyday happenings of our families past brings great joy. (It also reminds me that I need to keep trying to get the old Archive blog completely rebuilt and fully online! That is quite a daunting task!)

To celebrate turning 16 Jonathan just wanted to have his buddies come hang out. They spent the evening (and into the overnight) eating pizza, playing video games, and going outside for a Boffer war or two (or three). These fellas are great fun and very low maintenance. It wasn't until I was posting the photo below to this blog that I realized we hadn't even put the cushions out on the patio chairs for the guys. They didn't seem to mind! :D

You can see one of the Boffer 'weapons' laying on the table.

(a few links to explain what a Boffer war is...) http://lifeatwilliscreekranch.blogspot.com/2011/10/boffers.html

http://lifeatwilliscreekranch.blogspot.com/2013/06/making-cody-boffer-sword.html

http://lifeatwilliscreekranch.blogspot.com/2014/06/three-amigos.html

We also went to Colton's Steakhouse for dinner the night of Jonathan's actual birthday. I was excited to let the server know it was his birthday so that he could have the Happy Birthday song sung to him and receive his free ice cream sundae. But Jonathan was not having any of that! To quote him... "I'm gonna go in, eat my steak, and get out. I can have free ice cream at home!" So, no ringing the cowbell or singing in public for Jonathan this year. ;) Just a lovely evening together celebrating HIM!

Jackson, Brianna, Jonathan, Marvin, Laura

Then it was home to give him his birthday gift - a new Xbox controller that he had been wanting. All in all I'd say he had a perfect birthday celebration - exactly as he wanted. :)

Funny story... the day after his birthday we headed up to the driver's testing place so he could take his test. After psyching himself up and having one final pep talk in the parking lot, we walked inside. Only to discover that we were there on the 4th Tuesday of the month and they are only open on the 1st, 3rd, or 5th Tuesday! Whoops! So, we returned today (as they are open every Friday) and he did indeed pass his driving test. This fella is now an officially licensed driver! :)

Jonathan and Marvin with the truck. :D

wondering when I am ever going to stop taking photos!! (answer... never!) :D

Zack dropped by, too. :)

A Cappella Fest

This year Minor Detail hosted the annual A Cappella Fest at Truman. Brianna, as a member of Minor Detail, was pretty excited about the event. We always enjoy A Cappella Fest; especially since we are able to see not only Brianna perform, but also Matthew who is a member of True Men. And... both Brianna and Matthew had solos this year. That was a double bonus!! :D