While part of me does miss the big one we have done for the past 3 or 4 years, an even bigger part of me was so thankful to have today's hunt with just a few children. Of course, there are many little ones we sorely missed, but I think this scaled down version is a bit more manageable. 
And it was so good to see old friends we haven't seen in ages. Tradd is groing up way too fast!We started with lunch, and then, with the children re-energized and chomping at the bit, we released the hounds. We had divided the yard into two sections - one with numbered eggs for the older kids and one with plain eggs for the little ones. 
It was perfect, both sets were totally entertained and challenged. Of course, after the hunt, it was time to crack some eggs and chow down on the delicious cupcakes Melinda had sent. Nancy and I both found this little session between Bennett and Ellie to delicious to pass up. 
(Unfortunately, I had not adjusted my shutter speed so these pictures were way overexposed, and I have not yet reinstalled Photoshop on my computer, so this is what you get. Sorry.)
It was perfect, both sets were totally entertained and challenged. Of course, after the hunt, it was time to crack some eggs and chow down on the delicious cupcakes Melinda had sent. Nancy and I both found this little session between Bennett and Ellie to delicious to pass up. (Unfortunately, I had not adjusted my shutter speed so these pictures were way overexposed, and I have not yet reinstalled Photoshop on my computer, so this is what you get. Sorry.)Then it was time for fun on the slide, or as my children like to call it (if they called it anything), "Let's see just how close to dangerous we can get before the grown ups stop us." 
It all started out so innocently with a simple train of girls going down the slide. Don't they look precious? 
Then the boys got involved and it quickly deteriorated into a precariously balanced human tunnel. What is it with testosterone that makes a classic, simple toy like a slide not quite exciting enough? 
Please notice here that that is Eliza sliding underneath Reeves. 
Of course, there was one casualty, but luckily, the injuries were nothing a big hug and some magic kisses couldn't fix.
It all started out so innocently with a simple train of girls going down the slide. Don't they look precious? Then the boys got involved and it quickly deteriorated into a precariously balanced human tunnel. What is it with testosterone that makes a classic, simple toy like a slide not quite exciting enough? Please notice here that that is Eliza sliding underneath Reeves. Of course, there was one casualty, but luckily, the injuries were nothing a big hug and some magic kisses couldn't fix.This was a perfect way to carry on this well started spring break. The boys and I had a great time. Thanks again, Amanda, for letting us all invade your homestead, and thanks everyone for continuing to create these special memories for all of our children.
(And as a bonus to help fill our void, Reeves had t-ball practice at 5:00. Another hour taken care of!!! Woo-hoo! But that's a whole other post.)
Although most of the barrage was created by the guys, there were a few of us girls brave enough to venture up to the firing line. Even without shooting, ear protection was a must, unfortunately, my ears are still ringing! There were so many guns going off at one point, it's a good thing none of us are veterans, or I'm sure there would have been some flashbacks going on. Who knew it took $5 worth of lead to kill a 3 cent clay pigeon! That's 5 boxes of skeet, with 99 per box, with only seven left over equals a TON of shells! Thanks, Guys, for picking everything up. It made for a great Sunday!
Amanda is lucky to have such a good coach living right under the same roof with her. If she goes after shooting with the same passion she puts into all of her endeavors, it won't belong before she is dusting every skeet that is thrown out there. We'll all have to practice a lot together this winter!
Sue showed up ready to shoot - gun, shells, and earplugs in hand. And, lucky for us, she also brought the most delicious apple dessert in the world EVER! Apple Enchiladas, Rollups, Baked Pieces of Heaven, whatever you want to call them - they are, in the words of David Hump, "Like apple pie, only one thousand times better." Thank you, Sue, for bringing them. They even beat out the mac-n-cheese as Bryant's favorite dessert. We NEED that recipe!
Amy and Jody were wonderful hosts (not to mention, an adorable couple!). And don't you just love her new hair!! 
We had so much fun putting this thing together with them. True to form, as we are wont to do when we host together, we ran over budget. But it was so worth it as Tidewater Catering came through again with their yummy BBQ and collards and their legendary mac-n-cheese. It's just like Mom always makes. Of course, it was the only thing of which there was none left over!
And, naturally, what bonfire in The Back would be complete without a couple of Christmas trees thrown on for a spectacular show. I think these two were the final dregs from our bounty of two (three?) years ago. OK, everyone, your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to gather up as many Christmas trees as you can this year. Just let us know when you've got them and B will come by and pick them up. They can live in The Back until we can all get together again for another day in the country.
Thanks, everyone, for coming. We'll try to get out there again in a month or two, so get those babysitters ready! Maybe an overnight - a little camping? 
