Tis the Season...for the Hunter.

Well, I'm happy to say that I shot a buck this year...unfortunately, it wasn't quite as big as I was hoping for.  You might say that it experienced a bit of ground shrinkage.  My wonderful family has given me quite a bit of grief about shooting a baby, however, in my defense, I only had a few seconds to decide to pull the trigger and I did make a running shot.   On the down side, my father, my ten year old niece, and my 6 year old nephew all shot considerably bigger deer then me....To add salt to a wound, Tiffany, my obnoxiously lucky sister, shot the most unusual buck I've ever seen.  Oh well, at least I put meat on the table, which is more then my husband can say:)  

MYSELF, MY DAD, AND KENDAL(TEN YRS OLD)

MY DAD'S MONSTER

6 YEAR OLD NEPHEW GRANT

MY SISTER'S BUCK THAT SHE SHOT 2DAYS LATER

October Craziness...

A lot has gone on this October and I have about a million pictures to prove it.  Here are just a few to show you how cute my kid is....

Hanging at the Pond 

We can't always be happy...

But we are happy quite a lot.

The Piedmont Football Game.  Go Wildcats.

All Bundled Up

Even the Kitty is Tuckered.

So Cute.

May the Force Be With You...

Master Yoda

Halloween was quite an affair this year for the Wedel's. Master Eli conquered the force and rolled over for the first time ever.  Although he actually did it the first time at daycare earlier in the day, he promptly realized his massive mistate of not performing for his mama.  He corrected the injustice by showing off his new skill for the entire Wedel gang.  We even got it on video.  

Showing Off

Hanging with DAD

Although rolling over was a very important milestone in our household, it wasn't the most important thing that happened this happy Halloween day.  My brother and sister-in-law finalized the adoption of their daughter Ellie.  We are so excited that she is officially and forever a Wedel.  We went over to Rebecca's sister's house for a celebration.  All the kids dressed in their costumes and went trick-or-treating.  It was so much fun and the perfect way to spend Eli's first Halloween. 

Aunt Rebecca

The Ellie Bug

The Whole Gang

All Tuckered Out

A Boy and his PUMPKIN.

The FAMILY Pumpkin

Okay, so I know that Eli isn't really old enough to know or wonder about pumpkins and pumpkin patches, however, I also don't really care because the pictures are really cute.  I may have had to drag both husband and son into Piedmont this week to get my picture pumpkin fix, and let me tell you, it was worth it.  Pumpkins were everywhere (as well as some very pretty mums). Ryan may not admit it, but he liked it too.  He also was able to test out his ability as a photographer.  Brandon, I think we will be leaving the picture taking up to you.... Here is a taste of our pumpkin adventure.

Such a BIG boy.

He may have been wailing. 

The PIEDMONT Pumpkin Patch

They both look super excited here....

A dad and his boy.

I love my mommy.

I don't think this is a replacement for Daddy.

Hmmmm.....I THINK I like pumpkins.

Don't hate me cause I'm cute.

That's right....I'm pumpkin king.

  

The "Hills" of Hillsdale...

The Wedel House

Last weekend, Ryan and I were able to take Eli for his first trip to Hillsdale to visit Ryan's parents.  It was moving day in the country, as the Wedel's are clearing out the trailer....or it was supposed to be.  Rain may have gotten in the way of toting furniture around, but it was a blessing in disguise because we were able to spend more time visiting.  I was also able to get some really cool pictures of Ryan's childhood home right before it rained.  I think that Grandma and Grandpa were a hit with Eli.  He was barely set down all day and I'm pretty sure it was mutual satisfaction on both his and the grandparents part.  Todd and Anna Ruth were also there and we had big fun watching Aladin and taking pictures. A special thanks to Norma for the fabulous peach cobbler--it was amazing.  Enjoy.

I love Norma's flowers.

A rain storm is brewing...

Obviously, HILLSdale doesn't have any hills.

Ryan and Todd put to work moving.

Grandpa loves this little boy.

The fam.

I love this little boy too.

I had to sneak up on Norma to get this picture.  She is a little camera shy.

Anna Ruth and Eli....London, we miss you.

Why hello there....what you looking at?

Elvis and a Clown

The State Fair was this month and we just had to go--twice.  Eli, of course, was dragged along as usual.  We were pretty lucky because we went once with my parents and once with Ryan's parents. We had the absolute pleasure of getting to watch our niece, Anna Ruth, perform her first solo dance.  She was so cute and she did a great job.  The most entertaining Elvis impersonator also did a show and I have to say, the guy had MOVES--not very attractive moves, but moves all the same.  Enjoy.

I'm lovin' it.

Taking a stroll.

Chillin' at the State Fair. 

I ain't nothing but a Hound Dog.

 Shortly after the fair, we discovered that Piedmont was bringing the circus to town. Well we just had to go watch.  Our good friends, the Gossen's came with us and I have to admit, it was fabulous.  I was expecting dinky and I got grand.  There were lions, tigers, clowns, and jugglers.  Unicycles, hula hoops, fire and some sort of launching swing completed the acts.  We were amazed and thoroughly entertained. Eli was even awake for a lot of it and watched with wide eyes as the trapeze artist swung on a bar using only her neck.  Thanks Drew and Kristen for sharing it with us and holding the little one.

UNDER THE BIG TOP

  

DREW AND KRISTEN

I'M CONSIDERING JUGGLING HIM....

GOOD FRIENDS AND A LOT OF FUN.

  

ZOOLICIOUS

For those of you in Oklahoma, you know that the weather has been brutal this summer.  50 something days of the temperature over one hundred degrees.  Well, it finally broke and the Wedel's took advantage by loading up our little bundle and heading to the zoo.  It was a beautiful day and Ryan was excited to introduce Eli to his beloved Rhinos.  We also were able to see the new baby elephant that was born this summer.  At 300lbs, I think that she outweighed Eli slightly.  Here are some of my favorite picture from the day.

Ryan the Rhino  

Getting some Sun.

She was trying to hide but we caught a glimpse.

Lions, Tigers, and Bears--OH MY.

Monkeying Around

I think this one could beat up Peter and Petra.

I LOVE the zoo.

I HATE the zoo.