Busy, Busy, Busy

I haven’t updated lately but lately it seems like we never get a chance to slow down.

Two weeks ago Ty was hospitalized for 3 days. He had a fever, he was having a difficult time breathing and he was very lethargic. Of course the day after they released him he was bouncing off of the walls. He did have one set back last Friday (high temps again) but for the most part he seems to be back to “normal”.

Luckily the week he was gone Chase was with his great grandparents so he was occupied. During his visit with Papa Don and Grandma Bea he made me this “beautiful” bird feeder out of their scrap pile and an entire roll of duct tape!



I placed it in my flower bed (behind the tall flowers) and the birds do enjoy it.



As you probably already know Papa Bob and Grandma Candy have a few “critters” at their house now. Ty’s favorites are Grandma Candy’s “monkeys”.



I have to say they are quite humorous to watch when they get to playing. This one is trying to learn how to sleep on the log. I’m sure he’d do better if the camera wasn’t flashing on him.



Then Papa Bob has his baby deer. He has 3 of them now and they range in sizes and personalities. The deer have been very good for Chase and his outlook on wildlife.



At the beginning of the month Brandon and Janet rode in the Van Meter Kid’s Day parade. They had a lot of fun (not sure who had more fun, Janet or Brandon).

The horse that Brandon is riding is 24 yrs. old.



Janet all decked out with Sis.



And of course we can’t forget Chase. He’s still enjoying Dozer.



Dozer says “feed me now!”



He will show at the fair on July 19th and I’m very excited for him. He has been very responsible for Dozer since he has gotten him.

Iowa Deer Classic

This past weekend was the Iowa Deer Classic. Brandon took his buck in for the “Big Buck” contest and both Brandon and Chase participated in an archery tournament on Sunday.


Brandon’s Buck

Brandon’s buck received a ribbon stating he was a true trophy buck. Brandon said this qualified him to be listed in the Pope & Young Record Book. I’m really not sure what all of that means but I’m sure if someone wants to know Brandon would be happy to explain it to them.


His Score Card


Here is a picture of Brandon’s buck amongst the competition

I learned that archery tournaments last longer then 15 minutes. I about died when Brandon said it would take nearly two hours. It was fun watching at first but quickly reminded me of watching paint dry. Chase tends to show off in public and not do as well as he does at home so I was very proud of him when he shot better at the tournament then he did at home.


Chase on the line


Chase’s target (top left)

Brandon on the line

Unfortunately that kid draws kids that get him into trouble like a magnet. He somehow befriended a little boy during the shoot. This little boy decided to go up to the line with Chase and talk to him while he was shooting. He even went as far as patting Chase on the head while he shot. This happened during 3 rounds and those where the worst three rounds Chase had. I finally said something to Brandon who asked one of the officials to remove the boy from the line and after that Chase’s shooting went back up.


Ty and Grandma (Ty was about as bored as I was)

He shot a 196 out of 300 and Brandon shot a 285. I don’t think Brandon was too proud of that number as he says he normally shots around 295.


Chase smiling with his target (I told him if he smiled I’d buy him a four wheeler – that didn’t happened)


Ty trying to carry the bow cases so we could get out of there.

As soon as we know the results we’ll be sure to let everyone know.

Big Buck

Brandon finally got this big buck this year during bow season (yes he actually used a bow). He was so happy (as you can see from the picture) and of course he’s getting it mounted. **rolls eyes** I keep asking him if anything has “grown” since he shot him but he just ignores me as he doesn’t find my smart ass comments too amusing.

I think he has hope in taking the mounted deer to the Iowa Deer Classic in March for the “Big Buck Contest”.