A day on the ice

I love 3-day weekends. Especially when one of the days entails some awesome family time! The bitter subzero temps have lessened and we had the perfect sunny day to do a little family fishing, on the ice of course. It may not have been my 'first choice' as to how to spend a day together, but having 3 sons I want them to be as outdoorsy as possible, to grow up as fishermen and hunters like their dad, to be appreciative and truly enjoy the God-given serenity that the outdoor world has to offer. On any other chilly day, when given the opportunity, I like to curl up with a good book, some scrumptious treats, and a creamy cup of coffee. But I also like to be where my boys are and I confess that the 'outdoor girl' in me comes to life on days like this so I truly do enjoy it; watching their explorations, their boyish skills being taught and fine-tuned, their expressions when they've accomplished a skill....all priceless and heart warming to their mama. I've said it once and I'll say it plenty of more times, God knew what he was doing when he chose to bless me with having 3 boys. Imagine that?! ;)

let's go fishing!!!!

Even after living here for 7 1/2 years, I'm ever-learning about all the nooks and crannies this state contains, the history embedded in these valleys and mountains. Every winding road leads to a new adventure, you just have to be willing to drive down it for a while. 

I especially appreciate the sign with the mileage to far away cities...

And I'm always in a near gasp when we drive upon something like this: Yes folks, that is a donkey sign. 

What?! Like I said, 7 1/2 years and I'm just now learning that there are wild donkeys in Nevada? I had to snap a photo of the sign for "honest" purposes but thankful I had the opportunity to snap another one to prove, the sign is being honest...nope, not kidding. A few miles down the road we happened upon a few of those donkeys. 

 We reached our destination and it didn't take long for the boys to scamper out onto the frozen waters. And it didn't take long for layers to start shedding--you wouldn't think it, but it gets plenty warm out there on the ice. 

Austin and Carson already exploring!

he's giving a thumbs-up...

...and off he goes!

Love this one of these two chatting away

taking out the gear

This year we added a larger element to our whole ice fishing experience...an ice house! Or, "the big blue tent" as the boys refer to our little shelter. Within minutes of putting it up and having 2 holes ready to go, the fish were biting and we had our first catch! Austin with the first one!!! His expression is fantastic as he reels it in and watches it flop around at his feet.

I feel like this photo should be in some sort of magazine ad...

 Here we go....time to fish!

Carson

Andy getting things ready

Mason and Mama...watching and waiting...

Austin's spot

love his expression!! :)

Nice Catch buddy!!!

 


















Carson was fishing so patiently all day long, trying different spots, and at one point while we sat in our shelter he confided in me that "this is embarrassing mom"...referring to the fact that he hadn't caught a fish yet. (opportunity for life-lesson taken!) 

CJ...still fishing...

Carson trying yet another hole...

hot cocoa/lunch break!

"I own this lake!" ;)

love my man!

they claim this was their "napping spot"

father and son fishing side-by-side

An afternoon lull provided a perfect chance to do a little gun training for the older two boys---nothing crazy, just a BB gun....and might I say they have a pretty good shot! :) 

Austin

Ready...aim...

....fire! Can down!!

Carson

ready...aim....

...fire! Can down!! :)

yep...even I had to get in on the action.

The late afternoon minutes suddenly went ticking by quickly so we decided to do a few more 'rounds' of fishing before we found ourselves in the dark. With the bright sun starting to set behind the snow-capped mountains, we dropped the lines down once again and the fish started biting. And with one final attempt, Carson finally caught his fish!! Just like Austin, his expression says it all! 

reeling it in!!

love Carson's expression!!

And the patience pays off!!

 Another Anderson Adventure......Success! :)

Snow much fun!!

As long as it's here, we might as well enjoy it! And I'm referring only to the snow. Not the temperatures that are keeping it here. I grew up in the frozen tundra (aka...Minnesota) so you'd think I'd be pretty used to waking up to the sub-zero numbers. Yes, I got a few one-eyebrow-raised glances when I waltzed into Walmart not wearing a jacket when the outdoor temp. hovered right around 5 degrees. Mason was bundled up like a puffy marshmallow...and I did have on a heavy sweatshirt, but apparently that still caused confusion amongst a few Winnemuccans. Needless to say, I'm not a fan of the sub-zero consistency keeping us indoors when there is snow to play in. And yes, I have put my jacket on. ;)

Despite the bitter cold outside we have kept the "indoor play" quite simple and yet fun...including a wrestle session with mama! 

now don't we just look enthused?!

Mason and Carson coloring together

MICRO-MACHINES!!! :)

...a new-found love ;)

A delightful break was given from the tundra temps earlier in the week, so we put our outdoor gear to use and braved the deceiving warmth of the brightly shining sun bouncing off the icicles and crunchy snow. 

Austin playing his ice trumpet

Icicle fight!!!!!

The leaning snowman....

L.O.V.E him!!! :)

sharing an icicle with my Carson :)

And then we found a missing candy-cane ornament!

A new meaning of "trimming the tree"

                 The deep freeze has returned for a brief stay and so the cupboards are lined with flavorful hot cocoa. The heart of winter is once again alive and well. And even if we have to enjoy the snow from the other side of the glass, I am thankful for the heat surrounding us and the beauty God has laid before us in these frozen flakes. And it also allows for more snuggle time with my 4 favs. :) 

...mmmmmmmmm :)

A candy cane kiss in your cocoa....