Firsts to be Celebrated

Labor Day weekend we took off to celebrate Mason's first birthday at the Santee with a few friends and family.  It was a wonderful trip!  We swam, relaxed, the kids rode the 4 wheeler, played in sand etc...  Always a good time at the Santee.  Mom and I prepared for the party and Mike and Zeke hunted.  We sure missed our Anna.  On Friday afternoon I dropped Mike off at Mr. Scott's farm to go hunting with Zeke and I picked up Laurel and Elliott.  Sullivan was about to die for them to get there.  Usually I keep my phone on when Mike is hunting hoping to get that text that he got one.  But, it was dying so I left in inside on the charger.  We played outside until it was dinner time and then headed in to fix spaghetti for dinner.  I was feeding Mason when I heard a text come through.  Sometimes Mike will text me from the stand telling me he had not seen anything or something like that. So, a few minutes later I went to get my phone.  I have 4 new text messages.
 
1. In the stand.  Nothing yet.
2. Still have not seen a thing.
3.  MEAT IS SERVED!
4. GOT ONE

I was so excited!!!  I ran through the house telling everyone and even got a l ittle chocked up.  This has been a long time coming.  Zeke has been taking Mike hunting for 10 years and he had never killed a deer.  Not that Zeke is not good at what he does but somehow he has just never gotten one.  Tonight was his night.  He got it.  We ate fast and loaded everyone up and headed out to the farm.  We were all so excited!  When we got there Mr. Scott and Candy were there waiting on them.  A few minutes later Jason and Austin pulled up beeping the horn.  And about 10 minutes later here comes the killers!!!  They came barreling in laying on the horn, Mike fist pumping out the window.  We were all so excited.  Zeke backed his truck up to us and opened the gate and there was a beautiful 6 point. A beautiful shot.   I wish I could have been  a grasshopper in the field watching them as they looked for the deer and when they found it!  After hearing the story, hand shakes, some smooches we took pictures and Zeke taught Mike how to clean his first deer.  And of course the traditional blood bath and wearing of the boy parts for killing his first buck.  It was a good time.  (other than Sullivan getting upset about the dead deer.  Love my sensitive boy)  These boys were on cloud 9 all weekend long.  Thanks to all who helped him finally get one.  Especially to Zeke for taking him and never giving up.  Mr. Scott for welcoming him to your land and club and Dad for the use of your gun!  Good times, good times.  We can not wait to feast on our first venison meal!!!

FAIR WARNING:   SOME OF THESE PICTURES ARE GROSS AND MAY MAKE YOU GAG OR FEEL SAD.  DO NOT CONTINUE LOOKING IF YOU ARE AGAINST HUNTING OR DO NOT WANT TO SEE WHERE MEAT COMES FROM OR IF YOU ARE SENSITIVE TO REALLY GROSS THINGS.

WAITING ON KILLERS

THE BOYS CHECKING IT OUT - THEY WERE SO EXCITED

                                                            TRADITIONS

So the hunters took a break and spent the rest of the weekend with the family.  Actually they did dog drive Saturday morning and Zeke and Dad dove hunted Saturday but other than that...we had them to us.  Sunday we celebrated Mason's first year of life.  It was a sweet little party with lots family, friends, gifts, cake and fun!

 
My little guy deserved a special special birthday blog so Stay tuned!
Sunday night we enjoyed fresh dove on the grill compliments of Zeke and Pop with hamburgers and hotdogs!  No vegetarians in this household! 
On Monday we headed home and told the Santee goodbye for the last time this summer.  As we say goodbye to summer, we welcome fall and all the wonderful things it has to offer!  Like football season, Halloween, Air shows, and much more...
So, farewell swimmie diapers, sunscreen, mowing the yard, the pool and the heat and HELLO colorful leaves, tiger paws, fall ball, school, jeans and what I look forward to most, routine.  Hel-lo routine!!!!  Nice to see you again!