It's not very often one is invited to a barn dance but when Jed's dad called us last month to invite us out to his place for one, we couldn't refuse. A barn dance sounds like a lot of fun, doesn't it? Besides, Tom has a huge barn that is a great place for such an occasion. The day of the barn dance was also the day that Jed and I had to go to an all-day military training for soldiers and their families to prepare for a possible deployment. So my mom and dad watched the kids while we went a training for the day and then headed to the barn dance.
I love my father-in-laws place. He has a beautiful cabin home nestled in an almost remote valley with mountains all around. His backyard is literally a mountain. This is one of the views from the front door of their home. It is such a wonderful place to be, it's one of those places where you wish you could just stay. It makes me want to saddle up a horse and just take off into the hills and the enjoy the beauty and smell of the fresh outdoors.
We arrived early enough to have time to socialize with several of Jed's family before the dance got started. In this picture it's Jed's dad, Tom, and his grandpa, also named Tom, and his grandma, Afton.
Jed is talking with his half-brother, also named Tom. Since there are so many Tom's in the family, Jed's brother goes by his nickname, Tigger.
Before the actual dance got started, a country-cooked dinner was served to everyone. Dutch oven mashed potatoes, beans, BBQ pork sandwiches, and hot scones were on the menu.
I don't know who this guy is, but I thought his little boy was sure cute.
Jed's dad laughs alot and is so funny to listen to. I really like hanging out with him.
Jed with his brother and dad.
Here, the men were talking about the 15 head of deer they were watching in a nearby field - these men all own alot of land where deer visit all the time. Jed was able to get permission to go hunting on their lands and went the next week. He saw about 50 head of does but no bucks to shoot. We also watched a hunter shoot a wild turkey in the next field over while we were waiting around. Stupid turkeys - this guy walked up to them about 20 feet away, in full view, and shot one. The flock didn't even run from him. The flew up in the air for a second when they heard the shot but came right back down in the same spot as if nothing had happened. They didn't run off until the hunter walked up to grab the dead turkey. Talk about a quick and easy catch. It was great entertainment.
Jed's grandparents and one of his aunts.
His grandpa suffered a stroke a couple of years ago but is getting better physically so that he can do more things on his own.
Where else do you see a covered wagon in someones' yard? Pretty cool.
Let the festivities begin!!!
This barn dance was like stepping back in time a 100 years ago. Cowboys were all dressed up in their cowboy hat, boots, and leather chaps - for them this is their everyday dress and way of life. I just loved it. Jed and I didn't have any of these do-dads to dress up in, but it was fun to watch all the different kind of people there.
Our music was provided by this local country music band - they were great and fun to dance to.
I didn't get alot of dancing pictures because Jed and I were out dancing ourselves, trying to remember the two-step. I used to know all the moves back in high school - remember the pretzel? We couldn't figure it out. We laughed alot and had a great time.
We celebrated Jed's 37th birthday yesterday. I had a lot of fun teasing him about getting old.
Other birthday well-wishers, Jed's mom and grandmother.
Jed's grandpa. 
Grandpa Hansen joined in on the celebration - my mom was too sick to
come. Aubrey took this picture of him. Thanks for coming Dad! 
Aubrey wasn't thrilled about having to have her hair all curly and make-up put on her face. She vows that she will not wear make-up, even when she will be allowed to in six months because she'll be turning twelve. She stated, "I'll wear makeup when I'm a thousand years old, but I'll be dead by then and so I won't have to anyway." Hmmm, we'll see how long she really lasts. She sure is cute though anyway.
Aubrey's best friend, Keneisha, started ballroom this year as well. They are in the same class which makes ballroom even more fun for Aubrey. Keneisha is just like Aubrey...horses, horses, horses.
While watching him play and mingle with his teammates, I discovered he has some real natural leadership abilities. He would often encourage his teammates and enthusiastically praised them when they did something well. Playing on a team has really brought that aspect out of him a lot more....or perhaps I just haven't been paying attention and it's really been there all along.
Throughout most of the games, I spent most of my time chasing this little guy around. Rigdon loved running out into the field during the games. He got a big kick out of it because he knew I would come after him and pull him off. There was one particular game where he saw Connor when the teams were running down to the opposite side of the field. Rigdon took off running and by the time I noticed he was gone, he was already halfway down the field.
Aubrey helped out a little bit with keeping Rigdon in check but got sick of having to watch him much of the time.
The powder on Rigdon's nose was from the chalk line on the grass. Don't ask me how he got it all over him.
Rigdon also enjoyed rearranging the field cones - he'd take off with them and put them somewhere else.
Rigdon having his first experience trick-or-treating. He wasn't sure at first if he should take the candy but had a huge smile on his face after he took it. He caught on pretty quick after that. 
The pumpkin walk had some fun photo opportunities to take advantage of - the boys of course couldn't skip the Star Wars theme.
I think these are the Ewoks.
Scooby-Doo!!!!
Another Star Wars exhibition, made with pumpkins.
Our music was provided by this local country music band - they were great and fun to dance to.
Can we say "close call?"
