Mama Zista and Papa Dave and some more fall fun

I'm 96% certain that they were facebook messaging each other. Rafi did a good job of keeping Papa Dave's feet warm.

 With all the excitement the kids crashed extra hard.

We went to breakfast at Blueberry Hills where Jens and Ryker loaded up on hot cocoa.

They probably had way too much hot cocoa.

This fall we had some great weather to enjoy.

Nick, Dad and I took advantage of that weather to chase the mythical spike elk through the mountains.

We went everywhere looking for elk, even up to the snow line and then some. 

We didn't have any luck but at least we got to spend two days outside in the mountains without cell service.

I wish this picture was more clear, but at least it still shows Jens' impeccable fashion sense.

She's been pushing herself pretty hard trying to run the family and the house.

At least she has Rafi's unwavering support.

I don't know how long they will keep sleeping together like puppies, but it's still so darn cute each time they finally fall asleep.

Ryker works down on the docks and during his breaks he likes to fish.

He looks like a rugged longshoreman, the only thing missing is the truckloads of rotting apples behind him from his "slowdown" last year. But he has the work ethic down along with the casting technique. 

Life can be rough down on the docks.

Just in case you were wondering if Rafi has transitioned to becoming an outside/garage kitty...he hasn't.

Did I mention that fall was beautiful?

I don't know if they were cuddling, wrestling or what.

Jens refuses to walk herself to the car after visiting Gpa Dale, On top of that the queen steals blankets instead of wearing her own coat. But she's not spoiled. Not at all.

Kids Being Kids

Life is constantly hectic and stressful with these kiddos, but looking at them sleeping it's easy to forget all that.

Selfies!

Hunting season was a little low on legal targets and high on morons. Our first day a guy came through the gate and shot an illegal deer. We had to call the DFW and it killed our day. The next Saturday a crazy lady scared the deer away and told us to "go to the grocery store where no animals are hurt". If she tries that again next year Nick will mount her on the wall of his apartment.

At least we had cute spotters and helpers.

I walked up towards 4th of July before dawn, didn't see any bucks but I had a great sunrise.

Jens wanted to come with me one afternoon, she lasted a whole five minutes.

Nick and I walked all over the freaking forest to find something we could shoot. We saw some great scenery but no stinkin' bucks.

Before Thanksgiving we had the traditional cider pressing festivities. Jens acted as one of the unofficial cider taste tester.

DeA won't drink it (after seeing the kids dipping their cups) but she'll happily bottle it for everyone.

Ryker continues to love his Raf-gato.

The kids still visit me at the office and try out the massage tables.

I flipped the tables on them and visited them for lunch at the school. Ryker was more excited about the mac and cheese than he was to see me.

Even Rafi looks cuter while sleeping.

Poor gato.

I knew some pictures got out of order, but here are more Halloween shots of the cuties.

Yes, Jens had more than one costume.

Rock did his own face pain.

So did Ryker...

We did our best trying to remove it before bed but failed. They went like that to school the next day.