Moose's 1st Birthday.

Yesterday marked our puppy's first birthday. That's right, this 130 lbs. bundle of joy and stupidity turned 1 year old. She has been a blessing to our family, and is sometimes a real pain in the butt. However, she has provided many hours of entertainment for us. Happy birthday Moose!!!

Moose at approx. 2 months old.

Moose at 1 year old.

Bolo (big brother) and Moose (little sister).

Moose at 9 months.

Paintballing!!!!!!!

Went paintballing with the guys from Smoker's Embassy today. Let Winston do it too. We had a great time, but it hurts!!!

The Smoker's Embassy Gang.

Winston in deep thought.

Gearing up to paintball for the first time.

                  

Ready and raring to go!!!

Father & son.

Nash (owner of Smoker's Embassy).

Winston behind cover.

Maj. Williams taking me out.

Me, Winston, and Maj. Williams. Major shot me, Winston shot him, and he took out Winston in the process.

I took 3 shots in the calf at once. It was painfull!!!



Panther Creek Trail - Winter Trip.

Today me and the family decided to go for a nice hike at our favorite local romp...Panther Creek Trail. We had a great time. We don't go all the way to the main falls. It's too far, and too dangerous. We have a nice little spot we like to go to about 2 1/2 miles in. We took our newest family member, Moose the Brazilian Mastiff. She did well, but she's worn out, and sawing logs now. There was still snow on the ground from the 6"-8" we got last week. It was a really great time.

The wifey.

Winston.

The Wifey again.

Winston with a giant snowball.

Me, Winston, and Moose. Notice how Moose is looking at mommy. Her favorite person.

Winston and Moose.

Mommy and Moose.

 Me, Winston, and Moose.

The small falls where we usually camp.



Black Belt Test 2011.

Dateline: Saturday January 15, 2011.

Today Winston earned his black belt. He began taking karate three years ago on January 14th. I remember taking him to his first class at the Twin Tigers Karate Academy in Winder. He was like all beginers, and didn't know anything. Now he is like a well oiled machine. He has truly earned his black belt, and I am very very proud of him.

 Ladies and gentlemen I introduce America's newest leathal weapon...

Flexible.

Having a good time.

Bo-staff in 3-D.

That's 3 boards he's breaking folks with a side kick.

Going in air.

Winston with Mr. Matt & Mr. Nick (the twins of Twin Tigers).

Gastric Bypass.

On April 13, 2010 I had gastric bypass surgery. I topped the scales at 420 lbs. Just before my surgery I weighed 410 lbs. It has now been 9 1/2 months since then and I've lost about 155 lbs. I'm down to 255 lbs. My goal is 250 lbs. I think I'll make it. I have started mountain biking, running, Krav Maga, hiking, and backpacking. I am sooo glad I did this. It was one of the best decisions I've ever made.

 Here is a photo (above) of me at 420 lbs. back in 2006.

 Here I am in 2009 on our summer trip to AZ.

Here I am in November 2010. This is 7 months after the surgey at 270 lbs.

Here is a phot of me from today at 255 lbs.

Panther Creek Backpacking Trip

So, I took Jennifer and Winston on a short backpacking trip to Panther Creek Falls about a week ago. It was Jennifer's first overnight backpacking trip, and Winston's second. I had rented a tent for us to sleep in, but REI (I love this store) had a sale on hammocks. So we decided to leave the tent and try hammocks. I loved it!!! SOOOOO much lighter than a tent, and I got to look right up and check out the stars. The only drawback was that it took me a while to get use to sleeping in it as opposed to being flat on the ground. Jennifer and Winston were both scared they would be easy bear snacks. No matter how many times I tried to reassure them nothing would get them they still were nervous. I was very porud of both of them for doing it though. We had a great time, but are totally worn out after having hiked for three straight weekends. This weekend we shall just be resting, and looking forward to going again.

That silvery mass in the orange hammock is the wifey sawing logs. She said she couldn't fall asleep until it was daylight because of her fear that she would be a bear snack.

Winston in his little cocoon. He actually loves the hammock so much we have set it up at home under is bunkbed. He just chills in it and watches t.v.

We took Bolo our pet lab. He still hasn't really figured out he's supposed to be a water dog. I'm holding him here in this photo.

Here is Bolo right next to his very favorite human, mommy. He is never more than a few feet away from her if he can help it.

This is next to our campsite. It was very relaxing laying in the hammock listening to the waterfall.

Winston was trying to spearfish with a homemade spear. A typical 10 yo boy.

I bought this machette before we left for $15. Who knew Winston would have soooo much fun chopping everything in sight including a small pine tree about 20 ft. tall (see it behind him).

Bolo doing what he does best...nothing. He really is a great dog though. He just wants to be loved on.

Winston chillaxin'.

The poor man's ultra-light dual-fuel backpacking stove by Rick Brannan Issue #124

Here is the link to Backwoods Home Magazine for the instructions on how to make your own camp stove.

The poor man's ultra-light dual-fuel backpacking stove by Rick Brannan Issue #124