House of Howes

Boy only Camping Trip

2011-06-30T22:01:00.004-06:00

This past weekend the boy's and I went on a Father/Son camping trip to Green River Lakes, in the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming. We had a great time. The boys caught some very nice fish, and we saw an amazing amount of wildlife, including moose, elk, deer and antelope.

Green River Lakes

Wind River Mountains

Wyoming

Early Morning Fog Bank

Preston Sitting Still! WOW!

Eating is the only reason to take a break from the fishing

The Mornings Catch

Spencer Fishing the River

Preston Makes a Great Cast

We were camping in Grizzly Country. Food storage is required! What is the required food storage for grizzly bears?

How about a pup tent with a Dad and his two boys inside? I think a grizzly would consider that as food storage, don't you?

Sharp Shooter

2011-06-13T21:28:00.000-06:00

Ruby and Her New .243

Ruby turns 12 in a few days, and gets to hunt with her dad this year! We have applied for antelope tags and will find out the results by the end of the month. Ruby is very petite, and can't quite handle my rifles, so we bought her a new .243 savage in a youth model. It has a synthetic stalk and is very light. We have went out target practicing the last 3 weekends. Rubys is going to be a sharp shooter! She is a natural! I can't wait to enjoy this year hunting elk, deer and antelope with her!

Love Affair

2011-04-23T13:01:00.001-06:00

This robin spent several hours last weekend trying to impress the bird 'on the other side' of the glass. He fluffed his feathers and strutted his stuff to impress the beautiful bird in the window. But his efforts went unrewarded as the other bird never did come out to play!

Fence Post Peek A Boo

2011-03-17T19:54:00.000-06:00

South End of Star Valley, WY

I took this photo last Sunday, March 13th. A very nice day and the snow is starting to melt. We received more snow the past couple of days, but it has been warm enough that the snow is still melting faster than it is falling!

Spring is on the way, but if there is one thing that living these past 7 winters in the valley, is not to get to excited about spring. The snow has yet to melt out of our yard before the middle of April and sometimes it stretches into May!

Over Home

2011-03-12T21:53:00.000-07:00

Ruth Nevada

Thursday I flew from San Fransico to Denver. The flight flew just to the south of Ruth Nevada, the town in which I spent my childhood.

Sounds of the Cello

2011-02-05T09:07:00.001-07:00

Osmond Elementary Orchestra

Ruby is a Cello Player in the Osmond Elementary Orchestra. This is her second year. They have an excellent orchestra. They are conducted by Mr. Reece. This past Wednesday they had their Winter Concert. They preformed many numbers, including Ode to Joy, by Beethoven, Yes I Can Can, by Bach, and Pachelbel Canon, by Pachelbel.

It was a very enjoyable evening of great music preformed but some great young musicians!

You can spot Ruby in the above photo to the far right side.

Civic Silhouette

2011-01-26T21:58:00.001-07:00

Afton Civic Center

I took this picture, today, from inside the Afton Civic Center. Silhouetted in the forground are employee's of JR Simplot's Smoky Canyon Mine. Through the windows of the Civic Center the Salt River Range can be seen. The Canyon is Swift Creek.

Piggy Back

2011-01-24T18:19:00.001-07:00

Preston and Alec

Thanksgiving 2010

Grandpa and Grandma Wooners House

Fallon NV

Emily's Goat

2011-01-23T07:58:00.000-07:00

Emily Walker

Fall 2010 Hunt

This past fall I took Emily hunting for her antelope. She shot this nice goat through the lungs at about 100 yrds.

Grandma Howes

2011-01-22T14:48:00.000-07:00

Grandmother Howes

Christmas at Meade Peak Ranch

December 18, 2010

Mid Day Frost

2011-01-19T20:28:00.000-07:00

This photo was taken at the corner of WY HWY 238 and Star Lane.

Cottonwood Picnic

2010-07-17T22:18:00.000-06:00

This afternoon we grabbed a bucket of chicken and headed up to Cottonwood Lake for a picnic. The cool mountain air was a nice relief from the heat of the valley.

Cottonwood Lake

Molly, Ruby, Spencer, Angela and Preston

Spencer, Ruby and Preston

The Biggest Kid of Them All!

Spencer

Ruby

Preston

(look at those teeth)

Wildflowers

And of coarse, in typical Wyoming fashion, we had to have a hail storm before it was all over!

From the Star

2010-07-04T19:31:00.000-06:00

Afton Wyoming

Friday the family and I hiked to the Star. The star is the logo for the local high school. Most communities have a letter on a hill above their town. Afton has 'The Star'. This picture of Afton was taken from the star!

Our house is on the far side of the valley, in the foothills.

A Pair of Bobcat Cubs

2010-07-03T21:07:00.005-06:00

Spencer and Preston

Spencer and Preston recently earned their Bobcat award in the Cub Scout program. They both love Cub Scouts and have been working hard to advance. As part of the ceremony, while receiving their awards, Mom and Dad got to paint up their faces! We are proud of them!

My family read this post, and they requested that I add a bit about the award ceremony, so here goes.

When Preston was called up to receive his Bobcat just as the award was presented to him, and everything was very quiet, he ripped one! Not to loud, but loud enough for everyone to hear! A couple of the Cubs began to giggle, and then the entire audience lost it! Laughter errupted and Dad turned red.... That's my boy!

Flower or Weed?

2010-07-01T18:27:00.001-06:00

I took this photo on our recent camping trip in Diamond Creek. I am not sure what kind of plant it is?

On a side note, I have been having one heck of a time loading photo's to my blog. I think I have found a work around, so I should start posting more regularly!

Fine Photography by Ruby

2010-06-25T12:21:00.000-06:00

As promised, here are a couple of photographs that Ruby took with her new camera! She picked the two below for me to post. I really like them both! Ruby has really taken an interest in photography over the past 6 months or so. A new camera was the perfect gift for her birthday!

I found the above photo very interesting. She and her friends took a hike up a very steep hill. She took this photo on that hike.

I found the colors in the above photo quite striking. Especially the color of the leaves. A very nice photo.

Well done Sweety!

She's Eleven

2010-06-22T22:47:00.006-06:00

Last Friday was Ruby's birthday! The last two years she has wanted to go camping on her birthday, but the weather was so bad that we haven't been able to. This year looked like it was going to be a repeat. The month of June was very wet. We had one dry day....that is up until Friday! Friday and Saturday turned out to be great weather. We went on an over nighter to Diamond Creek. Ruby invited four friends, and three were able to make it. Ivy, Savannah, and Kennedy.

Ruby, Savannah, Ivy, and Kennedy enjoying dinner Friday night. Ruby picked the menu. We had her favorite mustard pork chops, and a vegetable medley of Zucchini, Yellow Squash, and Onions.

Mom made a peach cobbler for desert! It turn out awesome and was a huge hit!

Ruby opened up her presents. Mom and Dad gave her a Nikon Coolpix camera. It was a big surprise for Ruby. She took some great photo's. I will post some of them in the next post.

The girls had a great time. They spent most of their time around camp with Mom, while Dad took the boys on quad rides, to keep them out of the girls hair.

Spencer Made us breakfast Saturday morning. He did this to pass off part of his Cub Scout requirements. He did an Awesome job. Preston made everyone lunch! He did a great job also!

Balancing Act

2010-06-16T22:32:00.000-06:00

This rock formation is found up Swift Creek. I took this picture on a recent trip up the canyon.

Love Them

2010-06-11T21:16:00.004-06:00

Today we ventured up cottonwood creek. The road was rough and wet, but passable. We we're not there long. We had to beat the next storm that was moving in. It was cloudy but the defused light made for some nice picture taking.

To the left Preston, Ruby and Spencer.

North Side

2010-06-10T23:08:00.000-06:00

Old Cottonwood in Canyon View Park

Thirsty?

2010-06-08T18:32:00.000-06:00

Savanah Walker

Star Valley Sunrise

2010-06-07T15:55:00.002-06:00

I captured this sunrise early this morning on the east side of the valley. The picture is taken from our front porch. The orange clouds were hanging much lower in the sky than the higher dark clouds. You can see the front of the storm as in approach's from the north, and the blue skies to the south.

A Game Under Their Belts

2010-06-06T16:14:00.003-06:00

The baseball season got underway this past Wednesday night. Preston and Spencer both played really well. They both got hits, and made some great plays in the field. Above Preston connects with the ball for one of his hits.

Fastpitch also startetd this past Wednesday night. And the great thing is that Ruby played on a field right next to the boy's game. Her game started about halfway through Preston and Spencers game. Ruby played 3rd base, and made a spectacular play. She snagged a line drive and then tagged the runner from 2nd for a double play! Her team ended up losing 6-1. Ruby hasn't had to deal with losing much the past couple of years. She has been fortunate enough to play on some outstanding teams! This year may be a challange, her team is in need of a pitcher!

Ruby really likes the uniforms this year! I guess they are okay for girls!

Play Ball

2010-05-29T22:13:00.003-06:00

Practice has started for this year's ball season. Spencer and Preston are playing choach's pitch this year and Ruby is once again playing fast pitch.

Spencer snags a grounder playing second base

Throwing it to Home

Preston Watches the Action from Home Plate

Playing Catcher

Ruby on First Base

Ruby Making the Play at First

Las Vegas Rose

2010-04-28T17:38:00.003-06:00

This past week we spent some time in Las Vegas for the Rhoads family reunion. The event was held in the back yard of Glen and Shelly Phillips. They have a beautiful place. This rose certainly added to that beauty!

My Baby Boys are 8

2010-04-22T20:44:00.000-06:00

Preston and Spencer

Pond Scum

2010-04-17T19:49:00.002-06:00

This photo was taken up Grover Park.

I can't wait for some color to arrive in the valley. Everything is white and grey! It is difficult to get great pictures when there is little contrast to work with!

Don't - Don't - Don't

2010-04-16T09:26:00.003-06:00

Top of Salt River Pass

(looking east into the Snake River Drainage)

Top of Salt River Pass

(looking Southwest into the Great Basin)

It Came Forth From the Clouds

2010-04-15T20:28:00.002-06:00

This photo was taken from Swift Creek.

Sunny Afternoon

2010-04-10T10:21:00.003-06:00

Spencer

Preston

SPOOKY!

2010-04-08T22:44:00.003-06:00

The other night Angela told me that I was walking around the house taking pictures in my sleep!

I didn't think much of it....Didn't beleive her...

Then today I down load this picture off of my camera!!

SPOOKY!

2010-04-07T22:43:00.003-06:00

Let the Coloring Begin

Eggcellent Artist

Photos taken: April 3, 2008

Enjoying a Rocky Mountain Spring

2010-04-01T10:04:00.001-06:00

Big Red

From a Sunday Aftrenoon Drive

2010-03-28T21:07:00.001-06:00

Angela

Caught in Flight

Peek A Boo

2010-03-27T21:36:00.001-06:00

Swift Creek

Den Mother Em

2010-03-26T22:52:00.002-06:00

Emily Walker

End of the Line

2010-03-21T17:37:00.004-06:00

Icy Display in Osmond

At the end of community water systems, here in Star Valley, the water is left to squirt in the air all winter. The purpose is to keep the water lines from freezing. These ice towers are found in several places through out the valley.

Streakers

2010-03-17T22:24:00.002-06:00

Afton Civic Center

She Still Makes Me Smile!

2010-03-10T18:41:00.001-07:00

Angela

Focus!

2010-03-09T18:45:00.002-07:00

Scott Dennis

Scott is a surveyor at Smoky Canyon. This picture was taken as he was tying in slope monitoring prisms at pit 1S in F panel.

Cold Rest

2010-03-05T13:23:00.002-07:00

Wilkes Headstone 'Afton Cemetery'

Photo taken: March 5, 2010

Back Porch Sunset

2010-03-03T17:37:00.001-07:00

This picture was taken from the back porch. The sun is setting over the Tygee Range.

Molly and Lady

2010-03-02T18:33:00.005-07:00

Molly

Lady

My next installment of picture of the day.

An explanation: For Christmas, Santa brought me a new Nikon D3000 Camera! I have been having a blast with it. I recently finished a class at the community college on photography, and have begun in earnest to learn how to use all the nifty functions and settings of my new camera. The best way to learn is to do, so I plan on posting a photo for each day for the next year. I may not be able to post each and every day, but I will post photos to make up for the days I miss.

Thus far the posted photos have been straight from the camera, without any editing what so ever. For now I am concentrating on technique. I am not too worried about how good they are, more how they were taken, and under what conditions, and with what lenses.

Photo of Molly taken: March 5, 2010

Photo of Lady taken: February 27, 2010

Midnight Ice

2010-02-28T23:48:00.002-07:00

I set the tripod up in the house and opened the front door. I turned all the lights and tv off in the house, then took this photo of the ice hanging from the eve.

Photo taken: February 28, 2010

First Picture of the Day

2010-02-27T15:22:00.003-07:00

Ruby

I took this picture of Ruby up Swift Creek yesterday.

Ruby is 10!

2009-06-20T13:25:00.005-06:00

Ruby turn 10 years old on Thursday. We went to Agava's Mexican Restaurant to celebrate the occasion. The staff there adorned Ruby's head with a Mexican hat and gave her an awesome surprise desert. Ruby told her mom not to tell the waitress it was her birthday and have them sing, so Angela snuck off to the restroom and happened to let out the surprise while she was gone. It was a great time for the family, with good food and a great atmosphere!

Spencer, Ruby and Preston

Ruby's Cake

Friday was sunny all day long! It turned out to be a great day for Ruby's party. She also had a sleep over Friday night. The girls spent the night in a tent on the front lawn. It was the first rain free night we have had in 3 weeks!

History Fair

2009-05-19T19:32:00.005-06:00

Ruby recently participated in the History Fair. She chose Amelia Earhart as her subject. She spent many hours researching and preparing her presentation. She developed the story board, complete with a timeline, all on her own. She did an outstanding job!

Lady, Molly and Ruby

Photo taken: May 19, 2009

Dad's New Truck

2009-05-19T19:05:00.003-06:00

I have wanted a new truck for years. Well the time has finally come. Dealers are sure willing to deal at the moment, so I pulled the trigger and bought me a new truck.

Spencer, Ruby, Molly, Preston and Angela

Photo taken: May 19, 2009

Oh My Golly, Meet Miss Molly!

2009-05-10T17:38:00.005-06:00

I have been prodding Angela for several weeks now to get a dog. She hasn't been to keen on the idea. Our friend Katie had some puppies to give away, so she started to bug Angela also. She finally caved in and we surprised the kids with a puppy yesterday. She is mostly black lab, with a little border collie in her. The kids decided that Molly was a fitting name, so meet Miss Molly!

Angela, Lady, Spencer, Ruby, Molly, and Spencer

Photo taken: May 10, 2009

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T12:44:00.004-06:00

A Happy Mother's Day to all those special Moms. Especially to my Mother Hazel, to my Mother-in-law Janet, Sisters Susan, Kerrie, and Rachael, Sister-in-laws Angie, Jackie, and Mary, and Daughter Ashley. But most of all to my wife Angela!

Ruby made this very nice bouquet, at activity day, for Angela. I think she did an excellent job.

Photo taken: May 10, 2009

White Belt Ruby

2009-05-05T18:47:00.002-06:00

Ruby and the boys have been taking karate lessons. Ruby recently earned her white belt. Since she earned her belt, Mom forked out the money to buy her a new uniform.

Photo taken: May 5, 2009

Spencers Itch!

2009-05-02T16:53:00.005-06:00

Early this morning Spencer had an 'itch' to take a hike to the pond up the draw from our house. He tried to get the other kids to go along, but they didn't have an interest. I told Spencer if he would let me get some breakfast in me, then I would go along with him! He was excited. Spencer and I made omelets together, and after our hearty breakfast we headed out for our hike. Now that Dad was going along, the other kids decided that they wanted to go also.

Ruby crosses the stream on a log. Spencer is following with a large bone that he just had to take home!

Jacob Walker, Preston, Spencer and Ruby. Spencer still has that bone in hand.

Preston decides he has to take home a big stick! Why do boys always have to carry home something?

Halfway home Preston gives his stick to Dad to carry.

Photos taken: May 2, 2009 The last photo taken by: Preston

Montana

2009-05-02T10:31:00.004-06:00

Last week I spent in Montana, receiving some professional development training. On Monday the group toured the Apollo Gold's Montana Tunnels Mine. I opted not to take the tour, and spent the day on my own little tour of Western Montana. I drove from Butte to Missoula on I 90, and then followed Montana Highway 2 from Missoula to Helena, then followed I 15 back to Butte.

I took this photo on highway 2 at the turn off to Glacier National Park.

This photo was taken at Fleshier Pass, on the Continental Divide.

Photo's taken: April 27, 2009

Aye Maties - Spencer and Preston are 7!

2009-04-25T09:18:00.004-06:00

The boys turned 7 last Tuesday, the 21st of April! They had there party yesterday. They had a pirate theme. They even went on a treasure hunt and found a lost bootie! They had a great time.

Pictured clockwise starting with Preston (front left); Preston, Bryson, David, RJ, Spencer, Trent, Jacob, and Hazen.

Photo taken: April 24, 2009

Window to Zion

2009-04-15T18:05:00.004-06:00

While on our recent vacation to Zion National Park, we let the kids each buy a poster. Spencer picked this HUGH poster and had me hang it at the bottom of the stairs tonight.

After it was hung Spencer said; "it looks like a window with Zion Park outside our house".

Spencer

Photo taken: April 15, 2009

EGG-TASTIC

2009-04-15T17:59:00.003-06:00

The kids enjoying the annual egg coloring!

Ruby, Savanah Walker, David Walker, Spencer, Preston

Photo taken: April 11, 2009

Come To Zion

2009-04-06T19:36:00.009-06:00

This past week was spring break for the kids. This year we decided that it would be a great time for a vacation. You see spring in Star Valley is 'snow' much fun! We picked a warmer clime to spend a few days. We decided to go to Zion National Park. Some how we talked Ashley into coming along. We met up with Ashley, in Ely, at Grandpa and ma Howes' house. From there we traveled to St. George and Zion.

Along the way we stopped at the Salt Flats. The boys seem to have a blast each time we take a break on the Flats.

Near Panaca Nevada we stopped for a break at Cathedral Gorge. It was sunny, but windy.

Angela Enjoying the View

Ruby

Wesley, Ruby, Ashley, and Mellany

Wesley, Ashley, and Mellany

We arrived at Zion Wednesday afternoon. We checked into are motel room and relaxed!

From the Deck of Our Motel Room

From the Front of the Motel

Thursday we spent hiking the trails in the park.

Mellany, Spencer, Ruby, Wesley, and Preston - Watching a Deer Feed

Ruby, Spencer, Me, Mellany, Preston, Ashley, and Wesley

Angela, Spencer and Preston

Near Lower Emerald Pool

Preston, Ruby, Wesley, and Spencer - On the Trail to the Narrows

Preston, Ruby and Spencer - Middle Emerald Pool

Wesley and Ashley, Middle Emerald Pool

Saturday we visited a Dinosaur Muesem on Johnson Farm, in St. George.

Spencer and Preston

Wesley, Ruby, Mellany, Spencer and Preston

Spencer and Preston

Photos taken: March 31, April 1, April 2, April 3, and April 4, 2009 By: Craig, Angela, and Ruby

Where In the Heck Have I Been?

2009-02-16T18:53:00.002-07:00

I have now received 3 emails asking where I have been lately.

Most of my weekends have been on the road. Mostly to Salt Lake. Grandma Howes had open heart surgery about a month ago. I spent a week in SLC when she had her surgery, and have returned most weekends to see her.

This past weekend the family spent the weekend in Idaho Falls.

In between I have just been busy. I do have some catching up to do and will make the effort over the next few days.

Craig

10 Year Washcloth

2009-01-13T08:48:00.003-07:00

While traveling to Idaho Falls this past Saturday, Angela began to knit on a washcloth that she has been working on. After keeping at the task for some time she held it up and said to me "look how far I have got, I now have 30 rows completed!"

I began to laugh. I couldn't help myself. "Wow!", I said, "What an accomplishment! You are averaging 3 rows per year!"

She slugged my arm and told me "Your not very nice". But she had to laugh too. You see Angela started this washcloth one night at home enrichment about the time Ruby was born! It has traveled with us through a couple of moves and has been packed away for all these years. Angela came across it again just before Christmas, and began to finish it. Yesterday when I came home from work, she held up some knitting of a washcloth of about 10 rows. She told me she lost her stitch and had to start over. She was just kidding me, she actually finished it and had started another so she could have a match set. Maybe I'll be doing another blog in 2019!

Washcloth - 10 years in the making

Photo taken: January 12, 2009 By: Ruby

What a Head of Hair!

2009-01-11T19:15:00.001-07:00

Emily and Isaac Walker

Little Isaac is 7 weeks old. I visited Emily and Isaac in the hospital the day he was born. I have never seen a new born with a head of hair like Isaac's.

Photo taken: January 11, 2009

What a Cartoon!

2009-01-09T15:58:00.007-07:00

You may remember the photo above from a post I did back in October. The 3 friends in this photo all work at Simplot with me. Ki Ealey is the Maintenance Manager, Robert (Whompa) Roberts, is the safety specialist, and Jeff Miller is the HR Manager. This particular hunting trip caused a lot of 'talk' at work. You see Jeff shot an antlerless elk in an antlered only area. It was a mistake and it was reported. Jeff received a $210 fine, and was allowed to keep his hunting privileges and the elk! But of coarse, at work he took a lot of ribbing.

Recently this cartoon started popping up on the walls in the office at work! It was drawn by Harold Sweeny, a Mechanic. I think it is great!

2009-01-07T17:53:00.005-07:00

Each year at the annual Howes Christmas party, we have a gift exchange. For the adults this consist of everyone bringing a $5.00 gift. We draw numbers and the fun begins. This year I drew number 1, which isn't the best number to draw. The first person picks a gift from the pile. Then number 2 has the option of taking number ones gift or picking his own. Number three can take any gift or choose one from the pile. This goes on until all the gifts have been pick. So the last person ends up with the pick of the lot! Gag gifts are common at the Howes party. This year Angie (courtesy of Jared Smith), picked the gag gift of the year! For some reason no one took it away from her!

Isn't She Pretty?

Photo taken: January 3, 2009

Annual Howes Family Christmas Party

2009-01-06T19:35:00.008-07:00

Saturday, January 3rd, the annual Howes Family Christmas party was held at Grandma and Grandpa's house.

Troy Takes the Kids for a Sled Ride!

Ruby, Spencer, Preston, and Carson Taking Their Turn

Kerrie and Kyle

Connie Lou and Ruby

Jared

Jay Taken Care of the Dogs

Jackston Enjoys the Homemade Pizza

Yumm! Homemade Pizza

Dalton Enjoys a Dog

Zachary Enjoys a Banana

Tyden is Cool!

IN THE AFTERNOON THINGS REALY PICKED UP!

Randy

Troy

Jessica and Gabriel

Jay and Connie Lou

Angie Looks Happy

Angela is Looking?

Jessica and Gabriel

Look at All Them Boys! At least Ruby Now Has Some Company There On The End!

And The Gift Giving

Gifts From the Heart

2008-12-25T18:12:00.004-07:00

Last Christmas Grandma Howes made all the grandkids fleece blankets. Grandpa didn't think the blankets were that good of an idea, but the kids have absolutely loved them. They were a huge hit. This year Angela made the boys robes and PJ's to match their blankets. Thanks to Grandma Wooner for finding the material needed to match Spencer's blanket.

Angela did a great job, and the boys love them!

Preston and Spencer Wearing Their Robes and PJ's

Photo taken: December 25, 2008

Christmas Morning

2008-12-25T17:31:00.003-07:00

I know it is hard to believe, but it's true! The kids had us up at 5:30 this morning... The sun wasn't even up yet.

Think Preston is Excited?

Spencer in His New Chair Sporting His New Cap!

Ruby Checking Out Her Hair Dryer!

Santa was pretty good to the kids this year. Their big present was an Xbox with 4 different games.

Mom made the boys fleece robs and PJ's. I will post a blog about them next.

Photo's taken: December 25, 2008

Gingerbread Houses

2008-12-24T17:37:00.002-07:00

Preston and Spencer made these fine 'gingerbread' houses, out of 'graham crackers' in school this past week. Spencer wanted to munch on his tonight, and Mom wouldn't let him until Dad had a picture!

Preston and Spencer

Photo taken: December 24, 2008

The Stockings Were Hung By The Chimney With Care

2008-12-22T14:15:00.002-07:00

Spencer, Ruby, Preston

Photo taken: December 21, 2008

Christmas Lights

2008-12-21T16:55:00.002-07:00

Yesterday evening we took a ride around the valley to enjoy the holiday lights. It is somewhat of an annual tradition for are family. After we had our fill of the decorations, we stopped at Burger King and enjoyed a hamburger together.

Photos taken: December 20, 2008

Preston and Spencer's Ornaments

2008-12-19T16:40:00.003-07:00

Today Angela and I went to Preston and Spencer's class at school. The class told us about what they have been learning about Christmas. They have learned about traditions from each continent. Then they showed to us, decorations they had made that represent a tradition of Christmas for each continent. This afternoon they hung their decorations on our tree.

South American Fruit Basket

A Penguin

European Stained Glass

Photos taken: December 19, 2008

Ruby's Ornaments

2008-12-17T18:20:00.004-07:00

Ruby made these fine Christmas ornaments out of popcicle sticks and yarn, at school.

Ruby with Her Green and Red Ornament

All Three On the Tree!

Photos taken: December 17, 2008

Prestons Favorite Recipe

2008-12-14T18:30:00.002-07:00

Sometime ago Ruby made the family Shepherds Pie. She got the recipe from a cookbook, that we had bought her, for kids. We have modified the recipe somewhat since then but we still make it often. It is absolutely Preston's favorite recipe. He often ask for it, and when we do have it he always has seconds, and sometimes thirds!

A GIRL!

2008-12-14T09:52:00.006-07:00

Ruby and Connie Lou

Girls are a rare thing in the Howes family. My parents now have 31 grand, and great grand kids. With the birth of Constance Louise to my sister Racheal and her husband Jay the count now stands at 27 boys and 4 girls. If you have a look at kids that are under the age of ten, the count was 20 + boys and 1 girl; Ruby. Now she has some company, and Ruby couldn't be happier!

Congratulations to the Gubler family and there new little sister.

Photo taken: November 29, 2008

Thanksgiving Trip

2008-12-13T12:27:00.006-07:00

We traveled 1,500 miles over the Thanksgiving holiday. We drove to Twin Falls Idaho Tuesday night after I got off of work. Wednesday we drove to Fallon. We had Thanksgiving dinner at Grandpa and Grandma Wooners house.

Ruby Mashes the Spuds!

Glen Carves the Bird

Grandma Made the Best Dinner Ever!

Ashley and Melissa Laughing at ME!

Wesley and Mellany Behind Bars!

Preston Chowin Down

Mellany and Wesley Finishing Up

Photos taken: November 27, 2008

The CHRISTmas Tree - 2008

2008-12-07T20:28:00.006-07:00

The Hunt

Ruby, Preston, Spencer

The Perfect Tree
Preston, Ruby, Spencer

Loaded
Angela

Is it Straight
Spencer

The Decorating Begins
Spencer, Ruby, Preston

Getting it Perfect
Ruby, Preston

Almost Done
Ruby, Spencer, Preston

Great Work
Spencer, Ruby, Preston

Photos taken: December 6, 2008

Where the Heck Have We Been?

2008-12-05T19:05:00.002-07:00

I haven't had access to a computer, (at home), the past few weeks. Ours has been having problems, and I finally had enough of it, so I ordered a new one. It arrived today! So now the Howes Family is connected to the world once again. I still need to download some software and install the hard drive off the old computer onto the new one, but it is nice being connected once again. I have a lot to catch up on, and I promise to over the next week or so. So check back, there will be new content...Promise!

NFL Week 11 Results and Week 12 Picks

2008-11-20T18:07:00.002-07:00

Angela's Picks

Craig's Picks

This Past week Angela won! She beat me by one game. For the year I am well ahead of Angela. I am up on her by 14 games. I am so far ahead there is almost no chance for her to catch me. however if you look at it week to week, I have won 6 times and Angela has won 5. Much closer. And not only that she has won 4 out of the last 5 weeks!

I Spy

2008-11-16T15:56:00.003-07:00

I Spy

Photo taken: November 15, 2008

NFL Week 10 Results and Week 11 Picks

2008-11-16T14:25:00.003-07:00

Last week Angela and I picked the exact same games, which was pretty amazing considering that there were no bye's, so we were the same on 16 games. Even more amazing we only missed 1 game last week. 15 for 16 is impressive! So who won? Well Angela did! She beat me by score on Monday Nights game!

By the way, I am still whooping the so called experts over at ESPN.

Now for this weeks picks. We didn't do a repeat of last week and pick them all the same.

Angela's Picks

Craig's Picks

Check back next week to see how we did.

All in a Days Hunt

2008-11-09T16:42:00.006-07:00

Friday I went hunting with John Cunningham. John is the Safety and Enviromental Manager at Smoky Canyon. We where hunting elk. We finally saw four elk very late in the day, that were very far off. We did not have time to put a stalk on them. however we did see all kinds of wildlife throughout the day.

This beaver was working hard at building a damn in the nearby creek. He was puttting the hurt to several aspen trees.

We saw deer all day along, including these four. We saw several nice bucks. Of coarse deer season is closed in the area we were hunting!

We also saw a few moose, including this cow and calf. Besides the animals above we also saw a couple of golden eagles, a badger and lots of water fowl.

Photos taken: November 7, 2008

Witch Emily

2008-11-08T22:57:00.006-07:00

Halloween night we participated in a couple of the local trunk-or treat activities. Auburn had a trunk-or-treat at 6:00, and then Afton had theirs at 7:00. It was great fun. Emily came as herself! OOPs...just kidding she dressed as a witch, and a good one at that! She made her own costume! The homemade costumes are always so much better, don't you think?

After trunk-or-treating we let the kids hit a couple of streets in town. We went down Madison Ave. When we came to 5th street the kids knocked on the door of the house the we rented for 6 months, when we first arrived in Star Valley. I asked the kids if they recognized the house. The boys did not at all, and Ruby said, "yah??? It looks familiar, but I can't quite place where I remember it from"! The house has been fixed up very much since we lived there! It is now a much nicer house.

The Headless Horsemen made an unexpected appearance at the trunk-or-treat in Afton. It is truely one of the best costumes I have ever seen! It sure is a local hit.

Photo taken by Angela: October 31, 2008

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

2008-11-08T13:46:00.003-07:00

Fresh From the Oven

Each year at Halloween, Angela makes us a batch of roasted pumkin seeds! The kids and I love them. They are easy to make, the hardest part is getting the gunk cleaned from the seeds.

Photo taken: November 1, 2008

NFL Week 10 Picks

2008-11-08T13:33:00.002-07:00

Angela and I picked exactly the same games this week. We have been picking for years now, and I can't remember a time when we both picked exactly the same! So this week it will come down to the score, so this week I will post are picks for the total score of Monday nights game.

Angela - 51

Craig - 39

NFL Week 9 Results

2008-11-08T13:24:00.003-07:00

How time flies! I have so many things that I have meant to post about lately that I haven't got to yet. I am going to try and do some catching up today!

Here it is Saturday and I haven't posted last weeks results for our weekly pickum contest. That wouldn't be so bad but one game for week 11 is already in the books!

This past week I bested Angela by a single game. She has been in a groove lately, and has been picking very well.

Preston and Spencer's Costumes

2008-11-03T20:09:00.002-07:00

We took the easy way out with Preston and Spencer this year. We bought their costumes! Shame on us!

Photo taken: October 31, 2008

Master Pumpkin Carvers

2008-11-02T22:14:00.005-07:00

This year Dad handed over the carving tools and let the kids do their own! I didn't help in the least bit!

Preston's is Always Going to do Something Goofy

Spencer's Distorted Face

Ruby's Snaggle Tooth

Photos taken: October 29, 2008

The Ward Social

2008-11-02T19:27:00.007-07:00

Last Tuesday the Auburn Ward had a social. Carnival type booths were set up for the kids to enjoy, and homemade corn dogs, and homemade rootbeer were served!

It's a' Brewin'

Sister's Makin' the Dogs

Ruby Enjoying Her Dog

Spencer and Savanah Throwing Darts

Preston and Joseph Throwing Darts

Tate Shows Off His Face Painting

Savanah with Her Butterfly

Zan is Brave!

Adam Clowning Around

Photos taken: October 28, 2008 Most of them by: Angela

Ruby's Costume Creation

2008-11-02T11:58:00.003-07:00

Since joining 4H, Ruby has really taken an interest in sewing. This year she decided to make her own Halloween costume. Last time we were in Evanston, Ruby picked out the pattern and the material. She worked on the costume for about a week, finishing it up on Halloween.

I think Ruby did a stupendous job, don't you?

Ruby and Angela Prepare the Pattern

Ruby Sews on the Collar

Ruby Models Her Costume

Photos taken: October 26th and 31st, 2008

NFL Week 9 Picks

2008-11-01T14:21:00.004-06:00

Craig's Picks

Angela's Picks

Angela has won the last 2 weeks! Can she make it 3 in a row?

NFL Week 8 Results

2008-10-29T19:53:00.003-06:00

Well, well... Angela got the better of me this week! And it didn't even take a tie breaker. Thats two weeks in a row. I better start taking this just a little bit more serious!

The HEADLESS HORSEMAN of STAR VALLEY

2008-10-27T18:56:00.003-06:00

A yearly Halloween tradition, in the town of Afton, is the appearance of a Headless Horseman. The ghastly soul roams the city streets amoungst the many trick or treaters, looking for his lost head. This year the ghoul appeared at the fairgrounds!

I must mention the horsemen is actually a young lady, and she has been delighting the locals with her marvelous costum and steed for the past couple of years.

Photo taken: October 25, 2008

Whats for Dinner?

2008-10-26T18:40:00.004-06:00

Angela had dinner cooking all day in the crock pot. She was cooking up chicken stew for us. This afternoon I saw her mixing baking soda with water. "What are you doing with that?", I asked. "Making the gravy", she said. I thought it odd, but shrugged it off. She's the cook she knows what she is doing.

"It's never done this" I heard Angela say. I looked over at the stove and the stew was foaming over the top! It hit me! "You used baking soda instead of cornstarch"!

She is going to kill me for posting this, but sometimes I just can't help myself!

Not one of my favorite recipes! ;-)

Baking Soda Stew

Photo taken: October 26, 2008

Bobbin' for Donuts

2008-10-25T21:06:00.002-06:00

We went to the annual Halloween Carnival at the fairgrounds tonight. The kids had a great time trying their luck at the different booths.

Ruby

Spencer

Preston

Photos taken: October 25, 2008

NFL Picks - Week 8

2008-10-25T11:40:00.002-06:00

Craig's Picks

Angela's Picks

We are to week 8 all ready, nearly half way through the season. I am quite certain that my team WILL NOT LOSE, this week! Of coarse they will not win either, since they have a bye.

Pico De Gallo

2008-10-24T19:45:00.003-06:00

While on or recent trip to Las Vegas, cousin Patty Larez put on an awesome feed for us. One of the dishes she made was Pico De Gallo. Since returning we have made it several times, and it has become a family favorite!

The kids love it! It makes for a great after school snack. We also use it as a filler for taco's. Some how it disappears during the middle of the night. Hmm... wonder where it goes?

You can adjust the ingredients to your own taste. Again thanks to Patty for this great recipe!

Picture taken: October 24, 2008

NFL Week 7 Results

2008-10-20T22:54:00.003-06:00

This week Angela and I finished in a tie, 8 games each. However; each week we both predict the total of both teams score for Monday nights game. In the event of a tie who ever picks closest to the total wins that week. So the prize this week goes to ..........Angela. What is the prize you ask? Just the satisfaction of beating me!

More of the Hunt

2008-10-20T17:56:00.004-06:00

Late Morning Moon

Snooze Time

Bob Roberts (Whompa)

Rehydrating

Jeff Miller

Sandwich Time

Bob Coggins

Plastic Keeps the Food Clean!

Ki Ealey

Photos taken: October 18, 2008

A Great Day Hunting

2008-10-19T18:25:00.005-06:00

Saturday I spent the day elk hunting with some good friends. We went up Murphy's Creek, which feeds the Greys River. We packed in on mules about 5 miles and then hunted the head of the creek near the summit of the Salt River Range.

Whompa

Near the Top

We ran into some good hunting here. I saw a very nice 5 point mule deer. When got into the elk pretty thick. Ki Ealey took a couple of shots, down below me. I saw several very nice bulls running across a snow field. I didn't have a gunners mate to feed me coordinates, so I refrained from shooting! Jeff Miller took two shots above me. I made the mistake of hiking off the hill to see how Ki had did. He missed.

Shortly there after we learned that Jeff had shot one. Of coarse at the very top of the mountain.

Jeff (standing), Whomp, Bob Coggins, and Ki Ealey

How come Jeff shot it and everyone else is cleaning it? It's the first elk jeff has ever shot! A small calf, but an elk just the same.

Ki, Jeff, and Whompa

On the Trail Out

Ki, Myself, Whompa and Jeff

(We are the ones on two legs)!

Photos taken: October 18, 2008

Last photo taken by: Bob Coggins

Emily

2008-10-17T18:13:00.004-06:00

Emily

When we first moved to Star Valley we had to find a house to buy. We looked at many houses before making an offer on the house we now live in. Out of all the houses we looked at, the choice came down to two. Ours and a house just up the road a bit. That house belonged to the Walkers. Since then they decided not to sell and still live there to this day. Lucky for us, things turned out the way they did. We couldn't ask for better friends!

Emily is about to have a new baby boy! He will be her sixth child. Emily is a great mother.

Photo taken: October 17, 2008 By: Angela

NFL Picks - Week 7

2008-10-17T13:31:00.002-06:00

I have changed the format this week. Angela and I have seperate sheets. I think I like it that way better.

Angela's Picks

Angela's picks look pretty good to me. She picked Chicago over Minnesota. I always pick the Vikings, they're my team! But She will probably get me on that one. However picking Kansas City (1-4) to beat Tennessee (5-0) is a long shot! You never know? That is why they play the game.

Craig's Picks

Of coarse my picks are perfect! However; New Orleans vs. Carolina, Indy at Green Bay and Denver at New England were tough calls for me.

We'll see how it all works out!

NFL Week 6 Results

2008-10-13T21:40:00.002-06:00

I picked 9 right this week, while Angela got 6. I have ran out to a 15 point lead on her now in just six weeks. The thing is Angela isn't doing all that bad. I am still smoking ALL of ESPN's so called experts, and their Accuscore computer system, that is powered by 10,000 simulations for each game to derive the most likely outcome.

Also check out the Yahoo Experts! I am up on ALL of them also! Do you think that maybe I can get one of the big Sports networks to hire me? Give me the big bucks for my intellectual insight?