The End

For the past several years Blair & I had made this winter trip to Saskatchewan for our annual Burbot Derby on Last Mountain Lake. This year we elected to go a month earlier and bring the girls with us, minus mom who needed a break.
Everyone had a good time, when asked at the end what the best part was for each, the response was; Erinn - catching the big fish with Uncle Trent, Blair - the hog hunting (of course) and Kirby - getting to see the horses!
Next year promises to be bigger and better, I know Carolyn is already counting the days, she would like it to be for 2 weeks instead of only 1!
Thanks for the hospitality to all those who put up with us whether it was for just a visit or a nights stay. See you all next year!

The Fieldstone Inn

This year's trip we found some extra time to drop in to the Fieldstone Inn.

Our friends Russ & Pam Hodgins bought this place a while back, it was a bed a breakfast at one time but now its just a family home, but what a home it is! Built in the very early 1900's its made of cut build stones and the outer walls are 2 feet thick. There are 3 floors and 2 stairwells leading to each. The kids just love playing hide & go seek since there are lots of good hiding spots.

Erinn made a new friend with Lauren who just happened to be the same age as her, only a head taller!

Blair & Tye played with Kellan who is only a year younger then them.

The Hodgins family, for those that know Russ you can see the kids didn't fall from the tree!

Russ has some horses, which appear to be more like elephants!

Blair making a new friend with King.

Kirby in her glory hanging out with Barney.

Russ & Lauren showing off with Abraham the donkey.

The Catley Ranch

Another highlight of our trip was the mandatory visit to the Catley Ranch just outside of Craven, SK along the Qu'Appelle River Valley.

Like every green blooded Saskatchewanian the Roughrider Flag was flying proudly at the entrance to the ranch.

Ice fishing was a priority the second day we were their; here's Erinn & Cody warming up in the ice shack.

Blair & Tye looking like chipmunks with their cheeks full of Spitz. An earlier generation would of had Copenhagen in there!

Cheyenne waiting for the big one!

Kirby enjoying the day and not too worried about the lack of fish biting.

Uncle Trent got a fire going on the ice and the kids had a royal feast; fish was not on the menu.

By 3:30 Uncle Trent guaranteed a fish on the ice by 4:00 or he was buying pizza for supper.

Kirby was feeling pretty confident that wasn't going to happen 28 minutes later when she put her order in with Uncle Trent for a cheese pizza.

But as promised Uncle Trent, with the help of his good luck charm, brought in a 12 pounder. More than enough to feed 6 hungry kids and 3 tired adults!

Erinn trying to hold up the fish she said she had dreamed about the night before, which played a big part in it getting caught! Maybe she's really the "Fish Fairy"!?!?!!?

The Zimmer kids hanging out by the hole!

Going for a redneck sleigh ride.

Saskatchewan Quinzy

Grandpa helped the kids build a Quinzy in their front yard.

The design got pretty intricate with two doors and a sun roof.

Blair checking out the finished product.

Erinn hanging out in the living room.

Erinn thought it was so neat she was asking people walking by if they wanted to check it out.

Snowshoeing!

Grandpa & Grandma took the kids snowshoeing one day, the just had to take advantage of all the snow!

Grandma & the kids at the start of their bush trail.

Grandpa caught up to us down the trail.

There were lots of rest breaks for those with shorter legs.

Erinn the "Bush Fairy" sitting on her throne.

Blair didn't make the entire trip, he was still played out from his hog hunt the day before!

The Mighty Hog Hunter!

Today a dream came true for Blair & I when we finally got to go wild hog hunting! My cousin Dale took us out west of home (Codette) and after trudging through thigh-high snow we finally found some pig trails.

Blair spotted this guy hanging out in the willows.

After carefully taking aim he squeezed the trigger.

The end result was a nice young sow!

Blair posing with Uncle Dale, our faithful guide.

Dad & Blair after a successful hunt!

Hurry Hard!

Finally, the kids have been forced to watch lots of curling over the years but have never actually curled, until now!

Kirby the "skip".

Erinn showing great form but having a hard time making the "hog line".

Blair looking like he knows what he's doing.

"Hurry hard!"

Team "Zimmer".

Great Grandma Visit

On Sunday the kids and dad made a trek to Saskatchewan for reading week. Carolyn stayed home for a much deserved break and some peace & quiet!

One of our first stops was to visit Great Grandma who turned 95 this year!