Trap Shooting and a Birthday Party

(This post is a little late because I was waiting to get pictures from my mom and sisters because we forgot our camera. But, without further ado...) 

On May 25th, my awesome Dad turned 50. We wanted to throw him a big birthday party, but he isn't really into that kind of thing. Instead he requested that the family get together in Wyoming for some trap shooting and quality time. We all agreed that shooting in Wyoming would be the perfect way to celebrate Dad's birthday, but we couldn't resist having a birthday announcement put up on the marquee at Steph's. "Happy 50th Scott Walker." I love living in a small town. Dad was a little embarrassed, but I think all in all it was awesome because for several days people were wishing him a happy birthday - and he deserves all the birthday wishes in the world. 

He saw the sign on the way out of town, but he didn't have long to dwell on it because the rest of the day was full of fun, family, and flying clay-pigeons. 

We had a great time. I hadn't been shotgun shooting for years. Probably like five years at least. But I am happy to say that I've still got skills. In fact, I was pretty impressed with all of my siblings. We used to go shooting quite a bit when we were younger, but we don't make it out as often anymore. However, we were all still pretty good and that made it an even more fun time together.  (You can see Jacob in the pictures above, but he had to leave early to get back to work - so he isn't in the pictures below. But he was there. Also, most of the time David was walking around in the field behind us with Lydia because she wasn't happy about having to keep her earmuffs on.) I love these pictures:

  

After Lydia got sick of walking around with David, they decided to come and play in Great-grandpa's truck. She was a happy girl, but when she saw me and I waved - she started crying her little heart out until I came and sat with her. I wasn't complaining - I love to sit and chat with my David-love and little girl. She was being so silly and loved to play with the steering wheel. I was so impressed with her, she was even able to climb all the way up on it, even though it was moving around and wasn't super stable. She is such a climber-girl. So sweet and funny.     

Some more pictures of our trap shooting extravaganza: 

   Our little family (Jacob, Melissa, Jenna, Me, Dad, Mom, David, and Lydia) was also joined by several cousins (Josh Taylor, Chris Rae, Michael and Jennifer Rae), Uncles (Marti Walker and John Taylor), my Aunt Kim Walker, and my Grandpa Walker. Also, one of Melissa's friends, Blake along as well.

My mom was sitting and watching us, and said that she had never shot a shotgun before. I can't believe that is true, but if you think about it, when we would go a lot there was always a baby/small child around and so she spent most of her time watching them. (And trap shooting isn't really her thing anyway). Regardless, we got a few good pictures of her joining in on the party!

After we got through shooting, we came back to my Grandma and Grandpa Walkers house for some yummy carrot cake. (My dad's secret recipe.)

As part of mine and David's birthday present for my dad, we went out and took some pictures of the old buildings around his house. Unfortunately, my camera ran out of batteries so we are going to have to go and finish up later, but these are some of the fun pictures that I was able to capture. Next time we go up we will finish taking the pictures and then get them printed for my dad. 

It was so fun to walk around with my dad and have him tell David and I all about what each building was for, when it was built, and memories of his life. It was as much a birthday present for me as it was for him. I loved spending that time with him and can't wait to get back and finish taking pictures. 

(This is a game where there is a hook on the pole and a ring tied to the string and you have to step all the way back and swing the string to hook the ring. Both David and my dad hooked the ring after only a couple of tries. I wasn't as good at it.) 

Happy Birthday (and Happy Early Fathers Day) to my wonderful dad. I'm so very lucky to have grown up with him in my life. I love you Dad!

p.s. I also put this cute little collage together to give to my dad for his birthday.