Jacob's WVU match and snow

Last weekend Jacob had a match at West Virginia University, and we decided to go ahead and stay at the Deep Creek house since it was so close by.  Jacob and Danny got up Saturday and went to the all day match (during which Jacob had some personal best scores ever!)  Hannah, Ryan and I decided to stay back at the house and have a relaxing day. 

It started to snow part way through the day, but it wasn't supposed to accumulate, so when the guys got back we drove out to dinner in the Sequoia. During dinner, it started to snow heavily.  We drove back to the house, up and down hills, but the roads were covered by 1-2 inches at this point.  Going up one  hill, the vehicle started to slide backwards!  We were all pretty freaked out, but Danny remained calm and with much patience got us up the hill.  We did slide some more though...   

When we got back to the house we checked the weather and it was calling for 5-8 more inches of snow!  We were NOT prepared for this as far as food or medications, we didn't have enough "stuff" to get snowed in.  So, we made a judgment call, and we all piled into the smaller vehicle - the Pilot.  All five of us crammed in with all our suitcases, shooting gear, a load of sheets to be washed, and the dog.  What a ride home it was!  A lot of family togetherness!  But we made it safely.  

The roads looked like this below but much much worse.  The visibility was almost zero at times.

We ended up leaving our Sequoia there, and will have to go back this next week to get it.

An adventure in the life of the Dustins.

Guilty guilty guilty...

Ryan's new favorite hobby!

Ryan has developed an interest in guns, and last weekend he and Jacob and Danny went up to the farm to blast the pumpkins we had for Halloween, among other things.  You want to see Ryan happy and smiling?  Take him shooting!   Hannah and I feel well protected!  Ryan is very mature and responsible with guns - so glad he gets to do this once in a while.

Even Grandaddy got out there and shot at some targets.

Jacob literally BLASTED one of the pumpkins...

Danny's trip to Florida

Danny got invited to Florida for a weekend to help celebrate a friend's 50th birthday, and the weekend was a huge success.  I think everybody had a great time!  They spent the weekend eating great food, hanging out in the Florida sunshine, relaxing in the hot tub, and going out in birthday boy's new boat.  When you reach our age, the toys just get bigger!

Here they all are - Craig (birthday boy), Bill, Danny, Mike and Kumu.  What a crew.

Breakfast poolside, cooked on the outdoor kitchen... all of the wives at home were so jealous!!  

Eating breakfast out on the last morning.

 Danny enjoying the gorgeous beach.  Wish I had been there with him... 

Ripley Race in Annapolis

Today we went to Annapolis for Jacob to run his second annual Ripley Race 5K!!  Danny was off in Florida having a grand ole' time at the beach with some friends, so I got up and took Jacob, Hannah and Nate (a friend of Jacob's - whose dad coincidentally also happens to be in Florida!)

It was a bit cold and breezy, but otherwise it was a beautiful autumn day with a wide array of colors on the trees, blue skies, and a wonderful feel in Annapolis as you drive through with all the fall decorations, and the yachts floating in the harbor.  Absolutely perfect day.

Jacob in front of the Navy Marine Corp. Stadium, where the run started and finished.  The runners got to run through the cobbled streets of Annapolis, in front of the courthouse, down by the marina, past the  Naval Academy,  absolutely all the best spots in Annapolis.

Jacob and Nate AFTER the race.

Afterwards we went to Middleton Tavern, a tradition for us.  We have gone there to eat after every one of Jacob's 5K runs or shooting matches that were in Annapolis.  It is a very old, historic Irish pub-like place that serves delicious meals!

Entryway to the Tavern

My oldest two teens, sitting at breakfast, waiting for the food... 

I am beyond grateful for the friendship these two share.

Acceptance Number Two!!

Here is Jacob's first set of wings!  It isn't the wings he really wants (yet!) but it may end up being a stepping stone to those Air Force wings.  He even got directly into the Aeronautical Science program! Yes. I am bragging.

Congratulations Jacob!