The Gouker's: October 2017

Halloween

For Halloween this year, Brinley went as a BSU cheerleader, Hunter went as Sloth from the Goonies, Jasen went as a Marine, and Tristan went as a white rapper circa early 2000s.

Hunter's football end of the season party was today, and it was to get the boys all together one last time for the season. The team went 3-4 this year, and Hunter only got to play in 3 games, but it was still a good experience. He still went to all but 1 game, and helped cheer on his team from the sidelines every week. For the end of the season gift this year, I got 1/2 gallon water jugs for each player, and put their team logo and their name and number on each one. I also made tumblers for the coaches, as a thank you gift. I'm proud of how far this little team has come this year, and am looking forward to next year!

Football Game - Tristan

Tonight was Tristan's last football game of the season, and they won again! His team went undefeated this season, and that's awesome!

Football Game - Tristan

Tristan's team went up against the Centennial High School team tonight, and won again! They're on a roll this season!

Farmstead

We spent this afternoon at the Farmstead. We did the corn maze, pony ride, hay ride, and almost all of the rides. The kids had a great time!

Football Game -Tristan

Tonight Tristan's team played Eagle High School, and came away with another win!

Mason

It is with very heavy hearts, and profound sadness, that we said goodbye to our beloved Mason today.

We first got Mason almost 7 years ago, in December 2010, when we rescued him from one of our neighbors in Las Vegas. Our neighbor had bought him, had him very well trained, and then ended up keeping him in a crate in the garage because they weren't home much, and just didn't have time for him. So after our neighbor asked us repeatedly for a few months if we wanted him, we finally gave in and took him because we felt so bad for him. Turns out, that was one of the best decisions we ever made! Mason was a little timid at first, but we would spend hours outside with him, and he warmed right up. It definitely helped that we already had another dog his size, Angus, and they got along great. They would chase each other around the yard, and tackle one another, and crash into the house at full speed. They would keep an eye on the school and street right behind our house, and if they heard anyone, Mason would jump up and hang on the fence while Angus jumped up and down like he was on a spring.

When Cahl got a job here in Idaho, we could only bring one of the dogs with us, so made the hard choice to find Angus a new home and bring Mason. It was the right choice, since Mason was so much more calm and so well behaved, and got along so well with all of us. That's when Mason became a house dog, and spent most of his time inside. He loved being with the kids- he was always wherever they were, and would sleep in their rooms when they were gone. He tolerated tea parties with Brinley, although I know he loved the attention and treats! He loved being outside, going for walks, and camping. He especially loved being in the water- not swimming, but wading and walking around.

When we first got Rebel 2 years ago, Mason wasn't so sure about him, but after a few days of keeping his distance, he decided that Rebel was ok. They were very good friends, they were always snuggled up together, and loved playing tug of war and chase.

The last week was really hard for Mason. His back leg had swollen up and he had a really hard time walking and getting outside to potty. He stopped eating, except for treats and the cheese and lunch meat we used to give him pills. We found out later that he had a form of bone cancer, and it had most likely spread throughout his body. So we made the worst, most gut wrenching decision ever, to say good bye and not let him hurt anymore. Cahl and I took him in, and stayed with him while they gave him the medicine, until we knew that he was asleep. We all have cried more tears than we can count, and are heartbroken, but we know that he is no longer in pain. Rebel isn't quite sure what to do now, and I often find him sleeping in the spots were Mason always slept.

Mason was the best dog I have ever known, and he will be missed always.

Scout Campout

This month Cahl's scout went camping down at Bruneau Sand Dunes. They do this campout every year, and it's one of the favorites. The boys always have a great time hiking and sledding on the dunes.

Lost Tooth

Brinley lost another tooth today! She's gotten to the point where she doesn't want much help anymore, and likes to be the one to pull the tooth out by herself. She always gets really nervous, but she's always so proud!