JR, Jacob and Joseph headed out to the fort for the night recently.  Lots of snow and cold but they appeared to have a good time!  Bree went with too, but I think her days of long hikes are coming to an end.  She always struggles a few days after these trips to walk...she is 9!

Celebrated this kid's 17th birthday yesterday!

He had a pretty quiet Spring Break.  Most of his friends are out of town, so he spent more time at home than usual.  He went up skiing, for the first and probably only time this season.  The snow wasn't super good, so he just had a great time.  

 

 It is spring break!!  No specific plans!  I keep telling Joseph if he wants to do something, lets make plans, but there is just not a lot to excite any of us!  It is suppose to be in the 40s/low 50s in the next 10 days.  But we are all banking on the annual Easter snow which should be coming.

Jacob recently went out with his billboard friend to do some vinyls.  He called me and told me there had been a slight mishap.  They lift conduit up with a strap and the conduit fell off and landed on top of Jacob's head.  Lots of blood but didn't appear too bad.  Ever since he broke his femur, I have told him I trust him to know his body and determine if we need to ever seek medical attention.  He told me he was fine and would go to the school medical trainer the next day and have him glue it.  Turns out it wasn't that bad and the trainer was able to glue it.

Both boys have been going to the football workouts every morning from 6-7:30, then they run home for 30 minutes then head back to school.  Really impressed, particularly with Joseph.  This is a brand new adventure for him.  There are lots of upcoming freshman at these workouts and lots of momentum for the football program and the community.  The new head football coach is making some great changes.  A lot of which will be seen over the next couple of years, but one thing he has done...found a nutritionist to come alongside these boys.  I have often challenged Jacob to nail down his food and he would be surprised at the results, but he never wanted to dive into it.  Now he is excited to learn more. The coach has also banned energy drinks, etc.  Appreciate the changes.

I have told Jacob I wanted to watch him do vinyls and after the conduit incidence, decided it was time.  I drove out to where they were working and was quite amazed at the process.  The two of them have it nailed down and each make $100 per billboard, which ends up being about 45 minutes.  Jacob always works on the ground and Braeden goes up top (this sign was about 25 feet off the ground).  Braeden's dad decided after the conduit, that he needs to get workers comp...sure liked to hear that!  (I am amazed at the 'employers' around here that want contractors, but then treat them like employees...it has provided lots of opportunity for conversations with the boys as to the pros and cons of W2 versus contractor.

A few pictures!!