Labor Day Weekend 2011

 Ah, Labor Day Weekend.   Both the Sassers and the Kerrs have long standing traditions, so James and I are guaranteed a good time each year, no matter where we land.  Last year we celebrated Virgo birthdays with the Sassers down in Boca Grande, and this year it was back with the Kerrs in West Texas.

This is an annual trip for our family going back...well, certainly before my time!  I don't remember an opening Dove Season weekend that was not spent in Hamlin, Tx with our dear family friends, the Prewits.  Daddy and "Papa" Prewit were college roommates at Baylor in the late 50s, so do the math they go way the heck back.

If you haven't heard of Hamlin, it's about 15 miles outside of Sweetwater, which is about 30 miles outside of Abilene.  (If you haven't heard of Abilene either, I can't really help you there.   Maybe try listening to some old country music.)  It's a very, very small West Texas town, which is surrounded by red dirt fields and oil wells.  Perfect land for dove hunting!   It's also dry, dry and dry.  Oh, and very dusty.

The boys and gals - we're an equal opportunity family of hunters - headed out each morning and each evening, killing lots of birds and seeing lots of wildlife (coyotes, wild hogs, horned toads, etc).

Nearly extinct, but we saw one!

My sister-in-law, Missy, and I didn't necessary shoot at birds, but rather rode around on ATVs looking for birds.  You see, despite the fact that we kill so many dove, the majority of my family are also "birders" who get their kicks from searching for and identifying rare birds.   I tried to contribute, but after I got everyone worked up over what ended up being a cardinal, they lost faith in me.

The cool kids club!  (Yes, I'm teasing out of love)

For those who aren't hunting, there are the fun trips into Abilene, hanging out with friends and family, and eating, eating, eating.  This group knows how to eat.  Of course, the bounty of the hunt was thrown on the grill the last night for everyone to enjoy. If you haven't had a fresh dove breast, filled with jalepeno and cream cheese, then wrapped in bacon and grilled, well, my friend, you just aren't living right.  YUM.

Antiquing in Abilene

The Good Life

We love this Kerr family! I can't end the post without including some of my favorite shots of some of our favorite people on the planet. I have to provide color commentary on most because there was usually some funny story behind - we can be clowns:

James and my brother-in-law, Marcus, fishing out the dove that they shot over the tank.  Sure would be a good time to bring back the Weimerainers!

Kelly and Shawntel - so glad she could join us this year!  Because of her, I put on about 3 lbs.  I'm pretty sure she mixes crack in her sugar cookie dough (they are so addicting!)

Marcus and my favorite nephew, Tristan.  Holding down the fort.

Me and my honey, enjoying a Lone Star Light in a longneck.  One of the many things you can only find in Texas.

My sweet niece, Tori Claire, hanging out in the tree.

The redheads: My sister, Stephanie, and Tori

Stephanie and my Dad.  (Oh, and the newest addition to the family, mean old Pedro.)

Let me provide the background:  my dad asked James to go get them a pan for the dove.  James couldn't find one, so (being the resourceful South Georgia boy that he is) improvised by putting foil in an empty ammo box.  Oh, dear me...

The Kerr boys, plus the boys who put up with Kerr gals.  God bless their very souls - they are certainly up to no good in this picture.

The entire Kerr family!  Mother had to promise everyone that she would not use this for a Christmas card (because no one was prepared, no one had on make up, people still had bird guts on them, blah blah blah, excuses excuses), but I never promised I wouldn't add it to the blog.  :)