I had the chance to go home this weekend, and go on a hunting trip with my Mom, Dad, Uncle, and Grandpa. I can honestly say it was one of the best experiences I've ever had. The time spent with my family was exactly what I needed after a long week of school; it's also one I will treasure forever. Good company + good food + good laughs + good memories = a happy Kenna <3

Grandpa was diagnosed with cancer last year, and had not been hunting since. This was his first hunt since his diagnosis; he was hunting a buffalo. Needless to say, Grandpa's still got it! ;) Hunting to my grandpa is like ice cream to little kids. He can't get enough of it, and his face lights up whenever he's in the mountains.

I think I will now let the pictures do the talking. 

Pictures really are worth one thousand words.

Enjoy!

Photo Credit: Janece Kenney Photography (Dad, Grandpa, Uncle Tige)

Photo Credit: McKenna Phillips

Photo Credit: Janece Kenney Photography

Photo Credit: Janece Kenney Photography

Photo Credit: Janece Kenney Photography

Photo Credit: McKenna Phillips

Photo Credit: McKenna Phillips

Photo Credit: McKenna Phillips

Photo Credit: McKenna Phillips (My beautiful, talented momma)

Photo Credit: Janece Kenney Photography

Photo Credit: Janece Kenney Photography

Photo Credit: Janece Kenney Photography

Photo Credit: Janece Kenney Photography

Photo Credit: Janece Kenney Photography (Me, Dad, Mom, Grandpa, Uncle Tige)

Photo Credit: McKenna Phillips

Photo Credit: Janece Kenney Photography (Mom & Grandpa - Precious)

Photo Credit: McKenna Phillips

Photo Credit: McKenna Phillips

Photo Credit: Janece Kenney Photography (The crew)

Photo Credit: McKenna Phillips

Photo Credit: Janece Kenney Photography

Photo Credit: McKenna Phillips

Photo Credit: Janece Kenney Photography

Photo Credit: McKenna Phillips (Grandpa right after his shot; he's as happy as a little kid on Christmas!)

"I love you a bushel and a peck, and a hug around the neck, Grandpa."

I'm Linking Up With:

Blog-tember // Challenge // Traditions // SEP. 12

T R A D I T I O N S

I am so excited to be participating in Bailey Jean's Blog-tember Challenge! I am racing against time to get this post written, and posted on the link-up BEFORE THE NIGHTS OVER (1 hour and 30 minutes left... I can do this)!! This tradition of mine that I chose to share with all of you is one that I look forward to every year! So what is this.... tradition? Let me share with you some photos from the past few years, and I'll let you take a guess....

So? What did you guess? Well, if you guessed my families annual, Thanksgiving shoot...... YOU ARE CORRECT!! :P Hi-five for being super smart! As I upload these pictures It brings this gigantic smile to my toasty cheeks. What I see in them are my family members smiling, laughing, and having fun; I don't know what makes me more happy than that! 

This so-called "Thanksgiving Shoot" is some-what of a game. We have a score sheet. We DO keep track of points. We ARE competitive.  Did I mention that I won second place two years ago? No? Oh, haha.... well.... ;) I'm not gonna lie; I'm quite the clay pigeon shooter; however, those bunny rabbit clay pigeons are a joke.... they should have never been invented (mad face emoji)!! 

Lets forget about the prizes now, and focus on the real reason why I love this tradition.... It's all about that food 'bout that food 'bout that food (cue "all about that base" song) you guys! Oh myyyyy goodness my Grandma makes THE BEST home-style, country grub in the entire world. No really, I'm not exaggerating. Normally, it's quite chilly in our corner of the state around Thanksgiving; hence, why we are all bundled up! So, what a better way to warm up than a warm bowl of chili, tortellini soup, or homemade chicken noodle soup with a side of homemade rolls!?! Not to mention the dessert that follows!

It's almost time for Thanksgiving Shoot 2014..... I am more than ready to freeze my hands and cheeks off, show up my fam (I probably just jinxed myself), laugh a lot, smile a lot, and eat a lot of down-home country-cooked food! 

I'M LINKING UP WITH:

Palisade Peach Festival 2014

The following information is directly from the Palisade Peach Festival Website

A bit of history: Early historical records from The Museum of Western Colorado indicate that “Peach Days” was a popular event held in the late 1800s. Some of the first peach trees in the area were planted in 1882 by John Harlow and his wife, Jean. John built a canal system that brought water from the Colorado River into Palisade (which was finished in the late 1800's); by the early 1900's more than 25,000 pounds of peaches were being shipped daily from Palisade to destinations around the region. Palisade soon grew as a town and other fruit crops followed such as apples, apricots and cherries.

Today, Palisade peaches are the pride of Colorado, world-famous and shipped far and wide. They are sought after by people who drive hundreds of miles to taste the best and take several bushels home to preserve and enjoy throughout the year.

We didn't get a funnel cake, but if you've never had one....you're really missing out. It's basically fried bread covered in powdered sugar... are you slobbering yet?

My cute friend!!

Dun Dun Dun.... the FAMOUS Palisade Peach Ice Cream :) It was definitely worth spending my 3 bucks!

Soo..... this was new this year. Taylor was brave enough to do it! I on the other hand, stood on the sidelines and took pictures :)

There she goes! What a daredevil!

Of course, I couldn't NOT buy a bag of homemade kettle corn.... another thing that was definitely worth spending 3 bucks :)

That hair though!... Tay and I decided that this is what we want to be for Halloween this year.... thoughts? :)

To anyone who plans on going next year, I recommend going around 7 or 7:30 in the evening (it ends at 9 PM). Why? The weather was perfect; it wasn't scorching hot. Last year when I went with my family we went in the middle of the day, and will never do so again (unless of course we want to be wiping beads of sweat off our foreheads the entire time.... isn't that cute).

 From the homemade peach ice cream, to the 80's party jam afterwards, and everything in-between, Tay, my roommate/buddy ol' pal, and I had such a great time at the festival this year! I hope you enjoyed the pictures, and have a wonderful, relaxing, peaceful Sunday :)

-- McKenna <3