First Snow!

Well as we know December is right around the corner, with Thanksgiving behind us and Christmas near, we can only hope for lots of snow! With the first day that the snow actually stuck, we were sure to get the dogs out for a run. And as usual, they loved it. Every time we stopped for breaks they were all screaming at Tim and I to let them keep on, turning around and looking at us with what seemed like a big question mark hanging over their heads asking “why are we stopped?” when stopping for a water break, we turn the four wheeler off and tighten the breaks so we can water and tell each one how great they are doing….only on the day of the snow, we got the water dishes from the back of the four wheeler and to my surprise, they took off! Glad to say they didn’t get too far as Tim grabbed the machine and jumped on to put them at a halt.

First snow

Hopefully the snow will be here to stay real soon, as we are itching to get on the sleds! We are booking more and more winter festivals and tours and can’t wait to be a part in teaching people all about the sled dogs and everything in between.

Tata for now,

Briea, Tim and Peyton

                                                                                             

Thanksgiving!!!!!

Sorry to all you dedicated blog readers, I know its been awhile since our last post. Can I use the "super busy around here" excuse again?

Well today is Thanksgiving, my absolute favorite holiday in the world, and I have so much to be thankful for. First the two most beautiful girls in my life. I don't know how I ever got olong without them. A close second is my extended family who are always here to support us in all our endeavors. Third I am very fortunate to have some of the best dogs in the world always happy to see me and put a smile on my face. Oh and I guess we can not forget to mention how thankful I am that MSU is 11-1!

Lil girls first Thanksgiving today!

To get caught up on the happenings around here, when I say we have been busy that is no lie. First we are excited to announce our partnership with Treetops resort in Gaylord, Michigan. We will be giving dogsled rides up there several weekends this winter. A couple weeks ago we were invited to meet with their golf and ski pro to discuss the potential of us doing rides there and scout out a trail. The meeting went great and we set some dates to make it happen. We are looking forward to spending time up there this winter showing off the dogs and meeting new folks.

With winter fast approaching we are feeling the time crunch on getting last minute projects done. Finally got a new dog box built for the truck (just needs paint). Built the "retirement" yard for our faithful elderly dogs, prepped the puppy pen for Lucites pups (yep gonna have a December litter), and continually helping Ma and Dad move into their new place down the road.

Dog Box almost done

With the weather cool we can run dogs longer and about any time we want. So we have been opting to run more towards mid day to avoid conflict with deer hunters. All the dogs are looking good and I think this is one of the strongest, no doubt the fastest, dog teams I have ever had. Sure wish we were planning on racing some days. Also got the dogs switched over to their winter diet of meat and kibble. Sure is cool watching them enjoy eating so much!

Speaking of Deer season, we have been working pretty hard at filling the freezer. Unfortunately the deer have not been cooperating with me much this year. Don did have some success taking a nice 6 point out back one evening. Briea and I helped him cut up and package it yesterday and he was super generous in giving us a share in the meat for our help!

Don's Buck

That should about get us caught up for now. I am sure in the blur that November has been I am forgetting a few things here and there but that is the bulk of it. Off now to brew another pot of coffee, get Thanksgiving dinner on the cook, wake the girls, and watch Peytons first Macey's Parade on the TV. Gonna say a little prayer too for the Detroit Lions game.

Take care,

Tim, Briea, and Peyton

Getting Cooler....

We woke up this morning and it was 12 degrees out with a slight blanket of snow on the ground…wonderful. Although this week will be great for training dogs, I have been told it will warm up next week to almost 60. I’m hoping by the next week we will get snow snow snow! We have the new dog yard all finished and pretty much full. Thanks to mom and chuck, we were donated a small shed that makes perfect for harnesses and other such dog equipment.  

New Dog Yard Finished

                                                            

Tim has been pretty successful trapping the past week. We’ve got two beavers, a raccoon, and a mink so far and who knows, he may come back with more as he is gone checking traps right this moment. Tim decided to hike the couple miles back to the lake from our cabin the other day to check his beaver traps. I get a call about 45 minutes later from him asking if I would come get him off the road where he had hiked out and said he had left the beavers in the woods. So we went back, got a couple bungee straps and a back pack and I dropped him back off and waited for him to come back. I was confused about this as I had always pictured beavers to be small and about 15 or 20 lbs….until he came out of the woods with two HUGE beavers! Just the one weighed about 60 lbs. needless to say, I was confused no more!

First Catch

                                                                      

On another note, Tim and I went on a double date with my brother Timmy and his gal Sarah to the see a movie on Thursday. We decided to see paranormal activity 2. Scary is an understatement! I never thought I would watch a movie that would actually stress me out. The anticipation of the “jumpy” parts was sickening! If you like scary movies, this is the one for you!

Briea, Tim, and baby Peyton