While the Hubby's Away...

Most of you that know my husband know that he has an incredible passion for hunting. Now that we live in New Mexico where land is public, he is super excited to be able to experience hunting at its finest, thanks to the hunting lottery system. Basically, each year, you enter for a chance to be drawn for specific hunts, and this year, Cody was drawn for an elk bow hunt and a mule deer hunt. I will also be trying out my huntress skills in November, as I was drawn for a mule deer rifle hunt, too-- but we can discuss that more later.

Cody and his dad, Lynn, departed for the big elk bow hunt in the Gila National Forest on Thursday evening. I was so happy that Lynn got to accompany Cody on this trip, and know they're having so much fun spending some quality time together. Cody's mom and I joke that Johnson men spare nothing when it comes to packing, and this was certainly the case for this trip, too. Cody and Lynn loaded down a flatbed trailer and the bed and backseat of Cody's truck for their 5 day hunt. They had to make sure every necessity was accounted for-- everything from food to Cody's homemade cooktop made the cut. I am so anxious for them to return so that I can hear about all of the fun adventures and *hopefully* see a huge bull elk trophy!

While the guys were gone, my mom and grandparents decided to make a pit stop in New Mexico to stay with me on their way home from a week in California. They had been visiting my Aunt Julie and her family, and it just worked out perfectly for them to fly into El Paso on the way back to San Antonio. I was so grateful that they were there to keep me company while Cody was gone on his hunt. We ate well, shopped hard and did a few projects around the house that I've been wanting to scratch off my to-do list. Aren't moms and grandparents just the best?

Chocolate cake is always a necessity in the Johnston family. Thanks to Tami for the delicious recipe-- it was a hit! We did rename it "Death by Chocolate" though. :) It is sinfully good!

On Saturday morning, we ventured out to the Farmers' Market. Grandma and Grandad had not been yet and were interested in seeing all that the "Top Farmers Market in the US" had to offer. It did not disappoint! Grandma found some cute jewelry and Grandad enjoyed the fresh blackeyed peas and tomatoes that we purchased for dinner that night. He even shelled the peas for us while we shopped all afternoon. What a guy!

Mom, Grandma and Grandad at the Farmers' Market

Love my Grandma and Grandad so much!

Grandma and me doing one of the things we do best- shopping!

Mom and me- we didn't realize how long it had been since she had last visited. It was time! 

While they were here, Grandad decided that it was high time for me to learn how to play a game of 42. We had so much fun during my "training sessions" and I now feel fully confident that I can hang with my domino playin' husband, though I'm not sure my skills are quite up to par for being his partner yet. Cody and I can be quite intense in game-playing situations where we are on the same team, thanks to both of our competitive spirits. :)

The 42 master and his student

It was such a fun weekend and I loved every minute that I was able to spend with my family. Being so far away makes the time we're together absolutely priceless, and I can't wait to see everyone again at Christmas. Cody and I are so blessed with grandparents and parents that are just amazing people! 

Oh, and in case you're wondering about the outcome of the elk hunt, I'm hoping to have those pictures to post very soon!