Santa.........Who? Where? When?

While taking the whirlwind tour of the Southeast United States from FL, NC to AR in less than 3 days, we managed to make a little time for Luke to meet the "Gift Giver", the "Cookie Thief" or as most call him Jolly 'Ole St. Nick. It is a fact that he currently resides in Pine Bluff, AR, well at least that weekend he did. Who knew? Well, Mr. Luke had several first impressions of the Jolly Guy.

1st-smiling happy

2nd-dazed & confused by the beard

3rd-100% fear

That's the last time Santa ignores daddy's request to not talk to the baby and just smile for the camera. Luke only cried for a moment and was back to smiling and questioning whether or not the white-bearded-guy was safe or not. No amber alert needed, he was no Billy-Bob Thorton. AKA "Bad Santa"...

As most with fine tastes and first Christmas' it was requested by mommy that we take some "professional" Christmas photos of Luke. Well, with a mind for creativity and a budget for a miser: a white sheet, some red wrapping paper and a Santa hat and wallah', instant professionals!!! Luke did great in our 10 minute session. Those Lil blue eyes are going to be lady killers some day. Lucky him.

Now back to our Southeast journey over the Thanksgiving Holiday. To our joyous delight, my mother and father gave in to "baby-pressure" and traveled to meet us for several days during the Turkey Holiday. The choirs of duck calls in sweet melody were just too much to resist I would assume, so they made the 10hr trek to the 'Rice and Duck Capital of the World', Stuttgart, AR.

We did many things in Stuttgart during the Wings over the Prairie Festival that week. We visited famed Mack's Prairie Wings and the RNT call shop, burnt waffles at the Best Western, hung with the locals at Walmart on Black Friday and enjoyed the 2nd Annual Raulie Brunch at the Harbor Oaks Golf Club in Pine Bluff. We enjoyed a parade of lights through the park on the lake that night and the thrilling aroma of the Pine Bluff paper mill......again.

Besides qualifying for the 73rd World Duck Calling Contest, Zach worked his calling savvy on some wary acorn-fed mallards at the Prairie Wings Hunt Club with his friend Brad Thomas(GM at the Harbor Oaks C-Club and Prairie Wings family member). Hunting was good and this was the first time that Zach and Holly have hunted the famed Arkansas Flooded Timber! It was a real treat and again we realize how deprived we are in Florida.

Holly, awaiting her call to retrieve the next timber mallard.

Jenn and Luke with the Festival Mascot "Mall R Duck", the original duck caller.

Jenn and Luke, as well as Grandma and Grandpa Raulie braved the Arkansas wet and chilly evening to watch 66 duck callers try their best to impress 5 judges. All-in-all, Zach did well, better than last year, almost making the cut to the 3rd round. He did make it into the 2nd Round, the first time any caller from Florida has done so. Zach's 2nd round routine was less than stellar and he was cut after such and achieved 33rd place out of 66. Good luck next year daddy!

Luke and mommy all bundled up during the contest.

Luke and mommy post Santa visit. He loves his momma'.

It is evident here that Grandma and Grandpa enjoyed every minute of their trip with their Grandson. They even gave Zach and Jenn a night on the town for the Callers VIP Party while they tackled baby-duty for an evening.

On a sad note, while Mom and Dad were with us in Arkansas, their lab 'Beau' passed away after almost 12 years of age. For those of us that knew him or had hunted with him. He had the birdy nose of a field champion pointer, the enormous block head of a grizzly, the stubborness of a mule, yet the heart of a best friend, son, brother and companion. As mom tells, he was very well behaved these past few years, a joy to have, but in the beginning he was as had-headed as they come. He will be missed dearly, but we know life is good on Haugen's 100 where he will spend the rest of his days in pheasant filled fields and waterfowl filled skies.

Upon our return from Arkansas, Nov 30th, Jenn celebrated her golden birthday in a truck full of 3 guys and 2 dogs for 12+ hours. Unbeknown to her, one week later we suprised her with a party full of family and friends. Here, Mommy and Luke take time for a quick photo before Luke grabs his first handful of cake:) Likely not to be the last!

We hope that the Holiday's find all of you safe & warm, with the loved ones and friends you most dearly wish to see.

Merry Christmas,

Zach, Jenn, Luke, Zoi(soon to be pregnant) and Holly