The family that shoots together...

...Hopefully stays together!

Our family has a new hobby, and I have been reluctant to share it.  Not because of what you'll think about it, but I am not sure what I think about it!  I have to say I am not a big fan of guns.  I have a pretty clear recollection of my neighbor losing an eye while cleaning a gun, and he got off lucky.  I have very vivid memories of getting into my little gray Nova after work one day, turning on the radio, and being shocked and saddened by the news coming out of Columbine high school in Colorado.

 So when John started talking about and then buying guns I was less than thrilled.  He has had a gun since before we got married but only went shooting occasionally.  He assures me this is because we lived in California.  Here in Utah, it's much easier to A) buy a gun and B) go shooting for fun.

Then the kids got involved. They wanted to blow stuff up too!  John took the three older sweeties, then I decided I'd better tag along and see for myself the safety rules and if they were even being followed (they were!) and what the big deal was. So, I've been a few times now and I have to say, blowing stuff up is fun! The kids are respectful of the rules and stay behind the line when they aren't shooting. They empty all the guns then all go down to the targets together to check things out. 

 Jane can do her own scope now and hit the targets.

 Jack is a natural

 The instigator of many talks and discussions about gun safety and how it's fun for everyone.

 I look so good!  I always hit my stuff so cleanly that nothing blows up.  Very disappointing but I am a good shot!

 Katie Anne pulls the trigger.

Jeffrey's getting set up.

We didn't eat as much zuchinni as we shot this year.

And we save every single milk jug...about 4 a week...

So, I don't know what you think about it, but so far it's proven to be a decent enough family activity.  (AndYes, I feel a little like a hick, just so ya know...)