Hunter is a hunter!

Dave took Hunter rabbit hunting in December.  He was so excited to be old enough to go on this very cold and dangerous adventure.  He woke up very early, dressed quickly and quietly in his 3 layers of UnderArmour and sweats, then the snow suit and boots to top it off.  He was sweating by the time they got in the car, but he was very grateful Mom made him dress warmly when they got out on the trails.
Hunter's Uncle Brett gave him a very special pocket knife when he turned 11 years old.  It was passed from my Grandpa Burningham to Brett and from Brett to Hunter.  Hunter has been dying to use it and was elated when we packed it in his backpack!  He went over the rules of having a knife with me and then he said, "Mom this knife is so special I am not sure I can use it. What if it gets dirty." I had to smile, he is such a sweet kid.  But I am told Dave gave him the opportunity to use it when he told Hunter to recover the first kill of the day and cutt off it's foot with his knife.  Hunter walked over to the rabbit, lifted it up in the air for Dave to see, but did not cut off the foot. He said it was a lot funner to think about and anticipate the hunt, than it was to look into the eyes of the rabbit, knife in hand, men around awaiting Hunter's arival to the realm of "Manhood".
Hunter was able to keep up with the men, up and down the hills, he never tired or fell behind.  He was a great lookout and spotted the rabbits as they dashed from bush to bush.  Hunter was able to shoot the gun, once, and his shoulder was sore for 2 days. Maybe when he is older, but for know he was content to walk and watch. 
He had a great time and looks forward to the next time the guys get together to "destroy beautiful animals of the earth" (as Hayden puts it!)