The Ranch

We spent a night at Grandpa's house and then headed for the Ranch.  My family owns property in the mountains of Cedar City, and amidst the acres of land lies a small A-frame cabin.  I grew up visiting there every summer when I was growing up.  It has been at least 10 years since I was last there.  Maybe having babies and living on the east coast has something to do with it.  I have been aching to go back and to share this part of my childhood and family history with my kids.  Plus my kids LOVE camping.

Stopped at Ben and Brittany's to caravan.  I think this arm wrestle was to decide where to go eat?  I can't remember.  Jake won :)

Where the kids sleep (or should have slept, although no one really slept well)

So happy to be here!

Cutting firewood

The old (really old) sheep wagon

One of my favorite parts is just relaxing in nature

This was a fun addition and my kids could not get enough of it

Right up Rachel's alley :)

My dad made a potato gun, which was a huge hit ;)

Archery

Sunsets at the ridge...an absolute must!  A tradition...hard to beat!

Roasting s'more's, starbursts...next time we have to do the banana boats.

The nights were a little cold and long, but it was all worth it.

One of Tommy's favorite parts (he just finished writing a paper on it in school) shooting the big boy guns.

Lily and Ellia

She's got the right idea

Homemade berry icecream...MMMMMMMMMMM

Aunt Keri Jo was thrilled to have all these girl around to braid hair.

Clay pigeons (is that what they're called)

Cook springs was quite a bit smaller than I remember

So refreshing

Homemade rootbeer

Hike to the old cabin (another tradition)

For one big wish

This cabin is over 100 years old...pretty cool

Can't tell the date.  In the 90's though.  It's fun to hunt for our old tree carvings

We had a good crowd there.  It was great to spend time with my uncles again, and some of my cousins I haven't seen in probably 10+ years.

Tommy liked collecting all the empty shells

This makes me happy.

The wildflowers up there were absolutely beautiful!!

I love this place.  So many good memories

I hate goodbyes

Waterskiing

One of my good high school friends has a nice spot on this private lake in the middle of nowhere in Utah.  Seriously, it's out there!  But, so neat.  It is shared with maybe a dozen others.  It was so fun to spend time with her and do what we loved doing together 15 years ago.  

My kids are brave!  They are constantly surprising me with what they are willing to try.  Here is Rachel and Jake jumping off the roof of their boat dock.

 And even Kate did it.  I couldn't believe it.  Tommy did it as well, but I guess I didn't get a picture.

They have this big waterski that allows the kids to start from the beach.  I had tears in my eyes, it was so cute and I was so proud of them!

 Jake has been wanting to try a paddle board for a long time

In her element.  She loves kayaking!

 And Tommy discovered a new love as well.  It was so cute to watch him take this thing out all by himself, doc it on the other side of the lake to explore.

Looking good!!!

I love it!  Sadly I fell after only a few minutes and I could NOT get back up.  Hmpf!

Good times!