Splish Splash, Not Everyone Wants A Bath!

Bonus Visit

A big heartfelt thank you to our wonderful friends, The B family who came all the way from Boston to visit us for a week. We usually only get to see them once a year, during branding in the summer. They have made the trip out for the last five years. For the first time ever, they came out during the winter to experience a new side of the ranch and New Mexico. Fortunately, the weather was very nice during their stay. Let me tell ya, they're wicked fun people!

And I must admit, they're pretty fresh! I cannot figure out why they don't want to pick up and move out here. After all, our children get along famously. I doesn't matter the activity, it's fun!

Steve, Holly, Nicole, Lexi, and Stevos-- We miss you!

We're so glad we had the chance to see you.

Buckin' Hay

Yes! Time for more child labor. Admit it--you like it! Who doesn't like to see some children slaving away? I'll say it once again, it builds character!
This was our work crew on Saturday. For the most part, they were excited about throwing all that hay off the trailer. (I think it's just really fun for kids to climb on stacked hay.) Most of them were already up there before I decided to take the picture. A few others, I coerced up there. I would now like to make a public apology to Taylor, Zack, and Tara for pulling the "everyone under 18 get in the picture" comment. I think if you're anywhere near fifteen, you shouldn't have to follow such silly commands. I'm sorry, guys. Taylor is on the left in the red jacket, and Zack is on the right with the cowboy hat. Yeah, I don't think they're loving me here. Tara didn't seem to mind. She was all smiles. Brooke just loves her big cousin Tara! Tara is a sweet, happy girl who is just a joy to be around. We're so happy she came to visit! She will be living here in about a year and a half--not near soon enough! I think Tara is going to come out quite a bit and bond with all the horses once she lives here--I can see it in her eyes. Here is Holly, Terry, another of Max's big brothers, Hope, and Tara. Cute family, huh? This picture is missing our nephew Luke. He stayed in Flagstaff because he had to work. Back to the kids slaving away. It was actually pretty amazing how quickly the trailer was unloaded. These kids know how to work! Max, Chase, Zack, and Zack's dad, Tony stacked the hay the children tossed down. Good system. (I wanted to insert a picture showing them stacking, but Blogger has had enough of me tonight.)

I cracked up seeing Jericho and Smoke staring at all the action. I bet they wished it could skip the middle man and go right to them. Wouldn't that make more sense? Well, except for it getting rained on and moldy and such. (But does it even rain here?!)

Good job, junior crew! You made us proud.