As frustrating and sad as those two things were, there were several highlights to the weekend. Up there among them was this exciting event---bone retrieval. I know this is one crummy group picture, but I wanted to show you the gang of crazies humoring me and my odd requests.
Let me back up. I expressed to my sweet hubby that we should have a bone yard in the park area of Galloping Grace. In my mind, children who are not riding would love to play with bones of dead animals. Swing a little, play some tether ball, and then try and determine which part went to which animal. Do times get any better? 
I think I am on to something here. After visiting some caves one afternoon (another post for a different day), Max drove us all to the mecca of bovine bones! Apparently six cows had died within a few hours of each other a while back for some unexplained reason. Wade Ranch's loss is Galloping Grace's gain. Bones galore!
We didn't have to ask the children twice to collect a few specimens.
Let me back up. I expressed to my sweet hubby that we should have a bone yard in the park area of Galloping Grace. In my mind, children who are not riding would love to play with bones of dead animals. Swing a little, play some tether ball, and then try and determine which part went to which animal. Do times get any better? I think I am on to something here. After visiting some caves one afternoon (another post for a different day), Max drove us all to the mecca of bovine bones! Apparently six cows had died within a few hours of each other a while back for some unexplained reason. Wade Ranch's loss is Galloping Grace's gain. Bones galore!We didn't have to ask the children twice to collect a few specimens. This cute girl is Kylee. 
She is the daughter of Jeff and Stacy, some very dear friends of ours we do not get to see near often enough. They live in Clovis, NM--too far away from Albuquerque! We enjoy meeting up at the ranch which is a good half way point between our homes. Kylee was ready and willing to get her hands dirty!
She is the daughter of Jeff and Stacy, some very dear friends of ours we do not get to see near often enough. They live in Clovis, NM--too far away from Albuquerque! We enjoy meeting up at the ranch which is a good half way point between our homes. Kylee was ready and willing to get her hands dirty! Not to be outdone by his sister in the bone handling department, I present Kannon. 
I'm pretty sure Kannon had a blast.
I'm pretty sure Kannon had a blast.And this boy releasing a lot of pent up aggression with a pair of rib bones is Kabel, their middle child. 
Middle children need an outlet--I just sensed that. I should write a book...I could fill it with clever ideas for bettering the world. Cow parts would definitely have their own chapter. 
This pile of still baking cow was not quite ready for us. I'd say we give that one a fair amount of time before handling. Blech. 
Hank LOVED this field trip. There were no parts too raw for him. Again, I would not encourage any of you to allow him to kiss your face. 
Trish found a cutie.
Middle children need an outlet--I just sensed that. I should write a book...I could fill it with clever ideas for bettering the world. Cow parts would definitely have their own chapter. This pile of still baking cow was not quite ready for us. I'd say we give that one a fair amount of time before handling. Blech. Hank LOVED this field trip. There were no parts too raw for him. Again, I would not encourage any of you to allow him to kiss your face. Trish found a cutie.Claire had some fun with back bones. 
And teeth were a hot commodity.
Parents could be seen popping them out of jaws for appreciate children.
I'd say we got enough for now. Thank you all for the impressive haul. :) I'll make sure to post pictures of the bone yard once we have it set up.
And teeth were a hot commodity.Parents could be seen popping them out of jaws for appreciate children.I'd say we got enough for now. Thank you all for the impressive haul. :) I'll make sure to post pictures of the bone yard once we have it set up. Max and Michelle--providing superior entertainment for the masses.
Jeff, Stacy, Kylee, Kabel and Kannon--it was such a pleasure seeing you. Let's not wait so long next time. 
We love you guys.
