Back on the Ranch

This was the second year one of our families with our Ds partnership opened their ranch to families of children with Ds.  Last year our family had the best time and were so looking forward to spending time just having fun and that is exactly what we did!  Ethan thought he was a genuine cowboy since he was given a cowboy hat by our friend Barbi and a bandanna by one of the volunteers.  Then Reagan was put on one of the ponies and at first she kept saying "woa horsie" but Daddy told her to say "yeehaw". Well that was all it took and you could hear Reagan shouting "yeehaw" all during her ride. She even convinced the man who was leading the pony that she needed to go for another ride!  One of the coolest things Barbi and Gary had out there was one of those circle things that horses walk around and are attached to. I think it if for teaching them to be used to walking with a harness. Oh I don't know but anyways, they hooked up swings to it and this guy would just push a button and this thing would swing the kids. Now is that an ingenious idea or what?!  I need to install one of those in my back yard then the kids could swing to their hearts content while I sit on my porch swing and drink diet Cokes:)  Hmmmm, maybe for Christmas!!! It was nice to just relax and visit with friends and to see some families we had not seen in awhile. There were quite a few babies for me to take into my arms and love on.  I remember last year when we went Carrington had just been released from the hospital and she was quite tiny.  This year she was really into what all was going around and even tasting some of Sarah's watermelon. We can't wait until next year when the boys will be able to attend!

Look how big the Princess is this year!

We asked Reagan if she had fun and this was her response.

Ethan (note the bandanna and Texas Rangers hat) and Reagan all ready for the hay ride.

Our very own little cowboy.

Evelyn really liked the animals in the petting zoo.

Ethan on the cool swing thing.

Evelyn is all about swinging so this was great for her.

Really Hudson did have a great time once it got started.

Give Carrington a bit of wind and her day is happy.

Sarah took Carrington on her first pony ride.

Reagan was so excited to ride the pony with Daddy.

Ethan looks like Rambo meets the Wild West.

Madelaine and her friend Wendy were such great helpers with the kids.

Carrington had to lick Sarah's watermelon.

Here we are on this year's hay ride.

Burmans and friends at the B&B Ranch Round-Up

I can only imagine what is going through Hudson's mind.

Ethan could not get over how big the tires for this tractor were.