My Uncle Ray and Aunt Valerie invited our family out to their new ranch in Utah for spring break. My mom questioned them several times (knowing that the small handful of people who could go….still totaled 22), and they kept insisting that they were thrilled for us to come. So we made the trek, and happened upon NeverNeverLand — Country Style!
Before I go into all of the great things we were able to do, I first have to give a shout out to my aunt and uncle and cousin Ryan, who totally made the trip. They have to be the most gracious and welcoming people I have ever been around. The food was completely gourmet, and in plenty — including snacks. (Which is really hard to do for a huge group!) The toys were constantly gassed up, the horses were saddled, the guns were loaded….and the list goes on. Talk about a total BLAST!
Here are the saints — Aunt Val and Uncle Ray!
And here is my new favorite cousin Ryan. I only got a back shot, but he is a total cowboy (and helicopter pilot to boot)! This guy shared everything he owned…including his very own bedroom, as he slept in the man cave!
Amongst the many activities of the week…..the guys voted shooting guns their favorite.
Although, when I asked Micah what he would repeat…he said he could go out on the back hoe and dig holes and trenches all day long, and B totally agreed with him. Ryan taught anyone who wanted, how to operate this tractor. It was really complicated, and I have a total respect. Especially for my own brother Ryan who claims he is the best Back Hoe operator around. If so — PROPS!
Here is Micah operating.
The kids, on the other hand, voted for motorcycle riding as their #1. I grew up on quads, and totally have the itch to make it a regular trip again. However, I might have to go it alone since Micah wrecked from the top of a ridge during his first ride ever. I will have to give him some leeway though. The poor guy has never been on a quad, and he was in some decently rough terrain. No biggie — it is all fixable. (hopefully!) But I seriously want to get back out to Glamis ASAP. Here we are on the quad as it heads down to the shop.
Scout and I were on a serious joyride!
Their three horses were obviously a total hit with everyone. Tristen and I went on a “fast ride” until I screamed, “I want to go home!” Tristen was mad I cut the ride short, but life is easy when you are on “the best horse” Tristen! Next time I get Sam! Here are Scout and Nonnie enjoying an afternoon ride on Trigger.
Horseshoes was a total hit. The guys had battles, but obviously the “real” cowboy Ryan won!
Uncle Ray and Ryan have these insane remote controlled cars that everyone played with. In fact, Ryan (with the back hoe) made a sweet track across from his house to race them. They take racing fuel, and probably get upwards of 80 mph. They were the coolest things you have ever seen. Ryan was showing off some serious moves as he jumped Tristen, Scout and Spanky with his car.
Scout was a tiny bit afraid of the shenanigans…..especially when Seth had the controls.
The kids colored Easter eggs and had a hunt. Megan brought a ton of eggs to hide, and Val hard boiled the eggs to color. The kids were in total heaven — especially when they got a shiny egg that carried the always-popular cash!
Here is Scout coloring his eggs. (His chin is a big mess from a fall the day before.)
Here are the kids ready to run.
Here is Scout on the hunt.
And here is the Easter egg the Chloe made especially for Scout…full of personally de-shelled pistachios — his favorite! Too bad Skills found it on the hunt.
My favorite picture of the trip was after Scout’s shower when he ran in to where everyone was, and really wanted to take a look at his favorite horses, so he climbed right up.
It snowed the week before, but our weather was great minus a little wind the second day. The first day was warm enough that Scout had his shirt off half of the day. Chloe was trying to help him figure out how to “run in the sprinklers”. He didn’t quite get it, but loved the part where you lay on the warm cement afterward.
Here is Navy…doing what she did best! Nonnie had her on the porch, while they both watched all of the commotion.
Scout tried his first Twinkies. I forgot how nasty those things are!
The whole trip was great. But honestly…even without all of the toys…being with my family is my ultimate vacation. Just laughing and talking and teasing, do it for me. It was so fun to have Seth’s family there, along with the Brockbanks +B, the Clifford girls, my mini family, Belly, and mostly my mom! The only unfortunate part was that everyone wasn’t there. Next time! And the most amazing thing of all, was that Uncle Ray and Aunt Val invited us back. Little do they know that we already figured out that his would be an annual thing!
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