Ranch life.

In October we were thrilled to drive east and visit Jeremy's much loved aunt and uncle with my parents. I think the adults never stopped laughing and chatting with each other and it warmed my heart that we all got to be together and enjoy everyone's company for a long four day weekend. Auntie Evie is favored by my kids because a, they love her and b, she has horses. And they love horses. And they love ranch life. They love everything about visiting this sweet aunt and uncle and would do anything if we could just pack up and move right next door. And I must say, they are really, really good farm hands. They get up early, feed the horses, clean out the stalls, saddle them up, talk sweetly to all the animals and give them a midnight snack before we went to bed. We stayed in the horsebarn in the bunkhouse attached to it. I love a good ranch where the best way to get from the house to the first horse barn is to take a car. Room to roam and then some

 I adore this moment between father and son.

 Look at this lady and that smile. I loved getting to spend the weekend with my parents, visiting their good friends - my in-laws sister. It's a tangled web of love and friendship that makes my cup runneth over.

 My serious cowboys. Sort of.

 Auntie Evie teaching Parks about life and horses.

 Uncle John tractor ride.

 The professionals. I love watching this guy jump on a horse and ride.

 Parks in his happy place. He's happiest when he's working, contributing, doing something to make a difference - small or big.

 Evie doing her thing at the pumpkin farm. Love this girl.

 My heart is full.

 Getting stuck in a cornmaze with these favorite people makes my cheeks hurt from laughing.

 These kids love Jess and Jess loves these kids.

 Bareback beauty.

October Camping Trip

I took the month of October and settled into fall, into life and back into our school routine and hence, no posts since September.

In October we took a four day camping trip up near Mt. Baker and had a glorious time. We hiked around, told stories around the campfire, played games by the river and cooked our meals on the grill. It was perfect, aside from Parker getting a terrible cold, however since camping is is most favorite thing in the world, he was happy to sit beside the fire snuggled in a blanket while feeling crummy. Sweet boy.