FUN TIMES!!!

February is always a fun month since it is the "Month of Chander." We are looking forward to his 10th birthday this week. He is a whole decade old now... he is now in the 'double digits!"

We have enjoyed even more snow since the last blog posting. The snow is very pretty but we are ready for winter to be over!

Our 'sled' - we really need to start looking for a sled for next year since the hill behind the pond is an awesome snow hill.

WEEEEE!!!!!

Cydney's snow man, complete with 'antlers'

Chandler's snowman complete with 'hair'

Who needs a one horse open sleigh when you have a green cushman!

This is the way to see the pasture.

The beaver dam covered with snow.

This weekend was the beginning of 'the Week of Chandler.' We surprised him with a visit from his good buddy Stratton. They spent the whole weekend together laughing, playing and having a great time.

Chandler taking Strat on a tour of the ranch.

Hanging out on the deck Saturday morning.

Another ride on the Cushman.

The boys got to attend a Team Roping Championship in a nearby town. A friend of ours from church was competing that morning.

Our friend James introduced the boys to Matt Austin. The 2006 Champion Bull Rider. He holds the record for the most amount of money won by a bull rider.

The boys had a great time.

They came home covered with mud from the arena. Boys will ALWAYS be boys!

SNOW DAY!

Yesterday after church it started snowing and continued to snow. It was so beautiful and we were lucky enough to have it stick. In fact, there is still snow on the ground tonight.

The pond looked so pretty.

The kids couldn't resist getting out and playing.

Cyd could make snow angels all day.

Even Martina joined in on the fun.

Don't they look pleased to pose for another picture?

The pasture turned into a winter wonderland.

The view towards to driveway.

I think Chandler was daydreaming about the snow day he thought he would have today. Sorry Chandler, only a late delay.

Christmas Day!

Christmas Time at the ranch was a great time for all of us. Santa found us at our new house and he actually had a chimney to come down. The kids were amazed he moved the fireplace screen to be able to leave the presents. He even left a little something for Martina!

Checking out the loot from Santa.

We still can't get enough of the Christmas tree from the pasture.

Just what Chandler needed... another gun!

Cyd is excited about her new bike!

I'm told he can actually KILL a small animal with this gun. Yeah.

Cydney enjoying her new ride. It is really fun. Even Mom had to join in on the fun (no picture available). It spins just like a tilt-a-whirl.

Martina is even amazed at the mess...

Chandler taking Aunt Gina, mom and Martina for a ride on the 'big green tractor.'

Twas the Week Before Christmas...

The week before Christmas was such a fun time filled with school parties, visits with Santa, making Christmas cookies and visiting with friends and family. There are so many fun pictures from Christmas Day, I will have to post them another day soon...

Chandler after eating too many Christmas cookies and candy at school.

Cydney enjoying her party.

Partying with Santa and Mrs. Clause.

Have they been a good boy and girl this year?

Cydney takes decorating her cookies much more seriously than Chandler.

You can see what Chandler enjoys...

Giving Papa and Gran the sign we had made for them.

Christmas Tree Country Style

Every year we get a real Christmas tree from the local nursery. This year we decided to cut a tree down from the pasture. After all, there are so many beautiful pine trees...

After two days of searching the pasture, we found this one.

The tree is down, now we need to get it to the house.

The tree is bigger than we anticipated.

The tree is on the back of the cart.

How on earth is this tree going to fit in our house?

A little trim should help...

After all of that, it turned out beautiful!

WHAT A FUN WEEK!

DECORATING THE GINGERBREAD 'FARM'

Every year we decorate a gingerbread house or train. This year we did a house (this is a small town and it was all we could find!). The kids did it all by themselves. They took turns and each had two sides to decorate. The house quickly became a 'farm' when Chandler decided to add livestock!

"When will it be my turn?"

Showing off their 'farm'

We call it the 'red neck farm' since it is complete with a stack of tires in the yard.

BRANDING CATTLE

Last night we received an awesome invitation. Friends from church were going to brand their calves today and invited Chandler to come help out. He really enjoyed it and learned alot about being a rancher.

Chandler and Cydney are checking out the shoot and how it all works.

Chandler shearing the calf before branding.

Choosing the right irons for the id number and the ranch brand.

He's a natural!

Cyd even got a turn at branding!

It's November and Finally Fall at the Ranch!

November has been a month of school trips, cooler weather and fall foliage. We enjoyed a fun Thanksgiving at Papa and Grans and now we are getting ready for Christmas. I hope to have more pictures to follow.

Cyd and I enjoyed the Rose Garden.

Chandler with his buddy on a school field trip.

The fall foliage is beautiful! This is the view from the deck looking toward the front pond.

The view from my kitchen window.

The view toward the barn and front yard.