Bronco Trip 2012

Clint had a week off following Evie's baptism, and we decided to spend it out in Bronco with his parents.  So we loaded up the kids in the car and drove 7+ hours out to Clint's family's ranch in West Texas.  It was such a fun weekend.  We loved getting to take Evie out to the ranch for the first time, and had so much fun watching Charlie really explore the ranch for the first time.  He could not believe the amazing things out there--tractors, trucks, jeeps, cows, horses, donkeys, dogs.  He went non-stop from morning to night trying to maximize his time with all these new "toys."  The ranch was an endless source of fascination and amazement--we didn't even need real toys!  Clint and I decided Charlie would love to be a cowboy...unfortunately the poor boy is cooped up in the big city!

Here's the happy rancher in one of Clint's old hats.  I need to get a copy of the photo of young Clint in this hat--they look pretty similar!

"Cargie helped" quite a lot.  He loved opening and closing gates for us.  Tommy and I liked not having to get out of the Ranger. :)

One of my favorite activities is feeding horses and cows on cold West Texas mornings.  There's something kind of magical about being out there alone with the animals.

My favorite part. :)

Charlie didn't get to ride a horse this time, but he did ride Jazz and Goober (the donkeys).  Such a fine-looking steed!

Some of the yearlings.  I love these little guys. :)

While we ran around the ranch, Evie stayed out of the cold, windy weather in the warm, cozy house.  She particularly loved cuddling with Maria, who has been with Clint's family since Clint was a baby.  I think Evie loved her as much as he did!

Evie also loved talking to MeMe (who will kill me for posting a picture of her in rollers :).

Charlie also enjoyed helping MeMe feed cats.

And there were lots and lots of vehicles to drive.  From the old...

...to the new!

Close the door Mommy--we have jobs to do!

Charlie couldn't believe he was driving a real front-end loader.  He had a new swagger in his step after he got off. :)

Even though it was cold and windy, Evie did a bit of exploring as well.  We went to see baby horses and cows and took a Ranger ride around the ranch.  She slept through a lot of it. :)

I blame my bad hair day on the wind.

Charlie loved the swingset that PawPaw made when Clint was a little boy.  I think Clint enjoyed getting on it again as well. :)

The Dohertys came out to the ranch to visit one day.  Charlie and Evie were SO happy to see their cousins and their sweet Aunt Sally!

Charlie with MeMe and Sarah.  He is crazy about his sweet grandmother and great-grandmother!

Charlie "helping" PawPaw with a puzzle.  Sarah has been having to spend more time at home lately due to her chemo treatments, and she has gotten into puzzles.  She had lots of help this weekend!

Playing with PawPaw...

...and loving on Hank.  Charlie LOVED Hank.  It cracked me up how he talked to him like he was a real person.  They were really cute together, and made me (almost) wish we had a dog.  [I know, I know, I'm not getting one. :)]

What a wonderful trip!