Final Ranch Post

These are the last of the ranch pics:
Digging for arrowheads. Yes, there really are arrowheads. Very cool. Especially if you are 5. Could she get any dirtier??? Thank goodness for the trailer bathtub!

The fig tree fort. It was "Grandma's House".

A quick hike to the pond... See the water moccasins?? The dogs were in heaven!

Skipping rocks, or rather throwing the biggest rocks she could pick up in the water!

The cool woodpecker tree.

We came home from our hike to find the cows ransaking our campsite.

Just another beautiful day at the ranch.

The GIANT rattle snake we found:

The girls with the rainbow. It didn't even rain, but we got a rainbow! It was much brighter in person.

Kailee was "holding" the rainbow. This was my artsy hubbies pic. Isn't he crafty??

Shooting Lessons

Kailee and Addisen got their first shooting lessons this trip. It has been promised for a while and they have been practicing with their Nerf double barrel shot gun. Well, the squirrels were running rampant so Mike decided it was time to teach. They didn't get to shoot a full on shot gun, but settled for a little .22. The same little gun that Mike learned to shoot with. Mike taught them all the basics of a great squirrel hunt.

1. Load your bullets:

2. Smile pretty for Mom:3. Look for your targets...4. Protective ear gear and a steady hand from Dad.5. Voila! 7 shots in your target!!I am pretty sure she was more worried about decorating the target then shooting it!And then it was the Homeboy's turn:She did have protective ears... they were the in your ear kind b/c she wouldn't wear the big ones. And she didn't make her target. She was more worried about the shells flying out the side of the gun onto the ground. "The bullets are falling out!Daddy, we need to clean those up!!" When the lessons were complete, the real squirrel hunt began. Dad got to play with his new toy.

Easter Part 2

After frolicking in our Easter garb, it was time to decorate eggs to get ready for the real business. The bunny was coming!!! By the way, I don't think I explained where we were/what we were doing in the previous post. Mike's family has a ranch between Fresno and Shaver Lake. It is gorgeous (as shown in the pics). There is plenty of room to roam, hike, play, etc. It's heaven. If we ever fall off the face of the Earth and you can't find us, that is where we will be.





When the girls woke up Easter morning (really Saturday, we celebrated early so we would have more time to play) they found their Easter baskets filled with goodies!


And then it was time to hunt. Let's just say the bunny can get quite carried away at the ranch with all of the hiding places!!

Easter Cuties

While at the ranch, the girls got to sport their BEAUTIFUL handmade Easter dresses. Again, made with love by Yia Yia. What would they do without their personnal sylist???

I told them to pose and this is what I got:

And then posing wasn't so fun anymore:

Please just one more????

And that was all....

Spring in the Garden

I love seeing blossoms on our peach tree. Last year we had over 40 peaches from this little tree. They are the best peaches EVER! I can't wait!!! Blossom Sweet Peach Tree! Blossom Away!!!


AND!!!! We have artichokes!!! We planted the plant 2 years ago from a SEED. And now, we have these beauties. They taste just as amazing as they look. The yellow easter egg is there so you can see how giant they are!

The rest of the new Spring garden should be ready to go in the ground by the end of the week. We started everything from seed, indoors, in cardboard egg crates this year. Usually we start them in the store bought starter deals, but we are going green=) Can't wait for the tomatoes. We planted one called a Jelly Bean Tomato. Think it will taste as sweet???

The Dancin' Show

My mom, Yia Yia to the girls, loves the Dancing With the Stars show. Loves it. Won't even talk to you on the phone if on. So, she made the girls Dancin' Show dresses. They've only seen the show once because it is on so late here. But with their weekly dance classes and the talk/stories from Yia Yia about the show, they are now aspiring to be on the show. They are ready with custom made dresses. Made with love, by Yia Yia.

All I said was, "Ok girls, pose for a picture." Addie came up with the grimace all on her own. Imagine that.

The Home Boy:

And the Princess:

I know I know.... where have we been?????

Those of you near by know where I've been. Sick. And Tired. Really. I just finished my THIRD round of antibiotics to kick the crap I have had since January. I'm feeling better and, Lord willing, will maintain my health. I better. I have a triathlon to compete in May 2!!!

As for the last 3-4 weeks, I ready to update you. It will take a few blogs to cover, but stay tuned.

Starting with Cadet Mikey.

He is doing amazing! They received their official name badges:

When asked if this was exciting, the answer was "Yes, but really it's just one more thing to polish."

He brought home a few more pics of his Cadet life:

His "view" from his dorm room:

The handsome boy in his Cadet Uniform (It was the end of the day Friday, so he is not as tucked as he should be...):

His locker. This is the only place they have to store any personal items/school stuff.


Everything else is going very well for him.

He is now baton certified (no, not the parade baton, the self defense baton).


He passed his second EVOC (driving) "Skid Pan" test on the FIRST try! That is when they wet down slick concrete and make them drive and skid with bald tires and see if they can maintain control. He did. WOOHOO!


AND they get their guns tomorrow. What more could a guy want right?


He is in week 11. Almost halfway.


Keep the prayers coming. They are definitely appreciated. We know we would not be getting through this as painlessly as we are if God was not in control of it. Our faith is with him and we know he is working for us!