bluewater ranch

Three days in the Land of Enchantment at my in-laws' ranch was just what we needed after two weeks of school. We traded homework and schedules for horses, quads and freedom. Oh, and lots of cousins and delicious food! Did I mention cooler weather and rain? It was wonderful.

Hank wore his pink boots, naturally. These were a neighbor's hand-me-down to Molly when she was four. But Molly didn't have the boot obsession like Hank does. They are his favorite shoes, even at home.

George has an abiding love for Poppy, the dog. Poppy's not sure if she wants to return his affections though.

These boys are all within six months of each other. They played pretty well, with only the occasional brawl.

The cousins put on a talent show that was most entertaining! No lack of stage presence and charm in this family.

are you tough enough?

the ranch is for tough guys. rattlesnake-killing, outdoor-exploring, football-kicking, gun-shooting, quad-riding tough guys.

and tough girls.

the ranch

last weekend we drove to bluewater, new mexico, with this view the whole way. everything was as it should be: the barn the porch swing the quads

the guns and let me just say that jonah is one sharp shootin' boy. he hit cans on top of the gate on his first and second tries. he's a natural.

Bluewater or Bust.

The Ranch: Bluewater, NM 2007:

1. old silver mine

2. barn rafters

3. the quads...again and again!

4. MUST GET ON THIS SWING!

5. It's a Hard Knock Life

sisters-in-law

Presenting the Nielson in-law women. Leone (2nd from left) is marrying Stephen in Seattle on December 1. She's really really great and we're all so excited!

Darin, Leone, Me, Stephanie

(photo from the ranch in Bluewater, NM. More to come...)