Texas, Outdoorsy at the Ranch

Ah, Thanksgiving!  I'm so glad that the kids and I got to have an early celebration with family in Texas.  We spent close to a week at the ranch, so let's start there.  I may have been a bit optimistic in traveling with two youngsters by myself, but they were really pretty great travelers!  (Though I have to mention that several bystanders at the local airport became aware of Owen's bathroom habits: "I'm wiping my butt!", I learned that we should just check all car seats, I can never pack too many snacks, and we did have to run to make one of our connections!)

Unfortunately, we brought the cold air with us (Polar Vortex), but the kids didn't mind too much and spent a good deal of time outside.  And it was better than the negative temperatures back home.  They LOVE dirt...  

and playing outside...

and leaves...

and making leaves float on water...

and let's not forget the firewood!  Because you know Grandad had the fireplace going non-stop.

When the logs are too big, bring out the tractor!  

Owen was so excited to ride the tractor, and Grandad even let him drive!

Monkey see, monkey do, as they say.  Hadley wanted up on the tractor too.

And though it was a little damp, we had our traditional bonfire.  The kids loved it!  They could run out into the dark, 'spooky' woods, see the stars, and squirt water on anything of concern.