Texas, Family at the Ranch

While at the ranch, we got to see lots of family, too.  We started with a day trip to the DeZavala's vineyard.  They are not technically family, but they've been like surrogate grandparents to me for most of my life.  It was really good to see them, and the kids and I enjoyed taking a walk around their property.

The next day brought an early Thanksgiving with Uncle Ken, Aunt Chantelle, and the girls. My nieces are growing up to be very interesting, lovely young ladies, so it's always fun for the kids to spend time with them.  Hadley took to Uncle Ken for comfort when Mom wasn't available, and Owen really liked having some older kids to play with.

The day after that, Uncky Dan and Aunt Jenn came up for a day of fireside Legos.  

Though it was still cold and wet, we went for a hike to give them soggy shoes for the ride home.  Owen acted like the tour guide, but at one point (or maybe several) he uttered, "oh yeah, I think this is the right way..." along with lots of clearing of sticks off the path and racing Hadley to get back in front.

And of course, we got lots of Quality Time with Granna and Grandad.

Lastly, it was a great place for some good ol' R&R.  Hadley liked the old rocking chair (she did last visit, too), and nearly rocked it over on herself several times.

She also tried warming her feet by the fire, but was just a bit too small for the full effect.

And the kids enjoyed the variety of vintage toys and books that G&G have kept in the closet for the last 30-40 years. 

One morning they donned old train hats of my brothers and proceeded to be a train of their own, with Owen as the lead engine.  (The caboose sometimes veered off-track.)