Spring Break and then some...

We have had some fun around here the past month. These pics are all out of order, but I kept adding and adding so here they are....

Taos, Avery and Carson climbing on the hay bales.
Celebrating my 30th birthday a little early with my two helpers. It is hard to blow out 30 candles alone!

Spring Break friend trip to the zoo. The weather was gorgeous. We had 14 kiddos and 6 mommas! What a crazy and fun day. The ones who made it in the picture are from left: Taos, Avery, Carson, Averi, Brynlee, Carter, Ellie, Lawson, & Callie.

My happy boy!

These pics are from before spring break, but I had to put them on my blog. Casey and I got to take a ski trip with good friends - the Cochrans and Gibsons. Here we are relaxing in our condo... I wish we could go back soon!

Tiffany, Courtney, and I enjoying the hot tub

The gang skiing - Tiffany, Jason, Courtney, Phil, Casey, and me

Beautiful view from our balcony of Durango mountain

Ready to hit the slopes on the day

Courtney and me having a blast

The girls on the mountain in Colorado

My sweet baby is growing up too fast

Avery made a huge pile of pillow and was jumping off the chair into the pile!!

And of course Taos had to do the same!

Over spring break we had family and friends help with some branding. Here are the troops gathering the cattle.

Avery and her best buddy Hazen waiting on instructions.

Avery and Hazen riding back to the herd.

Casey chasing a cow

Penning the cattle Boone is giving the shots of medicine

Casey chasing some more

Now Boone is chasing one down the fence

Casey and Josh

Casey, Avery, Hazen, and Boone

This is one good looking cowboy... who knew he is only 22 months! The boy has no chance but to grow up and be a cowboy like his daddy :)

Casey in the pens

Our sweet niece Bella

The kids working the herd

Rylan hanging out on the fence

Avery and Hazen

Rylan, Taos, and Bella with front row seats

My handsome man

Posey and Avery

The spectators!

Avery and Carson riding in the round pen at our house and having a blast!!

Riding

We love when family comes over to the ranch to play with us. There are plenty of things to do outside and we have had several pretty days in January.

Taos and cousin Bella looking through the fence.
He finally figured out how to climb through the fence by himself! He was so proud.

Taos and Bella still playing on the fence. Aves and her Dandad

Avery and Boone riding back to the house

Avery and Boone trotting in the arena

Cowboy and cowgirl!

Casey goofing off on the kids' horse Cocomo

Boone riding our new black kid horse "Johnny Cash"

Sweet Bella taking her turn on Cocomo

Taos riding Cocomo... he would prefer that Daddy didn't help him, but not quite yet!

Silly boy

Taos, Daddy and the dogs

Riding 4-wheelers across the ranch. Casey's parents and Aunt Mam with Avery

Avery couldn't stay awake any longer. She fell flat asleep on the way back to the house.

We love company and can't wait to friends and family to come back soon!

Christmas Weekend 2011

Christmas is already over... :) We had such a fun month of decorating for Christmas, buying/wrapping presents, Christmas music, and lots of family. It is always bittersweet the week after Christmas is over. Our family was so blessed this holiday season and celebrated Jesus' birth with family and friends.

My Christmas cuties :)This is a Christmas present for the kids. A Jack Russell puppy appropriately named "Joy."
Little cowboy in his boots, pjs, and hat.

Taking Joy to a Christmas for Casey's grandmother.

Cousin Bella and Toas

Cousins Chloe, Boone, Avery, and Creek at Grandmomma's Christmas

Somehow Avery's name got left out of the "name drawing." At first she was upset, but then each family started giving her money to buy a present... see the smile.

By the end of the night, she had $38! I'd say she did pretty good and was happy as could be.

Avery and Pose, Boone and Grandmomma opening presents

Christmas Eve we went to my parent's house... Joy came too.

Taos opening a present

Avery sitting by her pile of presents! Taos trying out his new broom. Maybe I can use mine without him wanting to "help" so much.

Getting tickled!

Opening more presents

Snuggling up in her warm kid snuggie.

Riding his new horse from Uncle Lance and Aunt Kallie

She applied all her new "play" makeup by herself - if you can't tell.

Play makeup, pretend jewelry, and snow white costume while making Christmas cookies... doesn't look like it could get better.

Icing her creations

Christmas stockings at our house ready for Santa

Looking in his stocking Christmas morning

Riding his new spring horse from Santa

Looking at her stocking and scooter

Playing with her Fur-Real friend "Go Go" that she asked Santa for

Trying out his new rope

Ready to open presents from mom and dad

New horses

New boots

Eating chocolate first thing in the morning

Casey's parents, sister and brother-in-law, and niece and nephew came over Christmas morning for more celebration.

And lots of presents!

Taos (20 mo.) Boone (7) Bella (2) Avery (4)

Opening up her presents

Playing with his new cork gun

Bundled up while driving the mule

Dandad posing by the warm fire

Ready to play with her new princess craft set... daddy was "thrilled" to see that it contained over 1500 pieces :)

Bella modeling her new puffy jacket

Taos playing with a new barn in his new rain bootsStaying warm with mommy

Angela, Bella, and Avery ready to ride around

Boone was a pro riding his new 4-wheeler behind the mule

Looking for varmits... needless to say, don't take a 20 month old with you when you want to see if you can be quiet enough for a varmmit to come up so you can shoot it. Taos caused quite the camotion.

The hunters and kiddos. Avery, Boone, Dandad, Casey, Shawn, and BellaAll warm and cozy watching Dumbo before bed. Love the babies.