Having Fun with Colby

Papa and I are in Tucson with Claire and Colby for a few days.  Colby has learned to go backwards down the stairs.  He played in boxes today.  He took more unassisted steps this afternoon than ever before.  He smiles, laughs, and flirts endlessly.  Adorable! 

Butterfly

While standing by the corral over the weekend, Dan noticed this butterfly alight on a tree. 

Last Day at the Ranch for Emerson and Colby

Emerson and Colby had a good day on the ranch yesterday.  Emerson played in the morning at Colter Lee and Traven's house.  She had a terrific time playing with their ranch toys and meeting their pets.
Later in the day, we hiked down to the Rock House and back, rode on Bob, played all around the house, and roasted marshmallows.  Papa and I have enjoyed having Emerson, Colby, and Lauren visit us at the ranch over the past few days.  Some favorite photos from yesterday...

 

Lunch with New Friends

A few weeks ago, Papa and I were introduced to Sue and Bill, who live about two hours from us, in Cochise County.  They retired to the area a few years ago, after living most of their adult lives in the northeast.  Their oldest daughter is married to a Georgian and lives in Tbilisi.  We invited Sue and Bill for lunch to meet Claire and David, as they will be moving to Tbilisi in early May.  Sue and Bill brought several large photographs taken across Georgia.  They were beautiful!  We enjoyed lunch together and heard interesting stories about life in Tbilisi.

Playing with Friends

We had Colter Lee and Traven over to spend yesterday morning with Emerson and Colby.  They brought their ropes and gave Emerson lessons in roping.  They all played in the hay barn, made mud pies in the creek, and had a great time.

Hiking and Hanging Out

There is no shortage of places to hike on the ranch.  With three children under 3, we didn't get too far from home, but we got plenty of fresh air, good exercise... and long naps!

 

Hats

It seemed that most of us were wearing hats when we went outside over the weekend.  

There was plenty of time spent near or on the horses and playing in the sand.

Tractor, Cowbell, and Riding Horses

Day two of Cousins Camp included Emerson driving Fergie our tractor (with Papa), riding the horses, and spending time outside on our patio, with Lauren ringing the cowbell over and over, and Colby trying really hard to walk.  There was kite flying and rides on Bob too!  A really fun day!

Cousins Camp at the Ranch

Papa and I returned to the ranch today, with Audrey, Dan and Lauren, and Claire, David, Emerson, and Colby in tow.  After a late lunch, everyone went down to the corral to check on the horses.  We rode up the hill in the back of the truck.  We drew a village on the patio with sidewalk chalk.  We collected sticks and started a fire to roast marshmallows.  Lots of "firsts" going on at the ranch!

Lauren Arrives

We picked up Audrey and Lauren at the airport this afternoon.  They will spend the weekend with us.  Lauren turned 1 in early December.  We were happy to see them and Lauren had fun with cousins Emerson and Colby.  We played outside with the remote control race car and playhouse.  

The three of them had a bath together before bedtime.  Cousins Camp begins!