Austin and Cash Visit

My daughter, Katie presented me with my first Grandchild, Austin, and later with Cash.  Between Wayne and I, we have 8 wonderful grandchildren all together.  I was a bit surprised with the news that Austin was coming, but there is not a way in the world that I would ever go back to not being a Grandma.  I think it's possible that at times, my kids wish I was a bit more "Normal"  .... and not the one encouraging the kids to be so wild.  But, that isn't going to happen. 

I grew up spending a lot of time on My Aunt Gladys's ranch in Grandview, and those days/weeks/summers are memories I treasure to this day.  We worked hard then, and played even harder.  I had a lot of freedom then, as long as my chores were done well. 

More and more children these days don't have a clue where some of the "groceries" come from, let alone what work it took to get it there.  The ranch life is special, and in some ways, it's a dying art. 

I hope I don't portray that the kids only play here, or that I don't expect nearly perfect manners.  There is a limitless supply of work, and we make sure they do their own.  Manners is something I am relentless on.  Good behavior goes along with that.  Yes M'am, Please, Thank You, and adults are NOT to be called by their first name.  EVER.

I want these kids to be able to look back on these summers and tell their children about it, and hopefully want to give them the same experiences. 

My daughter, Katie

Austin, Cash, Bryce and Jilly

This wagon sits not far from our house.... and the kids love to play on it.  Al is usually the first to do something...and the others follow suit. 

Imagine just trying to get them all at the same time!

Jillian and Cash in an old truck.  What better toy?

This old Squeeze Chute isn't used any more, so it's perfect for them to play in.  It's of course Allisyn locking them in.

Jessica and Katie riding.  Al getting on.  I can't tell you how I love my daughters.

This picture..... Oh....I wish you could hear the squeals and woots!  Wayne has roped Jillian from across the fence..... Austin is helping keep the rope on her feet....Bryce is trying to save sister Jillian and he's pulling for all he's worth...on her Pony Tail!!!  Cash is at this time fairly innocent.  I'm taking pictures..... could have rescued her, but the opportunity to get this shot couldn't be wasted.

Katie is galloping the horse.... and Al hasn't ridden double before.... again, I wish you could hear the squeals!

We load up in the truck to go the lake

Naturally, if they find a rock, they have to jump!

Jess trying to dump Bryce out of his cloths, so he can swim

Is this NOT a summer memory to cherish?

Cash was not able to stay with us for long... (broken arm that happened somewhere else)

But Austin spent a lot of time with us...and was able to quite a bit of time with us....

I gave riding lessons to a few kids here this summer.  Austin isn't shy, so he invited one of them over...here they are on top of the world

I can't wait for more good times!