Labor Day at the Ranch 2009

Every year, the family piles in at the Ranch for some dove hunting and fall fun. This year was no exception. However, I think that this was the first year that Sam fully understood what was going on. He had a blast! He just loves all of his cousins. Here are a few pics...

We kicked off the weekend with a fire and smores. This was the first time Sam has ever really participated in it. I had my back turned and was talking (shocking) and turned around and he was all by himself, just toasting away. He just grabbed a stick, stuck on a marshmallow and away he went.

The next morning, all the kids piled into the old truck and went to look for the longhorns. I think that this was all Sam's idea. He's kinda relentless when he wants something. I don't know where he gets that. Uncle Kelly and Drew & Dalton and Brooks followed on the 4-wheelers. This was the first time that any of the kiddos have been allowed to drive one of the 4-wheelers alone. Since Brooks is the oldest (by about 6 months) he did the honors. When my mom started to tell him all the things to watch out for and not to speed etc, he just put his hand on her shoulder and said as serious as he could be, "Nene, don't worry...I'm building trust". Simple as that.

Next was a little playtime for Sam and Luke (aka Wook) on one of the tractors.

That afternoon, between hunting trips, the guys squeezed in a little touch football which I'm sure will become a new family tradition.

That night, we ate and had a birthday party for Dalton. Aunt Heather (which Sam now calls Aunt Heifer) taught him how to blow a party blower. He was sooo proud!