The end of summer can be a downer, but we always have something to look forward to with our annual trip to
Lost Valley Ranch!
The trip each Labor Day is basically a "plan to gain 5lbs and be really sore when you get home" type of vacation, and while that may not sound appealing, it's the most fun we have as a family all year.
Yes, we eat-eat-eat and ride-horses-all-day. Saddle sores from the 4-to-5-hours a day of riding along with tight clothes due to overeating are all a part of the deal.
A typical day starts with breakfast in the Lodge at 8am, followed by a first ride at 9:30am, at which time all kids under age six head to the kids program at the Ranch House. We're on the trails for about two hours only to return around lunch time and join our kids again.
Shortly after lunch, we do it all again, and take an afternoon ride followed by a nap, fishing,
mountain bike ride, tennis, swimming, you name it. Clark (5.5) brought his bike up to the Ranch so he was eager to take it for a spin on the dirt roads. He was itching to head out on the trail rides with the 6+ year olds, and while he was size-wise big enough to do so, there were five other 5-year olds wanting to bend the rules, too, so he had to stick to riding "Dewey" or "Wendy" the two ponies that parents lead around the ranch. Next year he'll learn use reigns and head out on the trails with his cousins.
Aunt Erin Zahradka
(http://www.z-pics.com/) captured some great pictures of our kiddos, including the one above of Scarlett not even noticing that a horse was trying to nuzzle in above her for a kiss. That little thing on her chest was a Sheriff's Deputy badge they made at the Ranch House.
We had two different hay rides down to "The Jail" on the vacay, and one great square dance where both Scarlett, Clark and their cousins really boogied down. They did a GREAT job listening to the square dance caller's directions!
We had an amazing time and it's always so depressing to pack up our cabin at the end of the trip and head home.
Us Roe folks think we might even all be cowgirls and cowboys for Halloween '09 so that we can give our rustic outfits one more whirl.
Thanks so much to "Mamie and Papa" for such a great vacation and such amazing generousity. we had a GREAT time!
Lost Valley Ranch 2010 - here we come!
