The Ranch

Grand Pop was in town visiting, so we took him out to the ranch to do a little hunting.   I really should say a little shooting, because there was absolutely no danger to the wildlife.  We put out lots of stinky pig treats and rode around the property on the mule.  Ryland loves it out here, and I could see him living out in the country when he gets older.  This is definitely his element.

While we were riding around on the mule, we came across several wild hogs.  John Chris and Grand Pop jumped off the mule and took aim.  A few shots later it was clear that the hogs were lucky and escaped without harm.  I am not sure about these shooters or their guns.  A little more target practice may be needed.  

I sat on the porch with my boy, Ryland, and we talked about life, hunting, and sports.  I am reminded how fast he is growing up.  

Redneck

There is something about a dead animal head in my front flower bed that makes me realize how country we can be.  My goodness, the poor neighbors.

Snake

The boys have been fortunate to not have a snake issue at the ranch, but they ran into trouble this afternoon.  They killed the snake, but unfortunately the snake bit one of the dogs first.  While Jack, the dog, was nursed back to health by the vet, they hunted the snake down and flushed it out of its hole.  A good snake is a dead snake.

The Kill

The boys had a great hunting trip this weekend.  They killed a doe on Saturday night and a 9 point on Sunday morning.  Making lots of great memories at the ranch.

Family Hunting

We all went hunting as a family this evening in hopes of seeing the big bucks.  It was cold out, but the mansion stand had heat.  The boys played on their tablets while John Chris and I gazed out across the land.  I think Ridley had the most fun.  She laughed and pointed as the cows grazed around us.  

We didn't see any bucks, but we saw one cow, some pigs, and a doe.  More importantly we soaked up the view from Mother Nature and spent some time sitting still.

Camp

The whole family had a blast at the hunting ranch this weekend.  We met the Nesters at the camp, so the children had a blast.  They have so much fun being in the "wilderness".

This is what Beanie Boos do at the ranch.  They zip line!  I love their imaginations!

Roughing It

We made a family trip out to the hunting ranch to help John Chris finish up a few projects before hunting season arrives. It is pretty primitive.  I looked out the window to see John Chris taking care of his business in the wilderness.  This has got to be a guy thing.

Hunting Ranch

We headed out for some more fun early this morning.  The boys were so excited to hunt.  We tried and tried to find some turtles, but we didn't have any luck until the sun came out. 

John Chris really showed me up shooting last time, but today was a different story.  Maybe it was the rifle and beer can combination.  

The boys think we need a ranger instead of a four wheeler.  After two days of 5 people riding one four wheeler, I agree.

"Hunting" for turtles.

This is their tough manly faces.

Ridley loved to sleep as we rode around the ranch.  She is such a trooper.

Sunset at the Ranch

A beautiful end to an awesome day!

Hunting Ranch

We spent our last weekend of Spring Break relaxing and having fun at the hunting ranch.  It is so beautiful and peaceful, and all the kiddos love it.  No phone service and no deadlines.

Hunting Ranch

We spent the day at the hunting ranch enjoying the outdoors. We took lots of pictures, and we saw tons of cacti!

The boys loved to look for animal tracks. They found bobcat, hog, and deer. 

We hiked up Ball Mountain to take in the beautiful view.  The best thing I could see were my precious babies with their daddy.

Ridley had the best nap while cruising on the ranger. She loved the wind in her face and in her hair. 

The boys filled the feeders and moved the game cameras.  We will see what wild game is enjoying the fruits of their labor.

Celebrating Colton

Ryland partied at a hunting party for Colton.  They shot play guns and bow and arrows at the animal decoys set up around the yard.  This was a true boys' party, and Ryland really got into it.  Any opportunity to wear camo and hunt thrills him.

Doe, a deer

The boys LOVE the hunting ranch!  It is one of the best things for them, and I see this continuing for many years.  The highlight of this weekend was the first deer that John Chris killed.  The boys were thrilled.

The Bunch boys were even excited to see the doe.  Now, where is that big buck?

Hunting

The boys wanted to get some hunting in while on Christmas break.  Even though it was gold out, they had great quality time.  They chilled in the blind.

They killed a rabbit.

They climbed a "mountain" on the ranch.

They also killed a jack rabbit.  Our housekeeper, Jannest, has already claimed both of their kills.  She says rabbits are yummy.

My favorite part of the boys going hunting are the stories they come home telling.  I love how excited and happy this makes them!

Hunting Ranch

John Chris and the boys finally have a place to go have fun all decked out in camo.  John Chris found some hunting land south of Graham, Texas that was perfect for some boy time.  We signed yesterday, and the boys were out there today.  I think it is safe to say they were excited. 

Charlie's Birthday Party

The boys were so excited to go to Charlie's hunting party.  They had a great time playing in the backyard and jumping over the creek.  There were fun hunting games set up where they could shoot a bow, roast marshmallows, and lots of other fun things.   The highlight was the hay ride around the neighborhood.

Ryland's birthday party

Ryland has been waiting for his birthday party for months.  He was so excited to gather his friends and celebrate at Bass Pro Shop in Grapevine.  He had a big group come to have a little cake and do a little fishing.  He was thrilled to wear his camo gear, too!

After everyone finished the cake and treats, we all headed out to their stocked pond.  All the kiddos had a fishing pole, and lots of corn to bait their hooks.  Lots of people caught fish, and everyone had a great time.

This also was the first time that my dad met Ridley.  They had some sweet bonding before it was time to hit the road running.