George Ranch

Have I mentioned that I love field trips? I mean LOVE them! This one was one of my absolute favorites. I may have said that before, but this one I really mean. We went to the George Ranch, which is a 23,000 acre working ranch, and also a historical park that continues to operate portions of the ranch just like ranches were run in the late 1800/early 1900s. Amazing. Above, Anna met her first "real" cowboy.

And, her first wooden Indian...

The whole thing was really interesting but educational at the same time. This cowboy talked to the kids for a while, and then took them on a tour of his "home", which was a dog-run cabin. He actually lives in it for portions of the year.

Learning about pigs...

These chickens seemed pretty "domesticated" from having visitors all the time, and got quite a kick out of chasing the kids around. Anna thought it was pretty hysterical too....

Another real cowboy taught the kids (and parents!) how to rope a calf...the right way to hold the lasso, how to throw it, etc.

That's right! My girl got it on the first try!! She might be being raised as a little surburbanite, but she's got country roots....

The authentic cowboy chef, "Cookie", was one of the highlights of the trip! There had been some confusion with the field trip last year and the kids hadn't gotten the meal they were supposed to, so he made it up to us this year and made a FEAST! Some of the best smoked brisket and sausage I've had! And, peach cobbler to die for...

Anna's whole gang. Have I mentioned that I'm going to miss these kiddos when they all go their separate ways to kindergarten next fall?? What a great trip...