Grandma, We Miss You!

The day after we all got back home our playgroup headed out to Rolling Ridge Ranch to see the animals again. Only a couple of us had been there before and the weather was much better this year but we were all excited to be there.
Rachel, Anna and some of their kids.

This camel was crazy and was trying to steal all of our buckets.

Becky had her hands full with baby Ben and miss Abby, who was not excited about getting too close to the animals.

We were very happy to have Grandma with us on such a fun outing.

The big white elks, Morgan's nemesis from last year.

Grandma and Pepper sporting the same hairdo thanks to the humidity.

These baby piggies were only a few days old.

Pepper has become obsessed with Abby and talks about her all the time. She would not rest until she got over to her and the other side of the cart.

This baby alpaca was one day old.

Morgan was the only kid brave enough to become friends with this alpaca. I think he was very proud of himself.

This poor cow has one horn heavier than the other. They used to put weights on the other horn to even things out but the animal rights people said they couldn't do that again. So the poor cow has to walk around like this.

Besides the wagon ride, the ranch has a petting zoo, playground and picnic area.

Grandma, being the farm girl that she is, was willing to help the kids pet the baby ducks.

Pepper just stood there forever shouting "ducks" at all the baby ducks. I don't think they enjoyed her screaming as much as she did.

The goats loved Morgan despite the fact he had no food to give them.

My big girl playing in the tree house.

It was such a beautiful day and a great start to the weekend. The ranch is located in Amish country so the drive was wonderful, although very winding so it was a good thing I was driving!

Late Friday night, Khan, Joanna, Kegan and William arrived to visit with us and Grandma. Saturday morning we made a big breakfast and then headed to Lodi to visit the outlet malls.

Morgan and Pepper were not as excited to see the dog conductor but Morgan eventually gave him a high five.

Before hiding behind daddy's leg while Pepper screamed.

The highlight of the trip was riding the train.

Pepper is the unofficial greeter wherever she goes. She really enjoyed waving to everyone standing outside. She says "hi" and "bye" to everyone everywhere. Walking through parking lots with her is very festive.

I'm so glad we get to live so close to Khan and family. William and Morgan still have their moments when they have a hard time sharing but for the most part they have a great time playing together.

Sunday, Pepper was sporting a rather cute outfit so I thought I'd try to get some cute pictures.

She kind of cooperated.

Last Tuesday, Morgan started at his new preschool.

He was a little nervous at first but then his teacher gave him some stickers to put on his "mailbox" and he could have cared less if I was leaving.

Morgan seems to be really enjoying himself and his teacher said he is doing a great job and is a very good listener. Well, at least he's doing it somewhere:) I have always joked that I couldn't wait to send my kids off to school as soon as possible. Well, driving home from dropping Morgan off that first day I started thinking about all the things that could go wrong or troubles he might have and how I would not be there to help him or explain things to him. I couldn't be there to protect him or give specific details about him to his teacher so that nothing would be misunderstood. I started thinking about how small he is and how much he needs me, and in the three minutes it took me to get home I was on the verge of a total breakdown.

I guess I really do like having my kids around! heehee