Fall Break

It's been a fun couple of weeks.  The kids had October 10-14 off of school for Fall Break.  We had originally planned to go to Silver City and then Alpine but cousin Kurtis got sick so we had to change it up last minute.  The kids decided to do a Stay-cation here at home.  On Monday we went to the dollar theater and saw Cars 2, rode the Superstition Springs Mall carousel and then had lunch at the Old Country Buffet (the kids chose it for the all-you-can-eat dessert bar).   We ended the day with a visit to Great Grandma & Grandpa Matheson where the toy drawers, marble machine and electric train were a big hit as always.  Grandma entertained us with some piano tunes and Lydia and Eve danced.

Tuesday was Alex's birthday.  We think he is pretty awesome!  He had a very exciting day cleaning the garage, pulling pigweed in the garden patch, and building a raised garden bed.  That evening us and the Clare's went to the Duffany's for cake and icecream.  It was Sister Martin's birthday as well so we all celebrated together. 

Wednesday morning Brad had a birthday party to go to for his friend, David Allen.  Alex and Carter got the garden patch cleared of pigweed and to celebrate they attempted a bonfire in the firepit that Carter dug.  The pigweed was too wet so we had to borrow some old palm fronds from the neighbors.  The fire got hot enough to at least warm up the mini-marshmallows the kids were trying to roast.  That evening Alex had his Planning and Zoning meeting and Brad and Carter had pack meeting. 

Thursday Eve had Joy School at her friend Marjorie Morley's house and Lydia had her ballet class recital.  Lydia danced beautifully and was by far the best hula hooper.  After the recital we packed the van and headed to St. David.  The Welkers were there already and the cousins had a great time.  

On Friday Karina, Carter, Preson, Kurtis, Grandpa Paul and myself (aka Julie) went to the ranch.  We had about 15 cows and calves to drive from the Big Pasture to Juniper Tank on the Box K.   I got to ride Shorty -- Dad and Karina were full of tips on how to stay on him -- thank guys.   The first cattle drive I remember going on as a kid was between those the Big Pasture and the Box K although it was in reverse direction and made especially memorable by a down gully washer of a storm complete with lots of thunder and lighting.  It was fun to ride with Carter -- he's a good cowboy. 

Friday afternoon Alan, Megan & Logan and Kelsey and Jeff all came down from Tucson and Duane, Shirley, Breanne & Ben came over.  It was the first time we'd seen Logan.  He's an extremely cute baby.  Kurtis turned 12 the end of September and he was ordained a deacon that evening with Grandpa Paul and all the uncles participating.  We are so very blessed in the family department.

The lovely Eve Elizabeth Matheson does her best charming princess pose.

Alex turned a big 33.  Brad, Eve, Lydia, Camille & Carter (and me too) were all there ready and willing to help him celebrate. 

Grandpa Paul, Kurtis & Preston Welker and Carter driving cows from the Big Pasture up to Juniper Tank.

Preston & Carter on Lynx.

Carter, Preston, Kurtis, Karina, Julie.

Karina & Julie. 

One of the calves got some cholla cactus stuck on her leg and neck.  When we got to the corral Karina roped him so Dad could remove it.  Karina, I would've got a better action shot but remember that I had to hold Dad's horse that was scared stiff of touching the electric fence.  You looked good, believe me.

The cows were so dang well behaved that we had some time for a photo shoot.  Karina made a lovely although not always willing model. 

How do you get your hair to do that Beaner?

"Justin, Oh, Justin, wherefore art thou Justin."  On second thought,this may have been when we were watching deer.  Or was that Dear . . .

At the end of the ride Grant and Alex brought the rest of the cousins out to ride horses for a little while.  Camille took her first ride.  She was less than impressed.

Camille: "A good drink makes everything better."

Alex and Eve.

Brad, Bryce, Grandpa Paul