R Ranch

We thought we would check out R Ranch as place that we might want to come to more often.  So on Labor Day, we took the family.  {Everyone except Ethan, he was having one of his ATTITUDE moments so we left him at home} 

 

 Just a little bit about it:

R RANCH

Located along the southern tip of the Sequoia National Forest in a former logging town known as Johnsondale, R-Ranch in the Sequoias is a tranquil mountain vacation resort for the year round enjoyment of its member owners.

Whether you enjoy hiking, fishing, horseback riding or just relaxing in the crisp mountain air, R-Ranch in the Sequoias has something for everyone. With over 80 ranch vacation cabins and 150 RV spaces, R-Ranch accommodates anyone from the casual camper to the seasoned RVer. Owners may stay for up to 14 days per visit (30 days for RV sites) with a 7 day leave, based on reservation availability.

Hike along any of the numerous trails on the ranch's 750 acre property. Discover ancient Indian artifacts carved into the rock. Saddle up for horseback riding. Take a boat ride or do a little fishing in the lake, lay out by the pool or relax in the hot tub. At night fall enjoy a campfire down by the lake.

Horse enthusiasts enjoy the Equestrian activities available at R-Ranch. A world class Archery range, gun range, Frisbee golf, BMX Biking, Adult and youth activity centers are all available to owners and their guests.

 

It turned out that we had some friends who one a place there invite us to come also.  So we met them there and they showed us a few secret waterslides and places to go while there.  The most exciting thing for the kids was the horseback ridingl.  We missed the trail rides but they got to ride in the stables a little. 

 

 

 

We liked it but I guess not enough to buy into it.  And if we were to go there often we would have to do something about these kids and their car sickness.  Heading up to the Sequoias on the windy roads, we discovered that Jacob gets car sick.  Poor Kiddo!! This trip was so bad that we had Lauren (the usual) and Matthew get sick.  Good Times!!

Brimhall Young Womens August 2012

Sister Willis brought some of her Project Linus blankets for us to work on and help prepare for the Project Linus day in September.  We were kept busy and had fun doing it.

This month we also had a Stake Camp Preview.  We watched a slide show of YM and YW camps from his summer.  It is always fun to see yourself on the big screen.  The highlight of the evening was when all the young men got up and sang this very special song for the young women.

IMG 4436 from Melissa on Vimeo.
And then the Young Women had to sing their song:
IMG 4439 from Melissa on Vimeo.

This was a fun opportunity for our youth to go river rafting together.  Some members of our ward own RiversEnd Rafting and they were able to give us a good discount.  We had a big group which provided us with some big adventures.  But nothing like pulling people in the water, or splashing everyone or getting rafts stuck or just having some plain ole good fun. 

Here are some of awesome youth at the Stake RollerRama Night.  This is an annual tradition.

ECLIPSE through a piece of paper

This is our pinhole view of our most recent Eclipse! Steve put a pinhole through a piece of white copy paper and the kids were all able to see the Eclipse without looking directly at the sun.

First Day of School 2012

Another school year has just begun.  I can honestly say that I wasn't reay for my kids to go back to school this year.  Sumer just went by way too fast.  But here we go, Matthew is in 6th grad with Mrs. Rassmussen, Rachel is in 6th grade with Mr. King (Yes, the same teacher Matthew had last year and she is in a 4th/5th combo class) and Lauren is in the 3rd grade with Mrs. Bray.

Ethan was off to seminary bright and early so no pictures of him.  We now have a high schooler!!!

Here's to a great year!!!!!

 

 

Ethan's FIRST Dance

It was the day of Ethan's first dance and he wasn't really into going.  We were at our neighbors birthday party/Big BBQ and a few of the dads were encouraging him to go.  One of them even said he would give him a dollar for every girl he danced with.  Well, that did it.  He quickly got ready and off he went.  This is a picture of him after the dance.  I'd say he had a great time.  Look at the grin from chin to chin.  He could count at least 16 girls that he danced with.  So FUN!!!

And some pictures from another dance. 

 

A Day in the Life at the Beach with the Schurings!!!

So we crashed the Schuring "Californian Dreamin" Trip to the Beach, but just for two days.  When they are in California, they live at the beach.  So the Bakersfield Spendloves and the San Diego Spendloves were able to spend some time with some of our Utah cousins.  Good Times!!!

 

 Just have to note here that Ethan ran into a couple of girls from school, thus we didn't see much of him for a little while.

Sweet baby Keith!

 

 

 

 

We also did a little bit of celebrating!  It was Lindsay's 18th birthday!

MP 2012 Summer Pool Parties

We weren't able to go to as many summer pool parties as we have in the past.  But we are so thankful for the wonderful neighbors that we have been blessed with.  I just love how we accept each other for who we are no matter what our differences.  And all the kids get along so well and all my neighbors know how to cook and have a good time.