Clear Creek Part 2

Stella and Sawyer loved Spot, another ranch dog.  This was when we were leaving...they didn't want to say good-bye...

Sawyer loved finding Salamanders in the pond

Playing in the old barn where they had games, ping pong, soccer, basketball and hay bales to climb

We hiked with a small group to one of the nearby waterfalls.  It was gorgeous.  

Stella with Fiona

Sawyer with Rascal

 Our wonderful wranglers that the kids warmed up to so fast.

  I still can't believe the kids rode these horses this high with no problem. Here we are in from to fMt. Mitchell :)

The view from one of our morning rides... 

until next time...happy trails :)

Spring Break Part 1

We headed out for some family time at Clear Creek Ranch over Spring Break and it was just what we all needed.  The quietness and simplicity of it all was wonderful.  I love how the kids never got bored of just being outside...  There was no TV and very little Internet access but, honestly, we hardly even noticed.  I know that sounds cliche, but it really was wonderful....

This was the bonfire on the first night after supper.  We made S'mores and the kids played soccer.

Ready for our first morning ride.  It was pretty chilly that morning.

That afternoon we had fun "fishing".  It was a little cold for the trout to come to the top but the kids had fun baiting the hooks and casting their rods in the water over and over and over. 

This was the Lodge where we ate all of our meals.  I was standing at the trout pond when I took this picture.  You can't see it, but there was a pretty good hill we had to walk every time we headed to eat.  

Stella has been hard at work everyday since we've been back.  She's earning money for a horse.  Maybe camp or lessons will have to do. :)

Sawyer was a natural.  His attire fit right in.

Here's a couple of the ranch dogs. They were playing in the arena while we were saddling up.  They even would run along with us on the trail rides.  The kids loved them too.

Jesus is A L I V E :)

Easter has lasted a long time for our family this year.  All of us have been in the Easter Drama at church for 3 weekends, not including practices and dress rehearsals.  It has been a big commitment but we've enjoyed being a part of such a wonderful outreach.  We celebrated with family in China Grove and had a few Easter Eggs hunts, too.  

Waiting for someone to say "GO!"

Easter's Best :) 

A few weekends ago, the kids found some scrap pieces of wood and wanted to make crosses.  I love them.  It's hard to see, but Stella painted some red on hers. 

Playing her role as the little girl who is brought back to life at one of the practices. She has LOVED this.

We got her a journaling Bible and here's one of her first pages : )

Thank you Jesus for all you did for us...for what you went through on the cross, so we would have life.  "In my sin....yes, even then, He shed His blood for me"