VANcation 2008: Grandma Loreen's 7/14-7/19

This annual trip to California is really important to us, because it allows our kids to maintain a relationship with their family here. We treasure the time we spend with them, especially when they share their homes with us and allow us to be a part of their daily lives. Those everyday moments make up some of the best memories our children will have, I'm quite sure.

This year we were so happy to get so spend a week at Loreen's ranch. Loreen is Rich's step-mom, and although his dad has passed away Loreen and her family is still a very important part of our family.

We enjoyed experiencing life in the woods with her horses and birds. It is quiet and peaceful, but never lacking in someone to feed, bathe, or clean up after. :)

Kiran and Grandma Loreen
Rich & Kaden at one of our favorite restaurants: Poor Red's
Sharing a Shirley Temple
Kaden petting Buck
Loreen with Buck
Loreen bathing pregnant Andina. We will hopefully get to meet her baby who should be born while we are here!
"Barn Goddess"
Loreen washing Buck
Cousins with Chinese food. Mmmmmm!!!
Ally, Kylin, Kaden, & Austin in the barn
Ally and Kylin taking alfalfa out to the horses
Walking to paddock #2
Visiting
The grandkids: Ally, Kylin, Austin, AJ, Kaden & Kiran
Kiran & Rich
Sharing a popsicle
Kylin, Ally, Kiran, and Kaden
Trying on the tupperware

Loreen has company that lives in her attic: these cute bats!! Here are 3 who were hanging near the front door in the eaves

Loreen found this rattlesnake near her barn just a few days after we left. I'm SO glad I did not see it!
She had Humane Rattlesnake Removal Service come out and take it to a more appropriate home