Return of the Little People

It's so neat to see and smell things through the eyes of the little people. They are still so full of life and joy and inquisitiveness. 


Once again, we were graced with visitors, of the small and innocent persuasion. Following their travels around California and Oregon visiting family, our young friends and their 3 children rolled in about 9:00 Sunday evening. It seems to be the popular time for kids to arrive here this year.

They poured out of their vehicle and hugs were passed all around. I had spent the week moving stuff so they could sleep in their “train bunk beds” again, which is one of the shelves in the extra room. They love it there, but I am afraid this is the last year they will fit, so we’ll have to come up with a new idea for next year.

True to form, the ‘polar bears’ had to see everything that was going on. If there are strange vehicles and people on the ranch, they are busybody enough that they have to stick their noses into everything. In spite of the fact that there are no small children here on the ranch, except for the few days a year we have these visits, the Maremmas were thrilled to have them around. Usually its Bruno that puts himself in charge of children, but this year Cletus was tickled to see them back too. Both Maremmas stuck to the kids like glue and loved having them in their face or hugging on them, laying on them and any number of things that most normal dogs find offensive. 

At one point, they made a 'kid sandwich'. One polar bear in front and one behind, ready to jump into action should anything or anyone upset their charges.






Cider was happy too, as it meant there was someone to throw things for him. He was a little depressed as he doesn’t get as much attention as he used to from this little crew, but he tends to settle for what he can get.
As a bonus, he discovered a small 'spa' in the calf pen. He squeezed himself in, even though he had a little muffin top.

In the morning, I had a great assistant helping make whole wheat waffles.

 We had our fill then they went out to play with the meaties.  The boy child found Papa Randy's boots and decided he could fill them. The big, dorky, waddle bodied chickens submitted to being petted, picked up, and pestered for most of the stay.

 As is always the case with little people, anything to do with critters is a highlight. #1 was the chief egg finder, #2 was expert petter, flower smeller and cook's assistant and #3 in all his boyness had an affinity for both  goats and chickens. It was great as the kids did the hard work filling and feeding bottles each day and night.

Don't you just love little boys???

This has been a bad year for bugs. This old drafty house finds itself host to a number of boxelder bugs, and #2 child was kept busy keeping the bathroom free of them. An army of them had to be flushed down the toilet, yet, they always seem to be replaced.

This ultra feminine little sprite is tougher than she looks. She put on her ‘mean and scary look’ to wrestle with her brother, while her ex marine daddy coached them with possible moves. It was pretty entertaining. 

Calf feeding, goat feeding, horseback-riding, egg collecting and goat milking were on the itinerary. In spite of the short visit, that and more was accomplished, although there is still a list of things we wanted to do, those were the top contenders.

Yes, goats give kisses...

...and hugs.

#1, who is 8 now, desperately wanted to ride a horse. I wasn't feeling real well, as the auto-immune was flaring up again, but she was big enough to fit the youth saddle, so I saddled up Wimpy and turned her loose in the back pasture. She was on cloud 9. It was much the same as a 16 y.o. getting their driver's license...the amazing independence and control that comes from riding a horse all by yourself for the first time. She did really well. Next trip maybe she can go out with the cowboys if they have a short circle to do.

SE Oregon has been plagued with 3 wildfires. We could see this one from the house at night. About 1/4 of the ranch's winter pasture was burned, a neighbor lost about 400 cows and nearly his life when the fire doubled back and surrounded him on horseback. His wife drove through  incredibly hot flames  to rescue him. AS horribly sad as that is, we are so grateful there was no loss of human life. Randyman, and all the ranch crew and most of the ranch kids left with the skidgeons, road graders, and big CATs to fight another fire south east of us. I pray for the ranchers who have lost homes, pastures and livestock  in these fires. Lightening is a powerful force, and when it ignites sagebrush and juniper, a half million acres can burn fairly quickly. Life can change in an instant.

Our company headed back home after only 3 days, because they had been gone from home for several weeks already.

The polar bears are readjusting and are back to guarding just critters again.

and I am listening for the sounds of giggles and laughter, waiting until all the little people return. Maybe someday they can all come together, and stay longer.

*most of the pictures in this post are courtesy of Little People's Mom