Mason - February 2013

On Thursday, February 7th we loaded up and headed for Mason, Texas... to a ranch, outside of town, owned by friends of ours. (This was Aaron's fourth trip out there and Adam's second - see past trips here: 2009, 2011, and 2012). Aaron had been telling us for a while that he wanted to spend his actual birthday in Mason at the ranch. It just so happened that he got what he wished for. 

With enough stuff to live and play comfortably in the middle of nowhere for four days, we headed out...

The boys were beside themselves with excitement. They have been talking about going to Mason since before Christmas. Aaron has an amazing memory and can and often does, recall every detail of his trips there.

Once we unloaded, which took a while, and settled in, Alan made the rounds on his four-wheeler to prepare for his evening hunt and we went exploring.

Schep Creek, above the little dam.

Are all boys born with a love of throwing rocks in the water?

It didn't take Adam long to sink in the mud, so we had to hose him off and change shoes.

I think he was running laps.

When Alan got back we went in and relaxed for a while...

I think he was in trouble, I don't remember why.

After dinner the boys and I took off to greet the cows and give Adam some more practice at "hiking." 

Adam loves cows. He would have gone much closer if I would have let him.

Up the road.

And back again.

The next day our weekend companions arrived from San Antonio and brought lots of good food with them...

Dana and Patti settling in.

That afternoon on one of our rides, we stopped and let the boys run around...

And Alan did sighted in his .22

Our precious goobers were having a blast.

This is the kitchen/living building that was new last year.

Aaron and Dana went for a hike...

To find Patti and Dave...

Patti and Dave brought a "Mexican Train" domino set that the boys loved playing with...

They couldn't figure out where the flash of light was coming from... then finally realized it was me.

The boys enjoyed riding their John Deere's around the camp area. Adam even took off following Alan a few times, thinking he could catch up with him (after chasing him down, he gave in and came back grumpily). Here's a couple from one night at sunset...

The last night we were there a front blew through and it rained and hailed and lightninged like we haven't seen in years. All of the cabins have metal roofs too, so it kept most of us up and without shades on the windows it was pretty interesting to watch. After a little explanation, the boys slept through the whole thing.

One last ride in the morning before we loaded up...