The Grand Ranch

Okay, by far the best adventure we've had in a while was the Grand Ranch. Right after school on Friday, we headed south to Kanarraville (right outside Cedar City). We were spending a few nights at a ranch. We had our own little house with a corral in the back so we could feed our own little highland cow out the back window. There was a hot tub and a fire pit. Then across the way, there was an area for a bunch more animals, including goats, sheep, chickens, alpacas, donkeys, pigs, and other mini-cows. Think of it as a sleepover at a petting zoo. It might sound weird, but this was one of the most fun hotel stays we’ve ever done!

We went to see the animals as soon as we arrived.

They were all hopeful for food. 

It is a pretty awesome place.

This is where Dax chose to sleep.

So Seth was thrilled for his own king bed.

We had a lot of fun relaxing. 

We woke up early, because it’s a farm, and we had a tour. Surprisingly, we woke up to snow, but only here in southern Utah. First, we fed the micro highland cow through the back window. Then went out and brushed her real good. Then we went around and got introduced to the animals. We fed the goats, with one liking to stand and eat over your shoulder. I fed the alpaca carrots out of my mouth. We threw scratch to the chickens. We petted the pigs. Then, to top it all off, we bottle fed the little Highland calf. She was so sweet! 

Mom didn't wait one second in the morning before going to see Pippi.

We got to brush and pet Pippi up close.

It was cold and snowy, but we loved seeing the animals.

Dad fed Banjo the alpaca.

This goat wanted to climb right on top of Dax.

Mom loved it! 

Feeding the baby cow was so amazing.

Seth loved it, too!

Mom and Dad took the first dip in the hot tub.

We spent a lot of the time just hanging out in our little ranch house. There was a hot tub, which we hopped in twice, despite the snow and cold. Mostly we stayed inside and relaxed, which really isn’t our thing to do on vacations. We soaked in the hot tub, fed the animals 3 or 4 times, did some puzzles, and played games. We did go into Cedar City for dinner, but that was the extent of our adventures outside of the ranch. We absolutely loved our stay and can't wait to go back another time.

The chickens at our door made us feel right at home.

We went out to see the animals many times.

This cute sheep even hopped up on the fence to get a treat.

The goats are very aggressive for treats. 

We absolutely loved petting and brushing for mini donkeys.

They were the nicest.

We found our new favorite chicken.

Dax only wanted to spend time with the chickens.

Spending some time with Pippi. It was cool to feed her out the window.

She's still big even though she's micro.

The boys took a turn in the hot tub.

Saying goodbye to the animals before we head home.

So many chickens.

Dax and the chickens! 😍

Christmas Break

We had a different Christmas Break this year because of illness. Normally we pack up and head to Las Vegas after Randy's birthday for a few days, but Dax and Seth had been fighting sickness before Christmas, and then Seth took another turn for the worse on Christmas. So, we did our best to get everyone better and did a few things near home instead.

First up, Randy's birthday! It was kind of spoiled because our Tucano's trip had to be cancelled due to Seth's sickness. His big birthday present was seeing Nate Bargatze earlier in the month, but we didn't let him get nothing! We had a few small presents for him and Mom made him a lemon cream pie. He is the best dad and husband, so we hope he knows how much we love him!

Happy Birthday Randy!

Then we spent the next few days hanging around Lehi, being silly, and enjoying a more relaxing break.

Stephanie sent this amazing necklace to Seth. He LOVES it!

Seth has been taking pictures with people this month!

We went to see the movie David, and it was better than (Mom) expected.

Seth working on his wood burning kit.

We went to Jurassic Jungle since Dad and Dax had never been.

They have a new Ice Age Creamery at Thanksgiving Point.

Mom and Dad wearing their new Christmas gifts from Brittany. 

We had fun on New Years Eve with the Alders.

Happy 2026! We are excited for a New Year.

Mark said goodbye to 2025 a little before us!

Happy New year from Mark and his companion.

Monster Jam

We went to see Monster Jam inside the Delta Center this time, and it was just as fun as last time. I am impressed every single time that these huge trucks do tricks. We had a great time and it was nice to go on an adventure after all of the sickness weeks.

Excited for Monster Jam

We all picked a favorite truck to cheer for.

Dad got a new phone, so we love using it for pictures!

How do they do these handstands? 

Salt Lake City Trolley Tour

We also went on a trolley tour in Salt Lake. First of all, we didn't know there was a trolley tour available. Second of all, it wasn't just any tour. It was a performing tour. So the tour guides sang and acted all the way around town. It was a blast, and Mom and Dad learned a bunch of new things about Salt Lake City. 

Here we are getting ready for our tour.

They took lots of pics of us!

One stop was the Cathedral of the Madeleine.

Another was the Utah Capitol Building.

They sent us these nice photos, which was so kind!

Randy had to go back to work on Monday, but the boys had that day off. So we did one last adventure and went mini golfing at Fat Cats. Mom had two hole-in-ones, so she was pretty proud of herself!

It was fun to mini golf together.