The Smilin' V Ranch: Ella's First Trip!

It's been too long since I visited my Uncle Brad and Auntie Golvia at their home in Mt. Aukum. They have lots of beautiful land that surrounds a pond, complete with animals of all kinds-- from peacocks, ducks, and chickens to 9 dogs, 2 horses, indoor birds/parrots, and a tortoise (and more). We knew my little animal lover would have a blast checking out the ranch, so my mom, grandparents, Katelyn and I took Ella on a day trip there yesterday.

We had such a happy day watching Ella have the time of her life riding the tractor, going across the pond in a paddleboat, feeding chickens, ducks, goats, and a tortoise, dancing with the cockatoo, running through the sprinklers, and enjoying her first root beer float. She could not have had more fun (or gotten much dirtier). My outdoor girl loved every minute of being in the country with her family. Thanks for hosting us, U.B. and A.G. We can't wait to come back-- with Chris and Baby Brother!

We started the day off with Ella's first tractor ride.
U.B. let Ella drive! She LOVED it.

Feeding "Ben Aflac" with U.B. and Auntie Katelyn

First Root Beer Float

Cheers!

Meet Franklin the Tortoise.

Feeding the Neighbor's Goats

Ella's First Paddleboat Ride on the Pond

Watching Us Paddle Away from the Shore

Auntie Golvia had a great idea to turn the sprinkler on in the 100 degree weather.
Ella happily ran through it over and over again until she was chattering from the cold water!

Summer Fun with Auntie Katelyn

Looking Across the Pond with Papa Goofy

Tractor Ride #2 of the Day

Such a Happy Day at the Ranch!