The BIG trip to the Ranch

So-- with all that said about Bob-- this weekend we (34 of us plus 7 dogs) went up to the Ranch to give Bob his final resting place. Bob (very fittingly) passed away at the Ranch while working on a sprinkler head. He died in classic Bob fashion wearing nothing but his flip-flops!! We all went up as his closest friends and family to spread Bob's ashes in the place he lived for and loved. Tim (another dear friend- also the one Abe went to the Ranch with to help Bob's girlfriend Millie when we all got the news) kept saying how Bob died up there because he just wanted someone 'to dig a hole with the tractor and roll him in it' because he really was just that simple. So, anyway, we all had a great weekend up at the Ranch telling stories and remembering how truly legendary Bob was. We each were able to place Bob where we had had a memorable experience with him and that was truly a special gift. His children, Damian and Katie, were incredible to include so many in such a personal experience, and we were all so very grateful.

This was also Cole's first trip to the Ranch and he had a BLAST!!! He loved riding Abe's 70, disrupting the "golf games" and just running everywhere he could. It rained off and on all day Saturday, but that didn't stop him. He loved all the dogs running around and everyone loved taking him around. He went and helped pick apples and pears, hung out at the pond, and picked up every rock, stick, pecan, and fruit he could find. Here are some pics from this weekend:

Cole sleeping on the way in.

Cole off on his own!

Helping Daddy with the tent.

Stealing golf balls

Cole's 1st ride

the lower orchard

the beginning of Bob's service

playing in the sprinkler

running for another sprinkler

keeping warm while Cole's clothes

dried by the fire

Dozer taking a nap

Cole deciding Dozer needs a hug

not a nap!

a dirt hole that cole liked walking

in and out of

I found a shoe!!!

stealing more golf balls

why steal balls when you can steal a club?

waiting for another ride

"helping" take down the tent

sleeping on the way out.

All in all it was a good weekend, although the Ranch will never be the same without Bob.