…if I do say so myself!
On what would be Mom & Dad’s 49th anniversary, I thought it would be an appropriate day to share a bit about this years family vacation as a “tribute” to what a wonderful family they created.
This summer all the kids (7), in-laws (6), and grand-kids (18) made it to “the ranch” in Colorado for a week-long vacation. As most of you know, us kids grew up going to the ranch each summer for a week. We’d load up the van and head out…camping along the way and taking as many “back-roads” as Mom could find. We saw amazing places (Yellowstone, Capitol Reef, & Glacier National Parks just to name a few) and ending up at the ranch was the cherry on top!
Needless to say, getting the WHOLE family together this summer was no easy feat since there are 18 grandchildren now (ages 18 to 6 months) and multiple school and work schedules to accommodate. However, we somehow did it and the result of having everyone together at this very special place was incredible. (The award for greatest effort goes to Paul. At the last-minute he found out he couldn’t get the week off of work! Disappointed, but not down for the count he decided to fly to Denver on Thursday night and then make the 5-hour drive to the ranch Friday morning…only to have to make the reverse trip on Sunday. A short visit, but we are so glad he made it)!
There was horseback riding, fishing, walks, happy hour on the front porch, and great family meals. It was amazing to see all the cousins hanging out, playing, and enjoying each others company! Dad’s handmade wooden guns remain a hit! The brothers, sisters, and in-laws also enjoyed catching up and spending quality time together. And, of course, spending time with Reen & Terry was wonderful!!! It was an amazing week with countless memories.
We know Mom was there with us…amongst the wildflowers, along the river, sitting with us on the front porch, and swinging beside us on her swing while taking in the amazing scenery and enjoying the love of her family.
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Mitch,
It was an amazing trip. It brought back so many memories of summers past and gave us a chance to create numerous new ones (i.e. pulling an Anna). Mom was definitely there with all of us.
Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad. We are so thankful and grateful to you for making us who we are individually and what we become when we are together…THE BEST FAMILY EVER!!!
Love you guys!!!
Chris
What a great time you all must have had! Thanks for sharing the pictures. They are absolutely priceless. Love, Colleen
It was such a fantastic time and so wonderful to have us all together. I love the baseball games on the front lawn, the time spent on the puzzle, the family horseback rides and the many fishing trips (the “ditch” clearing day was also pretty fun). Mitch, as you said, I saw so much of “mom” in the ranch – the flowers (Columbine and Indian Paint Brush she loved so much), the cabin curtains (she made so many of them) and especially the sound of the water at night (the river and spring by the cabin). Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad….you instilled an amazing love of family, nature and adventure in all of us…and we are busy passing it down to the next generation.
Dave
Best week of the summer. I already have the group shot on the bulletin board. I worried about having room for everyone but now realize that sofas and floors space work just fine. Throughout the years these Napa Ripple reunions have always seemed magical….a time to really enjoy the love this ensemble has for each other – parents, grandparents, in-laws, aunts, uncles, and cousins. It was a great tradition started when Christie was a little one like Caitlin and to think everyone made it again this year is beyond the beyond. As has been said in the comments before me, Eileen is ever present at the ranch….you can’t visit here without walking in her footsteps! Happy anniverary Rip and Eileen…..we are looking forward to the next reunion and introducing grandchild # 19 to the barn animals! We miss you.
Much love to all,
Reen and Terry
I so enjoyed reading about your time at the ranch. You are a 1 in a million family. The love you all share comes through in your comments on Eileen’s blog. The memories you share are priceless as are the pictures. You were raised by tremendous parents.
I remember the wedding day fondly.
My love to all of you
Missy