Trip to the Ranch

Andy's maternal grandmother's family, the Noon family, gather every year at the Noon family ranch (near Arivaca, AZ) each year on the Friday after Thanksgiving.  Everyone brings Thanksgiving leftovers and enjoys visiting, hiking and, of course, eating.  It is a wonderful tradition that everyone looks forward to each year!

Ava Grace and Emma started the morning seeking inspiration for their trip to the ranch in their new matching horsey pj's (thank you, Grandma D!)

This is the road that leads down to Oro Blanco, the Noon family ranch, which is just a few miles from the border with Mexico.

This is the ranch house at Oro Blanco.  It was built in the 1800s and there are some amazing stories about this place!

Taking a walk to the pond

Skipping rocks with the cousins at the pond

Playing in the dirt!  (so much fun!)

Trying our first banana

Not sure if I like it

Jury's out

Then we head to Andy's great-grandparents' ranch, Grantham Ranch

Love this road leading to the ranch (it's awesome for those of us who suffer from motion sickness)

The ranch house

Gorgeous views of the desert

Emma helped wake Ava Grace up from her nap

Cutie pie cousins!

A few of the local hangouts as we head back to Tucson

We are thrilled that Ava Grace got to meet so many family members and experience such wonderful traditions and culture this Thanksgiving.  We are already excited for our next trip to the desert!!!