Backcountry hayride

 A few days ago I heard about a sunset hayride through our town's 'backcountry,' I texted Lori right away and asked her if she would want to go. Our backcountry is an 8,200 acre wildlife preserve that our community association takes care of. Not all of it is open to the public, so it was a treat to be able to tour the land! We weren't sure what to expect but we ended up having a great time. 

  Johanna wasn't sure what was going on when we loaded her into the trailer and stuck her on a barrel of hay, but she wasn't complaining!

 Once we started moving she was thrilled by the bumps, winding roads and wind in her face.

Tyler had a great time pointing out the cows and playing with the hay.

 He's such a goofball!

 Every once in a while we would spot elk out in the distance. The trailer would stop and our guides would pass around binoculars for everyone to get a closer look. There are rattle snakes, golden eagles, turkeys, and various other animals that call the backcountry home as well but we didn't see any of them this time out.

 Remember our cattle branding outing? Here are the newly branded and castrated (yuck) calves along with their moms staying clear away from us. Good thing they didn't remember us or they may have been charging the trailer instead, haha.

 After a 30 minute journey through the backcountry we unloaded and got to explore the area on foot while our guides set up a campfire.

 There was plenty to see and touch, luckily the mosquitos weren't out yet.

 You had to watch where you were stepping if it wasn't a giant gnarly log it was a enormous fresh cow pattie below foot.

 Good thing I brought the baby carrier so I could really watch my step!

 The highlight of the night for the kids I am sure were the marshmallows. Lori was in charge of roasting and she did an exceptional job, I had at least four.

 Look who was sneaking more while he thought no one was looking! I just love his little chipmunk cheeks.

 Johanna didn't have any marshmallows but she did enjoy her banana cracker, she devoured it in minutes. Thanks for the suggestion Jolene, she loves them...and I love them because it keeps her so distracted when I need her to be like during church for instance ;)

 The Overeman's (minus Jeff!)

 Look at me I'm up past my bedtime!

 On the way back Johanna and I sat in the front of the trailer. She was so exhausted from all the activity she zonked out within the first five minutes. What a great outing!

In Johanna news she is learning how to wave! Yesterday we were having a playdate with Kara and the boys. As we were leaving I waved goodbye to Kara and when I looked down at Johanna's little hand her fingers were scrunching up into a little wave. At first I thought it was just a fluke but then she did it again for us! She also did it several more times that night and again today. I just find this so cute I make her do it again and again for my amusement. It is so much fun being a Mom, I love how each day brings something new  and exciting :)