This past weekend we packed up Jack and braved our first road trip. It was branding weekend on Grandpa's ranch and we wanted Jack to be there. So we drove 8 hours up to Philip, SD. Jack was wonderful; he slept most of the way and gave his Mommy and Daddy time to visit and enjoy each others company.

On the way, however, we hit some thunderstorms and began to wonder if Jack would get to see his Daddy wrestle calves afterall. Sadly, the ground was indeed too wet, and the branding was postponed. But we made the most of it and we got to visit and relax with Grandpa. Then Grandpa watched Jack, and Dan and I got to go 4 wheeling all over the ranch. We enjoyed the wide open spaces, the blue skies, and crisp, clean air fragrant with a hint of sage. It was a truly beautiful day. Before we left, Jack got to see his calf Dippy. Grandpa picked it out special because its tail is white-tipped -as if it's been "dipped" in paint. This way as Jack gets older he can spot her easily.

Being at the ranch is always rejuvenating, and finally having Jack there was so special--the first of many, many memories he will experience there.