This year for the 4th of July, my side of the family decided to get together with our extended Hill Family. We all spent the weekend at the "Ranch" in Ripon California. Anyone who is familiar with the area knows that it is a small farming/ranching community. My Grandpa decided to buy the "ranch" about 10 years ago so he could spend some time away from the city life. He has 5 acres and he used to have olive trees on it. There is not a market any more for the olives, so most of the land is currently vacant. However, he still has several fruit trees (apricot and plum trees) which provide him with plenty of work! They also have a swimming pool that we spent the afternoons it. We made long lasting memories with our cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, parents, brothers and sisters and nieces and nephews. Here are some of the pictures from the weekend.
This is Billy and our niece Kathryn. She is such a doll and cuddle bug. She had a long day on the 4th of July and you can tell. She fell asleep on Billy. Billy may not agree, but he definitely has a way with kids. On our way home today, there was a six month old girl just screaming in the row in front of us. Thanks to Billy's cute faces, she stopped crying and finally fell asleep! 
While we were at the ranch, I wanted to drive the tractor. I haven't ever driven one, and I thought it would be fun. The only person I could get to go out with me with good ole' Christi. I guess no one else thought it sounded fun to drive a tractor in the middle of a HOT afternoon and get all dusty. I thought otherwise! :)
Here's Grandpa backing out the tractor for us! 
I am getting a little coaching and advise before I hop on...
Here is me driving...
I even got promoted after my first lap and Grandpa showed me how to lower the discs and drive and plow the ground...He was definitely impressed and told me I will have to come back and till the ground the next time around. I told him it's a deal.
I definitely have the best grandpa. The tractor wasn't really working before I asked him if I could drive it. But first thing on Saturday morning he fixed it and I got to drive the tractor.
Kathryn wanted to pose on the tractor. She thought it was fun to sit up there!
Kathryn couldn't believe how big the tires on the tractor were! They were a lot bigger than her!
Christi is checking out the tractor. She wasn't able to drive it, but...
She sure got a couple rides from Grandpa. I know she had such a great time. Her smile tells it all.
Billy had a lot of fans in the pool. Caleb and Billy had a good time rough housing with each other. Billy is so popular that he even has Fenton in his hands while trying to take care of Caleb.
Kati and Billy
Christi and Billy love tickling each other.
Ladies and Gentlemen...look at her go!
Billy also got a hair cut from my mom. She did it so she could teach me how to cut his hair...we'll see if I'll make it next time.
I'm taking notes
Kathryn and baby Emma have matching swim suits We had a great 4th of July...I think I have the best family and am grateful for them. We were able to be with the whole Hill family which does not happen too often. We are definitely blessed to have each other!
3 comments:
Looks like you all had a great time! I love family bonding times like the ones you had, there are too few of them once you get married. Hope you all get back into town safely!
What a fun time you had! Billy is so cute with kids. That picture of him with your neice sleeping is adorable! You looked good on the tractor too! I loved driving the tractor and combine on my dads farm, granted it was a closed cab and had AC so it was not bad to drive. I give you credit for wanting to driving in the hot sun and dust! Way to go. Looks like you had fun swimming too. Your neices and nephews sure are cute!
next time I have an inkling to ride a tractor I'll know who to call!! missing the Hills again now. =(
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