Oil Ranching with the McMarthouses

On Friday October 24th, we decided to continue our grand McMartin tradition** of heading to the Oil Ranch to properly pay homage to the season of pumpkins.  This year the Shannonhouses, Natalie and baby Zan joined us in the festivities making it the McMarthouse + Friends day o' fun.  Also in the grand tradition of McMartin family outings, we left slightly later than anticipated which left us in completely random traffic on 290 which nearly resulted in 2 divorces and much laughter prior to the fun getting started.

By the time we arrived, we were left with only about an hour of time to maximize our family farm fun.  Luckily when you have 5 kids under the age of 4, this is MORE than enough time to completely wear out all parties involved.  Horses were ridden, cows were fed, poor pumpkin photography took place and Ryan probably wound up on a CPS watch list somewhere for bringing our large camera to a children's location.  Basically you could call the day a complete success, as you'll see below.

Thanks to all who organized the event (read: Mama Mel- where would we be without her?!) and all who participated.  I look forward to a three-peat next year!

How adorbs are these little cow-kids-in-training?!  This bodes well for the future compound.

Emery was really excited about the pony... until we got too close to it.  Please note this is the only time our child is cuddly- when she's unsure and/or manipulating.  In this photo she might be multi-tasking.

Jake pointing out some bunnies.  I think.

That smirk only means one thing- she has an idea...

... looks like Jake had the same one.  "You down to terrorize some chickens?  Great, me too.  We have so much in common!"

Seeing how happy they were chasing these poor barnyard animals made the entire day absolutely worth it.

Seriously, is there anything greater than this unfettered excitement from little ones?  Provided they didn't get lucky and catch any chickens, obviously.

Okay... what victims do we have in this area?

Goats?!  Shut up.  They're bigger and faster.  I love a challenge.

Should I dive for one?  I'm thinking about it.

C'mon big Mama- this way for more animal heckling!

Sweet Patrick and his hot Mama.

Jake, Em & Av feeding a cow.  A cow who subsequently huffed hay all over Emery.  Moo moos are soooo funny.

Dad.  Did you see that cow snort hay on me?  Is that how you feel when I spit my full mouth of yogurt all over you?

The other half of the double date we were chaperoning.  I think Patrick was playing hard-to-get.

Mama and her girls just taking a little waddle stroll around the farm.

Hands down this kid nailed most photogenic of the day.  We have about 10 more like this that are equally adorable.

Natalie, baby Zan, Lynda & Patrick showing us how rural modeling is done.

I can't stop laughing at his facial expression.  How could I not post this?  Pumpkins did not impress him.

This is as good as it gets for a family photo with this crew.  Sorry Charlie.