Where in the Desert?

Just got back from a quick trip to this classic desert destination. Any ideas where it is and what's the special occasion?

Have many more photos to post, and I'll try to get them up asap.

Playing in the Sandbox

Desert Boy shared his sandbox the other day with Baby Aaron, who is about 10 months old. 

Desert Boy looks like he is trying to be helpful, but looks can be deceiving.

Desert Boy explains to Aaron that he's not ready to share.

And from the looks of it, Aaron isn't too happy!

It was good for them both to get a little time with another young'un, even if they aren't the best of play partners. It won't be long until they're out roaming around, building forts, climbing trees, and trying to raft down the irrigation ditches. Thinking about all that makes the sandbox seem like a great idea to me!

Lunchtime Horseride

We headed over to the cookhouse at lunch the other day and saw some horses were joining us. Desert Boy got very excited, but we told him he had to eat some food before he could ride a horse.

After lunch, his new buddy Baby Aaron rode with his dad. Desert Boy watched and wanted to get on, too. He had to be patient and wait a little bit. That's not easy for a two-year old!

Nevertheless, Cousin C got on his horse and Uncle Dave took Desert Boy over to greet the horse, Shelley.

And then Desert Boy got to ride. He was tremendously excited. 
But he still managed to mug for the camera. He's well-trained!

More Road Art

Not far away is some interesting road art, and you can read an introduction about it here. While I was driving the other day, I noticed that this mannequin, who had recently been sporting men's clothing, was now dressed in a new style. We've had a little cold snap, so it might be getting a little chilly for her at night.

An alien sits by the side of the road, watching the traffic go by every day. The air is a little thin, hence the breathing apparatus (at least that's what I'm calling it). Even handicapped aliens manage to have a good time. I think the alien at one time was skiing, so perhaps it was a ski accident that has him sidelined.

The helmet can help protect him from the abundant cosmic rays. 

Some of the road art stays up for a long time, while other is quite temporary, so I realize I need to do a better job of photographing it. And what better place to put those pictures than on this blog?

Getting the 4-H Steers Ready

The County Fair is in just over two weeks, and my nieces and nephews are busy getting ready all their 4-H projects ready. Cousin A is taking a steer, and I watched her as she worked with him.

She's giving him some loving attention. I'm not sure if he's feeling the love, though. Steers have kind of a tough exterior.

And he decides he wants to show he's boss. She's not going to let a steer, even if it outweighs her by 1200 pounds, be in charge.

Well, maybe not. It's not easy to get a stubborn steer to give up his ground.

Meanwhile Cousin C is going on a little jaunt with his steer. He makes it look easy.

He even manages a smile. And that's before he got his mohawk haircut.

His steer is mellow and ready to go where Cousin C wants it to go.

Fortunately, Cousin A finally wins the battle of the wills and gets her steer to walk where she wants it. Then it's time to go out to a big corral and practice more there.

Cousin C's steer is cooperative as can be...

...and Cousin A's steer starts out okay, but then decides he really doesn't want to go for a walk. Sometimes steers just get that way.

Aunt Tana gets into the corral and shows Cousin A some moves to make sure the steer doesn't get his way. Cousin A is more interested in the new puppy, though! It will be fun to see how both cousins do at the fair. They've certainly gained some good experience learning how to take care of and control their big animals.