Steven and Misty, Josie, Hailie, and Jarrett came to spend Christmas with us this year. Steve wanted to take his kids to Hardware Ranch to see the elk. Kelsey's and Audrey's families came, too. We arrived at Hardware Ranch at 12:00 noon Christmas Eve. "Cheeseburger", was our guide. The horses had long strands of bells on them that made the wagon ride festive. Unfortunately there was not enough snow for sleighs. We are in a bit of a drought this year. There are about 300 elk that winter at Hardware ranch. We had a tailgate picnic after our wagon ride. We had trail mix, ham and cheese sandwiches, chips, orange slices, and hot chocolate. Yummm!! Going to Hardware Ranch was a highlight of our whole Christmas season.
The last time I went out into the herd of elk was when I met Dave in 1993. Actually, it was our first date, and... we took all our kids. And before that, in 1979, when Kelsey was just over 2 years old, Greg and I went. And before that, in 1959, when I was 2 years old, and dad was working at Hardware Ranch, I was there a lot!
I always like to tell the story of grandpa Bates and uncle Bill working on the ranch when they were going to school at Utah State.
