Canadian Coop

Rob, Bryson and Nick have been planning a hunting trip to the Sikanni for over a year. A couple of weeks after we got back from our summer trip there Rob suggested taking Cooper along too. It just so happens we were able to get a ticket relatively cheap and so he got to tag along with the Big Boys on their journey north. 

The weather was a little yucky when they got there and so the boys didn't all make it to camp right away. Rob ended up staying at the ranch two nights and I think he enjoyed getting to see Cooper in all his "Ranch-hand" glory.

Pops surprised him with his very own "Quad" aka four wheeler. At first Pops would follow him around with a rope attached to a kill switch. They took it slow for a while.

 Its funny because my Dad used to get onto us ALL the time about burning gas up....but Cooper had free range. Oh to be the grandkid!

 He was so proud of himself and his new toy.

Once the weather cleared up Dad was able to fly Rob into camp and Cooper was there to say adios.

 

 Bye Dad!!

 I just love this series of pictures.

 

 Cooper made himself right at home.

He even helped Gran with the dishes! 

 and in her green house

 check out these tomaters!

 Now my kids love themselves some grape tomatoes but Cooper ate up this huge tomato like it was the sweetest apple ever. HE must get that from his Gigi.

Cooper also was quite the helper in the corrals.

 He insisted on walking each horse in.

 Poor kid, Diesel did not want to budge.

 You have no idea on how HUGE this horse is.

 

 all tacked up and still not wanting to move for the little kid.

 Time to hitch you up to the wagon.

 So from what I hear the wagon ride got a little crazy after this and at one point Pops went flying over the front like superman when the wagon got stuck and the ream of horses still wanted to go.

 By day 2 or 3 Cooper as completely comfortable on the four wheeler and was OFF!

 Breakfast with Peanut.... 

 Baking pies with Gran (Bottom right was his own creation)

 Legos in the morning.

 Quad repairs.

 Pops pulls a trailer behind his so he figured Cooper needed his very own.

 He even let him loose with a spray can.

 A little time on the drill press 

 

 Some boards.

 A little lesson on how to maneuver everything.

 And he was all set.

 Off to his first job...helping Gran harvest some veggies in the garden

 all loaded up

 One afternoon Coop and Pops decided they should fly out to camp and check on the guys.

 So Coop got his gear all loaded up.

Bedroll and all.

 

 

 Drove it over to the Hanger

 And got all ready to head out.

 

 Rob said he did a great job at camp and was so glad to get to see him.

When they got back it was time to have a hot dog roast which meant they needed to haul some fire wood.....of course Cooper could handle that.

 

 I love this picture. He makes this expression all the time when he thinks he is doing something VERY cool.

 

 Nothing better than a hot dog roasted over an open fire.

 

 Not a bad view from the fire pit.

 One of his favorite things to do is throw rocks in the river.

 Don't you love Pops safety harness.

 

 Don't let go of that hood Dad.

 Gran said he loved when they got to play mechanic with all the vehicles.  

 

 He even got to drive the D6

 Picnics with Gran call for a little siesta.

 He became quite the lego lover (by the way those are my Legos from when I was a kid)

 

 More breakfasts with Peanut.

 Building airport legos with Miss Jodie

 They even built a hanger for their planes.

 Rob flew back to the ranch a night early and was shocked when Cooper pulled up as they were taxiing in all ready to carry his gear back to the lodge.

 They next day Cooper spent floating boats through the culvert with his Dad & Pops.

 

 They would let them loose on one end.

 And Coop would catch it with the fishing net at the other side.

 He played like this for hours. 

 

 Rob wanted to try out Coops new toy for himself.

 While Pops was flying to camp to get Nick & Bryson Gran decided it was picture time  

 

 Two of my favorite guys.

 Proud Gran

 Headed to pick up Nick & Brysons gear. 

 Oh Lordy......

  

Cooper insisted on sleeping in the bunk room with the guys the last night. I was so nervous about sending him for so long (10 days) but I am so glad I did. He came back so proud and with so much confidence. What other 4/5 year old gets these opportunities? It was so great for him....and Gran & Pops of course.

It sounds like the Big Boys had quite an adventure themselves. As soon as I can get my hands on some pictures we will post a blog on that too.