Author Archives: Keith

Here is a video of me coming down the big slide at Mo-Ranch.

Two more videos of our family playing with a Texas Turtle.

A number of years ago, Becky attended a Woman’s retreat at a place called Mo-Ranch which is a Presbyterian camp/conference center. She has always kept it in mind for possible vacations. Since then, we have taken the kids once and we have gone by ourselves once. Becky had the idea of getting away for a short vacation before our “four-family” becomes a “five-family” so we decided to go to Mo again. We stayed for three days and two nights and had a good time. The river was very warm and pleasant.

I put together a slide show of our trip and thought that it would be good to give you a guided tour of our mini vacation. You can start the slide show, then pause it and scroll down to read my commentary.

1) There are lots of different kinds of rooms at Mo-Ranch. We stayed in a building that looks very much like a motel. We were the only visitors in the building so it was nice and quite. Mo-Ranch offers a clergy rate during the week when business is slow so we were able to go without spending an arm and a leg.

2) We brought some digging toys for the kids. They got to work right away.

3) On our way down the hill, there is a neat walk way with what looks to be grape vines all over it.

4) Then even more down the hill is a bridge on the way to the play ground.

5) One of the first things we wanted to do was get in the river. The kids are ready to go!

6) Here is a picture looking up the river towards a 30 foot tall river slide. That is also the direction we are headed to go to the swimming hole.

7) There are lots of little holes to just sit and soak. The water was VERY warm.

8) On our way back to Mo-Ranch. Our daughter was helping me “oar” the canoe.

9) Relaxing after a long day of… relaxing.

10) The food was awesome and the kids made friends with the kitchen staff! Our son was so comfortable with them that he excitedly told them, “I got to pee in the forest!”

11) The kids standing at the entrance of a very long walk-way.

12) Here is a picture of the same bridge.

13) It was windy that day as you can tell from Becky’s hair. She didn’t like being photographed much during this trip. I wonder if it has something to do with the fact that she is seven months pregnant?

14) The kids enjoying some cactus.

15) Here is a picture of a labyrinth made out of sand and bricks.

16) Here was are going back to the swimming hole the next day. We had to row upriver about a half mile to get there.

17) I know I titled this picture “Cooling off,” but it was more like “warming up.” The air was cooler than the water.

18) High above the swimming hole is a big wooden cross. The is a nice reminder to have as you sit and enjoys God’s creation.

19) Me and the kids soaking.

20) Hmm… what could that be in the water?

21) Holey buckets! It’s a Texas turtle!

22) Our daughter enjoying the water.

23) Our son enjoying his ice cream.

24) Me and the kids at my second favorite Mo-Ranch spot; the bridge.

We all had a great time and can’t wait to go back again with our fifth family member. If you are even in need of a nice get-a-way with your family, consider Mo-Ranch. If you let us know of your plans, we might even meet you there.