The Ranch for the Fourth

We Kimmel kids were blessed to grow up on Kimwood Ranch in Potter Valley, California. It is now Kimmel Vineyards and continues to be one of (if not the) my favorite places on earth. I remember spending my summers running wild through fields, playing in the creek, swimming in the pool and imaging up all kinds of games and adventures with my brother, Ryan. It was the childhood I would love to now be able to give our boys.

Every year we return to The Ranch (as we affectionately call it) over the Fourth of July. This year, we spent most of our days down by the creek with Jude. He had so much fun and Grandpa even found him a turtle! I am so happy he is getting to experience some of what I love even if it is only for a few days a year. Though, I am foreseeing a future of week long "Grandpa Camp" in his future with lots of tractor rides, hikes, swimming, turtle hunts and so much more.

This year included my Nana Lillian giving Jude a haircut, which she hasn't done since my brother was little. I have seen so many photos of Nana cutting my brother's hair that it was a sentimental moment for me. Plus, I really miss my brother. He flies an F-18 for the US Navy and is currently deployed. Speaking of which, my brother's dog, Buddy, was in tow and Jude really loves him.

To top it all off, Jude got to gobble up the famous "NanaCakes" which were so delicious. We always put in a special order when we go up there. They are the best pancakes ever.

Kona was in seventh heaven with room to run and so many wild animals to chase.

Before hitting the ranch this year, we were able to meet up with my best friend from childhood, Mellissa, and her kids in Santa Rosa. We now live states away from each other so this was a true treat for us. The best part was that she got to meet and hold Eli in the first few weeks of his life. She was able to do the same with Jude and it has been so cool.

Here is a glimpse into a our Nor Cal adventure:

Introductions

I have to admit that I didn't spend much time thinking about how Jude would respond to Eli when they were first introduced. One thing I knew for sure, I was going to cry when they met. I would tear up when I did take the time to stop and think about it.

It went better than I ever could have hoped. My mom brought Jude to the hospital and he was holding a bouquet of roses from our yard. He melted the hearts of all the nurses as he strutted down the hospital hallway to visit us. He absolutely melted my heart too when he wanted to sit on the bed with me and talk. At first, he didn't see Eli who was lying beside me. I pointed to him and reminded him that we had been talking about a baby brother and that now he had arrived. Jude looked at him and got really quiet for a while clearly processing what now lay before him - a baby brother. Then he wanted to kiss him and hold him. It was amazing.

I know they won't always want to kiss and cuddle each other and that the transition is still in its infancy. With that said, I am thankful the initial introduction will always be a sweet memory for Tim and I. We are thrilled to have brothers so close in age and look forward to seeing their similarities and differences as they grow together (as we all grow together).

Telling Pictures

I found a few photos of the boys that are similar and thought it would be fun to see them all in one place.

This is my mom holding Jude a few days after he was born:

This is my mom holding Eli when he was three days old:

This is Eli at six weeks:

And this is Jude at six weeks:

I wouldn't say they are duplicates, but they are definitely brothers! And...isn't my Mamasita the cutest thing you've ever seen? She's an amazing Nani and the boys love to snuggle with her (obviously).