Bluff Fort

WARNING: LOTS of PICTURES...LONG POST!!!

We decided that we were going to spend a day OUTSIDE with the family today! After checking the weather and realizing that the temperature was a bit higher in Bluff, we took the kids south for a little adventure. Our first stop was Bluff Fort. Our ancestors, Joseph and Harriet Richards Barton helped to make the trek through Hole in the Rock and settled in Bluff. I had no idea that so much had been done and added to the Homestead...we were able to see the Barton cabin, as well as cabins from many other settlers. LaRue Barton found us wandering and told us that they had pioneer clothing the kids could dress up in for pictures...so, we took FULL advantage of that! She told us we could even get IN the wagons...the kids were EXTRA excited about this! When we finished with wagon pictures, LaRue showed us the handcarts and oh, boy did the kids have fun with those! We finally got the kids to put down the handcarts when they discovered the STILTS...now, THAT was even HARDER to get the kids to quit! I am so grateful for such wonderful people who spend so much time restoring and preserving our heritage...what a GREAT experience we were able to have.


Family Heritage...Joseph and Harriet Richards Barton's Cabin...

Name-sake of a name-sake...Hunter Joseph Hughes...named after Joseph Richard Barton...named after Joseph Barton...WHAT A HERITAGE!!!

Here is Hunter, again...not so SERIOUS this time!!!

Attempting to "lecture" my children on Papa Joe's heritage!

Cheesin' it for the camera!!!

I LOVE this man!!!

Oaklee just could NOT put down her sugar stick! And, I promise, Brittany is having fun!!!

Last one there is a rotten egg!

Kaiden and Hunter really getting the hang of the stilts.

Oaklee got a couple steps in...

Kaiden stayed on...but Hunter had a little trouble with the transition to the stone pathway.

Go Kaiden...Go Kaiden!

Could he BE any cuter?!?!?!

Oaklee hard at work pulling the hand-cart.

What a GREAT big sister Brittany is...taking Oaks for a ride!

Hunter and the handcart...that would make a GREAT title for a book!

The pioneer children sang as they walked and walked and walked...and walked!

What a HARD load for my two oldest to carry...notice James' tongue is sticking out...I think he just might be DEAD! The kids had a BLAST!!!

I think the girls are enjoying this trek a wee bit more than the boys!

Grit those teeth and PULL!!!

Oaks and Brit taking their turn with the larger handcart.

What a cute family...I can't help but be grateful for LEVI's!!!

Who's driving this thing?

Not sure I would want THIS driver in charge of my wagon!!!

Brothers and best friends!

I ADORE these girls!

Kaiden...it took A LOT to convince him to put the hat and vest on!

Hunter...this kid could make ANYONE smile!

Brittany...this girl is so beautiful!

Oaklee...my baby and greatest source of SUNSHINE!!!

A little different ride than the mini-van with a built in DVD player.

What cuties.

Mom and her girls...I am SO grateful for modern amenities!!!

Chillin' in the teepee.

MOM - put the camera DOWN and join us!!!

One more picture at the wagon...this time without the dress-ups!

A wee bit different than our modern classrooms...James appreciated this one!