Building Our Dreams: As the Ranch Takes Shape, So Does Our Family

The Essex Ranch has been buzzing with activity lately, and I’ve fallen a little behind on sharing our journey—partly because life has been wonderfully busy, both on the ranch and beyond.

The house is truly starting to take shape, and it’s been such an exciting process to watch. The walls are going up, and with each step, it feels more and more like the home we’ve dreamed of. The framing has made progress, and soon, it will be ready for the next stages. Watching the house grow day by day brings a renewed sense of anticipation—this isn’t just any house, it’s the heart of what will be a new chapter for our family.

Family Milestones and Celebrations

As exciting as the progress at the ranch has been, we’ve also been immersed in family milestones. Austin and Alex’s wedding is just around the corner, and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate their love. They’ve handled most of the planning themselves, but we’re happy to support them however we can as the big day approaches.

Meanwhile, Hannah and Tanner are in full wedding-planning mode for April 2025. Dress shopping has become quite the adventure, and we’re still on the hunt for the perfect gown. It’s such a joy to be part of this special journey with her, and I know when she finds the dress, it’ll be an unforgettable moment. Watching both couples plan their futures makes me reflect on how quickly time passes. It’s such a joy to see them build their lives together, all while we build ours here at the ranch.

Life on the Ranch

On the ranch, Shon has been keeping busy with his never-ending list of projects. From trimming trees to clearing brush and even saving me from a few ATV mishaps, there’s always something keeping him on the move. He’s our very own ranch superhero—though I’ll never let him live down the time he had to pull me out of the mud!

As for me, I’ve been soaking in the beauty of the ranch and the little treasures it holds. The blazing stars are in full bloom, turning the top of the hill into a butterfly oasis. It’s absolutely breathtaking—a sanctuary where the butterflies gather in such numbers that it feels like you’ve stepped into a magical scene straight out of a fairy tale.

Discoveries and Lessons

During a recent visit to a neighboring property, we stumbled upon an incredible relic—a large, flat rock with a smooth, cone-shaped hole. At the time, we believed it was an ancient grinding stone used by Native Americans to grind wheat. Standing before it felt like taking a step back in time, imagining the history and connection to the land that came before us. However, as we’ve since learned, it’s not actually a grinding stone. It’s likely a core sample or another geological artifact. While it may not hold the history we initially thought, it’s a reminder of how much we’re still learning about the land and its stories. This discovery—and even the process of uncovering its true nature—only deepens our appreciation for Essex Ranch and the treasures it holds.

Gratitude for the Journey

As I look around and see the house taking shape and the beauty of the land unfolding in new ways, I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Not just for the progress we’re making, but for the memories that are being built right alongside these walls. Each moment, from Austin and Alex’s upcoming wedding to the joyful chaos of planning Hannah and Tanner’s, feels like a step toward the future we’re creating here—a future filled with laughter, family dinners, and the quiet moments under the stars that make this place feel like home.

We’re so thankful to everyone who’s been following along and sharing in our journey. Your support means the world to us as we build not just a ranch, but a home full of memories.

Share Your Stories

Have you ever stumbled upon a historical relic like the one we found? Or maybe you’ve seen a butterfly oasis like ours? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a comment below and let us know what you think. And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram to see more of our journey!

Thanks for following along with us as we continue to build both our home and our dreams. Stay tuned for more updates, and until next time, remember: the adventure is only just beginning!

With love from the ranch,

The Essex Ranch