[Image]A momentous event has occurred on the ranch. One that will be recorded in the history books. Well, the history books of the ranch, if we had such a thing. What am I talking about? We bought a new tractor. We practically never buy any new equipment, so when I opened the door and smelled that new vehicle smell, I didn't believe my nose. I asked my husband, "Is that tractor really new?" He said yes, and I looked closely to make sure he wasn't pulling my leg.
It's a John Deere 7230, and it's smaller than some of the other tractors on the ranch and more fuel efficient. Yep, we're definitely concerned about fuel efficiency. The price of farm fuel has increased six times over what it was ten years ago. The same with fertilizer, but the price of hay has only doubled, so we look for ways to save money.

[Image]Desert Boy got excited when he saw the tractor and couldn't wait to take a test drive. Or at least a pretend test drive. It's nice that he's still content to just pretend he's driving.
[Image]Once he's inside the cab, he's happy. He starts exploring everything and isn't shy at all about touching everything. I have to make sure he doesn't do something like the leave the lights on.
[Image]Desert Boy tries out the new seat, still covered in plastic. No dirt, no coffee stains, no manure. Wow, it's unbelievable. There's still cardboard on the floor. 
[Image]He's touching the plastic because it seems so unfamiliar. He is definitely a hands-on kind of kid and is always touching everything around him. 
[Image]He examines the gear shifter. You can see his stroller through the window in the background. These tractor wheels are definitely a lot more exciting.
[Image]And of course he has to do the requisite vroom, vroom noises while pretending to steer. 
[Image]The tractor is parked at the shop just behind our house, and Desert Boy keeps wandering in that direction, his eyes big with excitement. He can't stay away from the new tractor. I guess he knows a good thing when he sees it.