Monday, June 8, 2009
After more working on the truck - we gathered a load of cows. We branded them and got a load sent off to Sink Valley. JJ got to go on the truck with Uncle Clint and Grandpa and Beth stayed with me so we could go gather more cows. She was so excited to finally be riding a horse! I can't believe that at her age, I was riding horses by myself. I feel kind of sad, that my kids don't get to do that - except for once or twice a year, but I guess that's just how it goes. The kids enjoyed playing in the dirt, riding horses, and riding Austin's mini-bike today!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
I enjoyed taking pictures of the kids today, in between my branding duties. My brother, Clint had branded my name into the fence in 2005 (the year Beth was born) and today he added JJ and Beth's names to the fence. The kids got a real kick out of it, especially JJ. He was so proud! Once again, JJ got to go on the truck to Sink Valley and Beth stayed with me.
We had an extra fun night - Bruce Harris came out with his trailer and generator (his son, Blair and grandson, Stetson was already out here with us). He cooked us some amazing BBQ Chicken and Rice Pudding. And then while the kids were doing their thing - smores, games, talking - we played a game of Trivia Pursuit! I did awful - but I had a great time and I think I even learned some stuff. Beth was exhausted and went right to sleep and since JJ was on the truck - I could just enjoy being with my mom, my sister, and Blair and Bruce! We had a good time.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
For as long as I can remember, my part of branding has been to vaccinate and to track the number of cows. The vaccination guns and the tracking systems have changed through the years (for the better), but I have always had this job. Occasionally, I have tied some calves, but I pretty much stay behind the scenes and that is really how I live my life. I like it that way. Not out in the spotlight - not the one really doing the heavy work - but the one giving support and keeping everything running smoothly.
Today....another load of cows off to Sink Valley (with JJ going on the truck again), another horse ride with Beth (she fell asleep on the horse for awhile), more visits with Kori, and more photo taking.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
"The last cup of hot chocolate and the last bale of Hay." That's what my Dad said this morning as we were branding the calves. I thought it sounded like the perfect title to a scrapbook page! Today is the last day at Bull Rush for this year. We packed and cleaned up camp, branded the last 4 calves (the biggest ones this year), and took lots of photos. Kori and some of Colby's friend's that came headed home. Colby and Clint took off hiking for awhile why Grandpa once again tinkered with his truck. When it was finally time to go - we loaded the cows and the horses and then we headed. As I took photos of the Peterbilt leaving camp (from the back of the white truck) - I felt kind of sad it was over. It seemed to go really fast this year. I didn't really ride horses as much and it just wasn't quite the same this year for some reason. But I'm still glad that my kids get to do this and I can only hope that this family tradition and way of life continues!
Friday, June 12, 2009
It was a slow, lazy day. The kids played outside all day and I played on my computer. Staying in my Grandpa and Grandma's House just brings back so many memories of my grandparents. I really miss them. Looking out the front door, I see my Grandma's beautiful peace roses. I couldn't help but take several photos of them and this one is my favorite!
Saturday, June 13, 2009
We were so excited to see Joey this morning! It was a long week without him! We were able to go up to Sink Valley and help my Dad and it was fun for Joey and I to ride horses together. The kids love it at the ranch. So much space to just run and play - they especially loved Daddy pushing them in the tire swing!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
We had a great week, but it was so nice to drive in and see the #13 on our trailer. HOME. We just relaxed today and I took a long nap. The kids were so excited to see their room and their toys!
2 comments :
DeDe, I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed reading about your experience on the ranch. Sounds like a wonderful place to be. Glad you and your kids had this opportunity to get away from it all. Leaving you some love.
Wow, DeDe it reminds me of growing up in Wyoming! I'm glad the kids still get to enjoy the time with tradition. It is very important today and I loved to hear all about it. Great photos and I can't wait to see that LO!!
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