Spring is finally here!

Yeah! Spring weather is finally here for us to enjoy. It was a long cold spring break, but the last 3 days made up for it completely. The entire day yesterday was spent outside enjoying the weather. The first part of the day was spent riding horses. The kids have been waiting all winter for a good day to ride, and they got it. Abree and Gunnar even to got join in on the fun with Ashtyn and her friends Lexi and Torrie.

Gunnar brushing Otis and getting ready to saddle.

Abree riding Otis, she's been waiting all winter! Sarita was so wonderful with her during "lessons!"



Gunnar riding in the arena. He likes to trot and doesn't want to get off!

Ashtyn and her friends heading to the arena to ride.

Gage taking in the action! Oh, I'm a lucky mom...he loves it outside.

Torrie on Pansy, Ash on Pali, and Lexi on Cruz.

Once that was done we headed to work calves. The kids just love branding season. Our friends work calves the "old fashioned" way...no chutes or electric branding irons needed. They gather on horse back, seperate and then rope the calves and drag them to the fire. Yes, we brand with a fire that warms the branding irons! Our kids just love tackling the calves once their roped, holding them down while their being shot, cut and branded, and then chasing them back up the pen. Gunnar this year and last really got into being the "nut" collector...yuck! He was very focused and didn't miss a bull calf, and was right there to check each calf to see if it was a heifer or bull. Needless to say, he was quite dirty when he got home, as were all of them.

(Our friends will do this every Saturday and Sunday from now until early May...the kids will join in when their schedule allows.)

Getting their instructions from Butch!

Torrie, Ashtyn and Lexi pushing calves up to find their mamas.

Gage's first horse ride with Shane, his Godfather!

Gunnar's hand off from Leo.

Ash and Lexi taking a break.

Gunnar quite proud of his bloody hands.


Abree's happy place. She is quite content watching the action from the fence. "Mom, next year when I'm six, I'll help and get in there!"

Caleb roping a calf and draggin' it in.

Ash and Caleb holding down a calf while Shane, Monte and Butch do their work.

Spring is my absolute favorite season...the green wheat, sunsets, warmer weather, flowers! It is fantastic! Just the inspiration we need after so much "inside" time this winter. What a great day!My kitchen window view just before dusk.Sunset from the front yard! Isn't it loverly!??!