Red, White, & Blue

Our 4th actually started on the 2nd in Muleshoe. They have a parade and this year added a ranch rodeo. It was a full Bonnie Concho day for us. Summer and Autumn drove the BC four-wheeler in the parade, we were open most of the day, and then set up at the rodeo.

We went to Springlake on Monday for the parade and meal. I haven't been to it since high school and have to admit it is a pretty fun time. Can you say homemade french fries and ice cream served in a 22 oz cup? Oh and a live band too, but I get more excited about the food.

I'd really like to know what the conversation is about here. Someday these little ladies won't be so happy with me for posting this picture, but for now I think it's precious.

As you can see here, Leah isn't really sure what to think of Scout. She likes Reno pretty well though. Poor Reno, I don't have a single picture of him on his first Fourth of July. I assure you he looked handsome in his palm leaf cow-boy hat.

My little tom-boy filled her "Cinderella" bucket with dirt and rocks before the parade started. She sure didn't mind dumping it out to fill with candy though.

Happy Indepedence Day!!

Hugo

After the birthday party we were lucky enough to have Mimi stay with us for a few days. She helped clean out the garage in preparation for the upcoming move. (Yes, move...just a few miles away, don't get too excited.) So then we took her home and stayed for a couple of days. We got in our bi-yearly trip to Kmart...ha...and packed her trailer for Hugo, CO.

We met the rest of the bunch there on Friday afternoon. It has become tradition to camp out there and we always have a great time. There are two rodeo performances, a ranch horse competition, and this year a friendly game of Dollar Tree plastic baseball. I'm sure people thought we were drinking a little early in the afternoon!

The guys were very consistent in the rodeo. It is two full go rounds and they didn't have any no-times. However, there were a few teams that wons multiple events, etc. Luckily we have already qualified because we didn't even place in the top 3.

Here's a double-mugging tutorial for ya just in case anyone ever wants to try. lol

Four guys horseback, two 500 - 600#ers turned lose from different ends of the arena. Full-blast-it to the cattle, you and your partner take one, the other two guys take the other, duh. Head and heel your steer.

Try to avoid your teammates for safety and so you get a good "shot". This year it seems like there isn't a loop limit, but remember we are going for time.

Tie down your steer ASAP.



Look to see if your teammates are finished. Time is called when both steers are tied. Then they must stay tied for 6 seconds.


Nope.....still tying!! lol

Play peek-a-boo with your auntie to pass the time...

or play in the giant sandbox with 50 other kids....

or eat or drink every kind of junk food you can get your hands on.

Happy Rodeoing Folks!!

Co - Birthday Party

Scout and Trail recently had a co-birthday party. I'd like to say it was tons of fun, but that entirely depends on your personality and what you're accustomed to.

I'm almost certain that the reason the Brahma Breeder and his Senorita cousin aren't looking is because the sand/dirt/feedyard dust is blowing at approximately 40 mph.

Feedyard dust?.....Yes, we had the party in the round pen at the feedyard. It's been known to happen before. We had an industrial size slip-n-slide, I mean slip-n-bump. The guys forgot to smooth the sand underneath, so there wasn't a whole lot of sliding involved.

Reno wasn't a super happy camper. He's kind of a "fair weather friend" since he doesn't like to be out in the heat, cold water, or in this case blowing sand.

Here is a prime example of cold water. Wonder what Scout and Emma are discussing here? Funny thing....Scout was walking across the tank and slipped. She was a big girl about it, but that is also about the only way she goes under.....by accident.

Scout's best pals Haley and Bethany put some time and thought into their sand castle. Actually I think they said it was Egypt.

Good times, but I'm not sure I've gotten every grain of sand cleaned up yet!!

This is the kind of thing that always happens....

when I look away for just a moment.

At least she was taking care

of her baby brother.

Swimming

So these pics are from when we went swimming for Scout's birthday, but as you will see I only got pics of Reno. Course it was his "first time" and I already posted the one picture of Scout and Trail, but still I feel bad.

I don't feel bad for my nieces! Do I need to explain what I mean?

Reno with his "girls"!

The pool at Muleshoe is perfect for both of us, especially since I don't even have to get in!!

Swimming wears a fellar out!!

Branding Cont'd...

I had a few more pics from last week. I love to capture all the steps. Super fun. I just realized that every single one is "cock-eyed" but that's just me!

Layin' a trap!

Pullin' slack!

Please excuse Mr. Ocate, he is straight ranch horse right now.

Head to the fire!

Flankers take-over!

T-H-R-E-E

My little beauty is 3!! I sort of can't believe it. It feels like yesterday that I was as big as a barn, anxious to meet my little lady, trying to imagine what she would look like and what her personality would be. Boy was I clueless!!

Scout you are so much fun!! There is never a dull moment with you. You do require a good bit of attention, but that's just how some of us are. Patience is not one of your biggest assets, but then again your parents don't have any either. You get pretty worked up if something doesn't suit you and we have to remind you to ask for help instead of throwing a screaming fit.

Right now we are having some clothing issues. The only thing you want to wear is "affwetic" shorts and a t-shirt. We've had hour long crying fits a few times because you didn't want to wear something and I wanted you to. Recently I've been giving you a few options and that seems to work pretty good.

You still eat good, always have. You eat sweets and meat especially well. The big, red birthday donut from Aunt Hope made your day. You are getting really bad about sucking on bread type foods and needing to "soff" my arm. I keep telling you that you won't be able to do that at school.

We just think you are the smartest thing. (Duh, we are the parents.) You can say your alphabet and recognize some of the letters in the Dr. Suess alphabet book. I can't take credit, Tad taught you all this; that is Tad the little leap frog frog. You are always saying "leapfrog.com". You can for sure count to 10 and you know most of the numbers on to 20, just not in order.

Scout you are a "matching game" girl. We had gotten you one and you received one as a birthday present. Not saying much, but you are better than me at it. You love to run and kick a ball. You've never really played basketball, but we are starting you early. You play in the sand in the backyard all the time and love swimming.

Scout, you are big pals with Autumn. I think it's because she minds you so well. You adore Trail and are always wanting him to hold your hand (in public) and he's such a good sport about it. Summer makes you mind, but you love her too. Pake and Tate are pretty cool cousins too.

You also have an imaginary friend Bitsy. You are always having me hold her. Her birthday was also on June 8th, but she turned 5. You are always talking about when you are a "wittle boy" or an "ol wady" and everything happens last night. I'm so relieved to know you have an imagination.

At one time you were such a pack rat, but now you are more into writing checks to everyone. You also write on yourself all the time and are always thieving my pens or markers. You can draw a heart and triangle.

Scout, you are Daddy's girl but also very attached to Mama. You live for that milk and cookie with Dad before bed. It is so much fun to go with him to rodeos or on the feed truck. I got a pretty big kick out of what you did to him at the $50,000 Rodeo. Right during the double mugging you announced that you needed to go potty and he missed getting to watch Brent Lewis rope.

At bed time I go in and check on you and you always say, "I was needing you". I just love it!! I hope you always feel that way.

You are Reno's girl too. He loves you and you are such a big helper to us with him. I'm not looking forward to the fighting that has pretty much already started. The other day when I asked you not to touch him in the carseat you replied, "he's touching me". Wow!!

Scout, you are a beautiful, fun girl. We love and adore you!!

For your birthday this year we are having a party with Trail. You got to watch the guys brand, hang out with the cousins most of the day, swim, and watch Trail play ball. What more could a girl ask for?