My family on my Dad's side has been cattle and horse people for some 60+ years. When my Great Grandparents came to America they where in the meat packing business. Then they got into horses. They moved to Nebraska and worked horses for years then got a few cattle. At one point my family owned around 30+ sections (that is a lot of land) in the hills north of Cozad.
Anyway we made the decision earlier this year to go to branding because Peter had never been to branding. Shortly after we made the decision to go Peter's Mother, Yansheng, decided to visit at the same time. So we decided it would be a great experience for everyone.
The Weather did not seem to want to cooperate on Saturday. After a stormy night we woke to a deary day.
That's my Dad trudging through the mud in the blue sweatshirt.
Carter and Grandpa saying "Hi" to everyone.
We stayed at Aunt K and Uncle G's house to help cook the half-time food. They work the first half of the cattle then take a break to eat and rest a little. The Half-time food was once again Rocky Mountain Oysters....bull frys to the layman. This is Carter with his aluminum helmet, "To protect him from the aliens." Kudos to whomever can guess who said that.
Theresa and Aunt D talking before half-time. Aunt D and Cousin D came up from Texas to help. Aunt D is my Grandpa's sister.......she can put you in your place pretty fast. Made of Spit and vinegar that one .....and a little bit of sugar. Love you Aunt D!
Uncle G on the left, Aunt K in the middle and cousins A, J, and N from left to right respectively. It was there cattle they were working. I won't say we were working because I was not in the pen getting dirty with the boys...I only helped cook a little. Most of it was already done.
Aunt D and Cousin D.....love this picture.
Me and Theresa
Aunt K trying to help Cousin A keep his head dry.....didn't work.
A: The bag had a hole in it.
B: His head was already wet.
Love this shirt! It's hard to read but says "Rocky Mountain Oysters...The Original Sack Lunch" Ha Ha Ha! That's great Aunt
Peter chllin with a beer.
Carter and his Grandparents. He had just woken up from a nap and the sun had finally come out so he thought it was a little bit bright.
Yansheng and Carter
Great Pic!!
Took a few Panoramic shots with our new camera. I was not sure about this feature but it turned out to be kinda cool.......and it may grow on me. This particular shot was taken after they brought the second group in. They had a little trouble getting them in so Aunt D......yes I said Aunt D had to go help. See below......
That is her in the blue........not exactly sure how she expected to stop the cows......but she has been doing this since she was Carter's age.
Carter checking out the action from Grandpa's new pickup truck.
Aunt L and Aunt D ........G (driving) called Aunt D his Texas girlfriend.
Cousin D
Yeah that's me...back up on a horse..... those of you who know my past, I did not really ride said horse I simply sat on him with Carter. Carter got up there thought about it for a minute then said "Down."
Another pan...they are sorting the calves from their mommas.
Carter was watching the branding so intensely. He was leaning on the fence and pushing his butt into Dad.
Uncle M
Look at how he is so focused.
Cousin A and J
Carter tried to take off int he mule. Luckily, Grandpa was with him.
Grandpa roped him.
Another pan shot of the action. See the smoke. Yes, Cater is still driving the mule on the right.
We stayed and watched for a little while then headed down to help finish cooking.
It was Theresa's birthday. Happy 29th! Kathy surprised her with a cake...... the cake was half eaten and the candles were used but it was still great to see the look on her face.
Grandpa took a pen and wrote a C on Carter's belly....so Carter had to show everyone. While I did not don my pink cowboy hat and jump into the pen to "wrastle" a few cows, it was still a pretty tiring day. We all slept pretty soundly that night.
The next morning we had a late breakfast before heading back to Lincoln to attend birthay parties. We ate at the Green Apple, very "mom and pop", very good.
Granny C!
We headed back to Lincoln to go to Cousin E and A's Birthday party.
Cousin E and Carter, while Peter pushes the car.
Carter found the popper mower and thought that was so cool he pushed that all over the yard.
Cousin A with her Grandma T....she got some pretty cool new shoes.
It was Cousin A's first birthday so the traditional little cake for her to dive into... this was an early shot her uncle's helped her out a bit and it didn't end pretty.
Carter playing with Cousin G.
On Monday we hung out at home. We got Carter's pool out and let him splash around a while. Then Peter and I went to a movie while Carter and Grandma hung out.
He had a great time.
We had a great weekend.
Next year I will break out my pink cowboy hat.
