Bull Valley

{October 15th, 2011}

October 15th might just seem like any other day to most, but if you are a member of the Dutchman Ranch, this day sticks out in your mind.  It might even stick out more to Dutchman Cowboys than say, their own birthday, anniversary, or maybe even Christmas! Yes this is a big day. This is the day all the cattle have to be off the forest permit. Lucky for us, the 15th landed on a Saturday this year and Landon had a football bye week. Landon convinced Grandpa Randy that he would take care of Ol' Blue, so he could go out and ride with his dad. I can't think of a better experience than spending a Saturday on the back of a horse with your dad. Landon is one lucky cowboy!

We (Me, Grandpa Randy, and the rest of the kids) rode out in the afternoon to see how things were going and then grab dinner at Marv's. I love Bull Valley. It is so peaceful and smells so good.  I don't get a chance to go as much as I used to, I guess it makes me appreciate the beauty more when I am there. Landon had a ball all day. Everyone told me he was a born cowboy! I think so too! He and Blue got along great, which I knew they would.

Even though I sometimes get frustrated with the cows and the time it takes to take care of them. It's days like today that I realize how grateful I am for them. Gavin really loves being a Cowboy and I am thankful he is little by little teaching our children to love it too.

Junior Rodeo

The Washington County Fair Junior Rodeo came and went. Mom was in charge and I helped her with the entries. This year, Addie decided to get sick and throw up all night, so we (me and Addie) had to stay home. I was so upset that I couldn't go watch the boys, but they did just fine without me. They came home with lots of fun prizes and were excited to give me the play by play of all the events they competed in. Landon won 1st in the All Around and Preston placed 4th (I think) in the All Around. Good job boys!

Preston even brought home a Hermit Crab. Lovely. I guess that is what happens when Mom's don't go to the Fair with their kids... He was really excited about the creepy crawly thing. So, what do I do? Feed it, water it and let it live in his room. It is still alive (amazing, I know!), his name is SC. I guess I better get a picture of it, anything that can make it a month in my two little boys room, deserves a picture!

We also went to the Demolition Derby during the Fair, Mom watched Addie and we took the boys. It was really fun. They crashed cars together, tipped trucks over, and pelted us with dirt. Who would have thought I would have liked such a thing? I will be back next year, and I will have my camera in hand. I guess I must be a redneck after all! :)

March Happenings...

 Addie is growing.  She is has learned lots of new words like "Daddy's home, I go, Brother's are being mean." and lots more! She can say a prayer now with our help, and is proud of herself when she is done. She won't eat in her highchair anymore, only at the table like a big girl. She is pretty sassy, but we love her! 

The Sliderzz won another trophy! (This was actually at the end of February.) It rained and was cold, but the boys still came to play and won 1st place! 

Basketball came to an end. Both boys won their league. They played some great basketball all season long. Good Job Guys!

Spring Break came and went. It didn't really feel like Spring, but the boys were glad to have over a week off from school. I always thought Spring Break meant, pulling out the shorts, hanging at the park and getting your first tan. This year it meant, putting on your sweatshirts and driving a few miles north to play in the snow. What the heck?! Snow on Spring Break? Something is wrong with that sentence. Needless to say.. we didn't do a lot, unless you count watching movies and building Lego ships! We did get to go McDonald's with Grandma, Enterprise with Dad and the boys rode for cows. Riding for cows was for sure the highlight of their week!

They had to get up early to go riding. Gavin stopped at Dutchman's to get snacks and he got their breakfast there too. DONUTS! When Preston got in the truck he was kind of in shock that he got to eat donuts for breakfast. Gavin told him that Cowboys were tough, so they could eat junk for breakfast. Preston looked up at him and said "Dad, I love being a Cowboy!" He later found out that being a Cowboy is a lot more work than he and his butt (from riding all day) thought. Grandpa Randy brought him home a little early, which was fine by me because he then took a 3 1/2 hour nap! :) Landon was a die hard and stayed the whole day. He loves riding his horse in the hills.

Well that about wraps up the first part of March. We have had a great low key month, it has really been kind of nice. 

Home on the Range

This last weekend Landon found a Home On The Range. He helped his Dad, Grandpa Dennis, Uncle Garrett and Kyle push the cows up to another allotment. He had the time of his life! 

He needed a "swish" to keep Rocky going!  

Aubrey, Preston, Addie and I met the cowboys in the afternoon. We followed them the last little bit and Preston even got in on the action. 

Back at the troth we ate lunch and went fishing! ;o) 

This is the fish Uncle Garrett caught for Preston, he named him Timmy! 

Who is the bigger kid?!