Just horsin' around...

A day like this just doesn't happen often around here.  We, like most ranchers, I assume, struggle with keeping a balance between family and farming.  When you live where you work it is hard to walk away with work left unfinished.  You always see that there is more work to be done.  It can be easy to continue with work because home and family is just "right" there.  You aren't really "away."

The quick stops into the house are filled with screams of "DADDY, guess what?" and "DADDY, come look."  Followed by a quick grab of food and then back out the door. 

We appreciate all that daddy does to keep this ranch going, food on our table and boots on our feet, but we really appreciate those times when daddy stops working to play with us. 

The girls have been asking to ride a lot.  And this day daddy made it happen.

TJ and Lil are on Showdown

AA is on Applejack

Having horses around has really been great in teaching the girls some valuable lessons about animal husbandry.  It makes me excited for what is in store when we start 4-H projects!

TJ and Lil have issues with hair in their faces and I refuse to cut bangs.  I can't tell you the number of clips I put in each day only to turn around and have them take it out.  The only way a hairstyle stays in is if it is elaborate.  I'm talking about hairstyles with 5 to 15 ponies in it. 

Do you have any idea what I am in store for on school mornings?

Here is Applejack just hanging out tied to my fence around the yard.  We have learned that he really does not like to be left behind.  About 5 seconds after this picture he reared back and busted a leather rein.  Knowing how old and rotten my fence is I have no idea how the rein broke before the fence. That must have been one really old, rotten leather rein.  Which reminds me, I need to purchase a new one. 

Here's the cowboy himself.  As you can see this is one big horse, but he is SO gentle and great with the girls.

Compare the big guy on Showdown to when he was on Applejack...here.



Thanks for taking the time to make the girls really happy that day!  We love you!