The Event ~ Grandpa's Farm

We have been dubbed  Cowboy Grandpa and Cowboy Grandma by the grandkids.  It's their way of identifiying us from their other grandparents ~ Hot Tub  Grandpa and Grandma.

Like I said in the last blog, they all enjoy coming to Grandpa's farm.  Going to Grandpa's farm has a ring of nostalgia to it ~ like something one would do in the "good old days."  The grandkids enjoy getting into the spirit of the "farm and ranch" setting by dressing the part in their cowboy shirts, pants, boots, hats, and belts with big buckles. If they are going to spend time on the farm, they want to dress  just like Cowboy Grandpa. They live in their snap shirts and boots. The just can't  go out and check cows  or ride in the tractors without their cowboy hats on!

They are all eager to take turns going with Cowboy Grandpa in the tractor.  Or several climb in the pickup truck to check cows in the pasture.  They take turns riding the horse around the corral.  None of them are quite ready to take the horse out of the corral for a run in open fields. 

Last summer we enjoyed having Josh here during one of the hay harvests.  Because Tim had just cut the tip of his finger off in a haying incident, Josh rode on the wide tractor fender and ran the controls for the hay stacker, which Tim could not easily maneuver with his stitches and bandaged hand.  Josh got quite good at it.  We hope one of the boys will be out again this summer for an extended stay and get in on hay harvest.

Last summer, it wasn't just one of the kids.  Son-in-law Tim also got in on the haying action.  A new experience for him as we taught him how to run the baler.  I say "we" because I had earlier learned  how to run the baler and so it was I who gave Tim A his baling instructions.  What a neat picture to look out across the field watching the two tractors going and  the men and boys in my life bringing in a fruitful  harvest. 

This past winter we enjoyed having Ben for awhile and then Joe for a couple weeks.  Each of them took pride in being able to help Grandpa by driving the jeep in the pasture while Grandpa forked hay off the back.  Their job was to run the steering wheel while the jeep idled along, allowing Grandpa to leave a trail of hay for the cows.  In their minds, they were driving the jeep and helping.  Yes, indeed they were!   

Then when the work is all done, there is always time to swim in the horse tank!

Now I have a flashback of two years ago when the kids were present for the branding of our calves.  Another first time experience for them.  It was fun watching them help wrestle the calves, hold them down, gag at the cutting out of the nuts, and flinch as the hot iron seared the skin of the calves. 

Alot of memorable events and activities take place on Cowboy Grandpa's farm.   Yes, the farm is an event.  Sharing it with the grandkids is an event.   Grandkids are eventful friends!