Branding 2014!

This past week, I got to join the Burke family to go branding again! It's one of my most favorite events of the year. We left Gardiner on Friday and drove 4 1/2 hours to the Hammond Ranch near Hardin, where we took a beautiful (and tiring!) hike with some friends. We ate cactus, walked under huge power lines, picked wildflowers, and just had a good time catching up with each other. We walked up to a rock cliff/hillside and had the most beautiful view of the ranch. 

When we returned from the walk, we had sloppy joes, salads and desserts and then Emma and I set up the tent in a tree grove. Even though the Burke's pulled a camper, we like to sleep outside and listen to the birds when we wake up. :) We woke up early and had pancakes, fruit and yogurt before we headed up the hill to the "windmill" or corrals...

Jazzy, walking down the dirt road toward our hike. 

The power lines out there are huge!

Taking our hike.

The wildflowers are so pretty up there!

Walking back to the house.

Emma and Libby. :)

Jaselyn.

The house.

Mr. and Mrs. Burke.

Miles and his flower. :)

We walked through the horse pasture.

I love taking horse pictures!

Setting up our tent.

There were beautiful sunsets every evening.

After breakfast, we got the brands together and headed out.

Our annual artsy boot picture. :)

Libby posing by the corrals.

We waited for the wranglers to bring the cows to the corrals. 

The old "windmill". 

Here they come!

Watching the guys separate the cows and their calves.

The paddle-master. :)

Libby and I wrestling a calf!

Emma and me.

Mrs. Burke was the vaccinator. 

Bringing a calf out to be branded. 

Emma and Libby's Grandpa, Warren was part of the chute-team.

It was a perfect day for it!

Nina was one of the wranglers.

Waiting for a calf to be brought out.

Molly was in charge of the broom.

The spectators.

Libby, Jazzy and me.

The Hammond brand.

We came back to the house for chicken enchiladas, potato salad and fruit for dinner...and pie for dessert!

Emma and I took a walk after dinner. 

It was the 50th branding! :)

Nina had the cutest puppy!

Molly and Arelyn.

 Snacking in the kitchen.

The men had a gun show. :)

Pretty rainbows!

I learned how to swing dance and it was SO much fun!! 

Libby and I dancing. :)

Tara taught me how to 2-step. 

Chris Wagner and Lily's and Lee's new baby, Clancey!

Morning talk.

Emma and I took Jazzy and Arelyn for a wagon ride. :)

One of the dogs, Belle, loved to play in the grassy field!