Scattering Salt

Today was "take your wife, and son to work day" for Brent.  We went along with him to scatter salt for the cows.  Salt is a necessary part of a cow's diet, and also when their need for salt is fulfilled, it deters them from many poisonous plants which typically have a salty taste.

Brent loaded the 50 lb. blocks of salt one by one into the back of the ranger.

About 10 minutes into our ride to the top of the mountain, Brody's head started bobbing.  I couldn't understand how someone could sleep through that bumpy, rocky, jolting, hot, dusty, ride, but Brody didn't seem to have trouble.

He was out for a good hour.

We were on top of the world!

Ruger, our dog, thought it was hot and, took a dip in the cow's watering hole.  It was smelly and slimy, and I didn't think it looked very inviting no matter how hot it was.

Brody has gotten to be so much fun, and easy to take along to do things. He's also very enthusiastic about being included in everything we do. 

Here's a view of our little town.

A Night With the Cousins

A few weeks ago, my sister, and Jason had a late meeting so they dropped their kids off at our house for the evening.

Brody couldn't have been more excited to have someone to play with!

 Brody kept hugging Lauren, and I don't think she knew what to think about it. . . after the 5th or 6th hug!

We made chocolate chip cookies.

Watched a movie.

Brent had to run to the feedlot to doctor a sick cow, and Brody, Landon, and Lauren wanted to go with him.  Nate decided to stay home with me, and we played Jenga, UNO, and Go Fish!

(By the way, I finally got rid of that ugly carpet in our living room. . . by accident.  A few months ago, we had a flood in the wall between the laundry room, and living room.  The pipes were leaking, and damaged the carpet and sub flooring.) 

We played with our bunny, Ruby, for a little bit.

When it got late, I made a bed on our family room floor for Nate, Landon, and Lauren (which they thought was pretty cool), and we and turned on a Netflix movie.  As I was going to bed (I don't know why I went to bed, I couldn't sleep, and kept getting up to check on them), I told them they could watch the movie until they got tired, then they could close their eyes, and their mom and dad would come soon to get them.  Mel said when she got there at 11:30 (trying to quietly sneak in so she didn't wake them), the movie was over, but none of them were asleep- they were all just laying there blinking. Silly kids!

We had a nice time with the cousins!

Eager Helper

It does not matter what the task is, whether it's feeding the cows, helping me with chores inside, feeding the dogs, or planting the garden, Brody is always eager to help.  I hope this trend continues as he gets older, but I  have a feeling it won't.

In the meantime, we sure love our little helper.

One of Brent's cows was sick with dust pneumonia.  Brody helped Brent scope things out, horseback.

The night we planted our garden, Brody dug, and dug, and dug some more in the dirt.  He could've spent hours digging, and would have been perfectly content. 

I'm sure Brent and Brody were having a discussion on where to plant the beans. . .?

We simplify the necessary weeding in the future by laying down black plastic.  

We just can't seem to find the time to keep up with the weeds otherwise. 

Park and Pool

Our little town has everything you need in the summer- especially in the eyes of a two-year-old.

Some of Brody's favorite things to do are the swimming pool, and the park.

At first, he was hesitant and would only go down the slide if I went with him.  After a few times, he wanted to go alone.

After the visit to the pool, we came home and played a little ball, and ate Brody's favorite summertime treat,

a popsicle (or a "pooker"- this is what Brody calls it)!