Weaning Calves

 

The ranch is weaning calves this month, which is always fun for us!  The calves are weaned into a large set of pens that are just beyond our barn.  All those babies are fun to watch and check on.  The boys LOVE it!! They think going to check the calves is just the best!  haha

A few of the first load....This view made my run a little less terrible, just a little though!

Monte woke up from his nap JUST as Gunnar and the other guys were passing our house on the way to the pens.  We threw shoes on and drove down there to watch them unload.  Monte got to ride QBall on the way back to the trailer and he loved it.

Kit found the calves mesmerizing and kept cooing back to them as they "mooed"

Monte loves getting to "help" Daddy work!  And it sure warms this Mama's heart watching!

Well hey big guy!

Nothing sweeter!

Kit was less of a fan than Monte but probably because Monte threw a big ol hissy fit about not wanting Kit to be up there with him.  (We're working on the whole throwing fits thing - work in progress right?!)

But Kit does love to "pet" the horses so that's always fun too!

So glad I thought to grab this shot!  This was Monte's first time that we remember to ride alone without someone walking beside him so that was fun!  Love those sweet chubby toddler hands!

While we were waiting for Chad to be back with the last load of calves, Gunnar unsaddled and the boys found the trough!  This was the first time Kit really seemed to get what a fun toy a trough can be! haha He SO wanted to get in but just couldn't quite figure out how to make that happen!

"Let me in there too!!"

And the classic Kit, "oooohhh!!"

Heading back to "help" with the last load!

I'm glad I was able to grab these last couple pictures!  Chad and Gunnar were resting in the shade discussing the calves, the plan with them over the next few days, how they looked, etc. and both boys, Krease, Chad's 5 year old, and Monte ran over and were both resting against their Daddy's legs. 

Krease is really sweet with Monte and was playing with him and then they both ran over to soak in some Daddy time.  It's crazy to think how much children learn and pick up from just listening! I'm so grateful for the opportunity to live somewhere where not only are children allowed to be around the work, as much as safety and time will allow, but welcomed and encouraged!