Round Up 2013

Hey everyone.  My family and I just got back from the annual Round Up (the Ames annual branding of the cattle) and we had a great time.  This is our 3rd year going to this and we wouldn't miss it for the world.

The Sunday before we went to Round Up, we had to take our trailer down due to the fact that my husband couldn't come down on the date that we were going.  My mom was with us and she enjoyed the trip down to see where we get to spend a weekend every year.  The round up is held on an avocado ranch in Goleta, California called Rancho Dos Pueblos.  Below are some of the pics that my mom took the day that we took her down there.

 So as you can see the ranch where we go for round up is beautiful.

Now for some of the fun pictures!!!  Below are the pics from the actual roundup.  Round Up is a combination of things.  It involves vaccinations, pregnancy checks, making big boy cows out of little boy cows (if you know what I mean), clipping the ears, tagging the ears, and of course branding them.  It takes a lot of work and a lot of dedication from the cowboys that are involved.  Enjoy the pics!

The wonderful thing about this round up is it is very family oriented. You will find people of all different ages there.  The kids have a blast.  There is a creek to play in, horseback rides, and just hanging around by the campfire with some of the other kids.  There is also a chance for the kids to rope and hold the baby calves while all the stuff is done to them.  It is a blast watching them.  

Kristy taking a rest after all the "working" (which is actually lots of playing!) that she did!

Kristy on "Red", which is a very kid friendly horse!

Kristy and Peyton play with "Boo Dog".

Abby just chilling out.

All in all we had a great time.  We can't wait for next year to come by as we get to go back and  experience the "cowboy life" for a few days.  This way of life is not seen a lot, but it is part of our very rich history of the USA.  Don't let it die out.  To whoever is reading this I encourage you to find a place where your kids can experience this way of life, even if it is for a day!

With that I will leave you with one more picture.  It just shows how "exhausting it can be for a little kids on the ranch :)

Enjoy!!!!!