Moving Cows

I had mentioned to Grandma Cheryl and Grandpa Terry that when it came time to move Gramps cows out west we wanted to take Tyke.  We just knew that he would love it.  When Gramps decides to move cows it seems like it's usually a last minute thing and we always find out after it's all said and done with.  Late Friday night Grandma Cheryl called me to let me know that cows were being moved bright and early the next morning.  I'm glad she thought to call us because our little boy was in heaven moving those cows!

We got up super early, Chad got the rhino loaded, and we headed for the hill.  As soon as we pulled up we walked over to Grams and Gramps house for some yummy "Chef Boy-Wally" breakfast.  Grampa Wally can cook breakfast like no one else can!  There was quite the crew for him to feed and he made sure that each and every one of us got something to eat.  After cleaning up and visiting for a few minutes it was time to start herding the cattle.

We loaded up our gear in the rhino and drove around lost for a few minutes.  We weren't really sure what we should be doing and we had lost everyone else.  As soon as they had exited Grams and Gramps house they scattered and disappeared really quick.  We finally just drove up into the mountains and kept stopping to listen for anyone.  We eventually heard Grandpa Terry and Uncle Blair.  Chad got out and hiked with them down to the shop while Tyke and I drove the rhino down.  Tyke fits perfectly in the passenger seat and does really well to wear his seat belt and hold on to the handles.

When we got to the shop a huge herd of cattle were being pushed into the corrals.  Tyke went absolutely crazy with joy!  He was squealing and mooing and pointing and giggling.  That right there along made it worth it taking him!!  Someone took a head count and decided we were still missing a few cows so we all headed back up into the hills to search some more.  Tyke and I took it pretty easy and just rode around while the boys hiked.  We were able to gather about a dozen more cows.  After a second head count it was time to start moving them out west!

It was a long slow day of moving but Tyke had a blast!  He rode with me in the rhino for a while and just mooed and squealed and took it all in.  He loved watching cousin Lisa work on her horse.  He was in awe of her.  He got to ride a baby cow, a horse with Joey, Grandpa Terry's shoulders, the four wheeler with Daddy and the rhino with me.  He even got down and did a little foot work, running after the cows while staying close to Grandpa Terry.  The boy was seriously in heaven!  All of that hard work wore him right out and about half way through our route he zonked out.  He slept for maybe thirty minutes before getting his second wind.

Once we made it to our destination Grandpa Wally treated us all to soda pop, donuts and candy bars.  All warm and semi melted from the hot day as you can imagine.  Tyke was a huge fan of the mini donuts and ate a couple.  The guys moved the cows on up the mountain while the rest of us and the kids stayed behind and enjoyed some shade.  Tyke had fun playing with his cousins Joey, Swasey and Kayson while we waited for the men to get back.

It was a fun morning and afternoon spent with family!  I'm so glad Tyke got to experience his first cattle push.  I think he's going to be a lover of working with the cows just like his Bampa!