We had the big round-up day when the calvies get to have their ears pierced and their shots...and the little bulls begin their journey into steerhood! The grandkids were all eager to help and watch the process. Tender little Tess was the least excited of all, although she did stay the duration and even helped moved the cattle from the River to all of your future home--Indian Crossing! Rick sustained an injury to his stomach and Grandpa got to ride a bucking gate while the cattle were trying to smash through it. Ellie and Luke were the "headers" who headed the calves from the chute back to the corral. Noah just wanted to be in the middle of all the confusion and take part in the chaos of it all!
Just four days later, Mr. Elijah Alexander Gunnerson introduced himself into the world and as you can see, the boys adore him. He also has additional admirers--Tess and Mia were absolutely in love with the little guy. Tess loves babies and wants to hold and cuddle them all she can. Noah didn't know if he could make it through the night without without his Mom and Dad when I brought the boys home without their mom and Dad. Somehow we made it through the night and the next day, even though Noah did pull up all the violas Aunt Billie Jo had just planted and Grandma and Luke and Tess had to hurry and replant them!
The cattle seem perfectly happy up at Indian Crossing in Heritage Fields--where they are content to share the feed with the deer each day. They have explored from Tim and Billie Jo's down to Rick and Olivia's apple trees and the trail to the canal. Earl goes up early each morning to water them and then Rob goes up in the afternoons. Dad (meaning your Grandpa, for those of you who have trouble following) and I usually hook the hose up while we are having our nightly cemetery visit. Dad (your Dad) finally broke down and mowed the cemetery lot, since it didn't look like anyone else was going to. It actually looks quite pretty all trimmed up and the fresh flowers that Grandpa keeps on the grave daily. It really is very peaceful.
Chelsea came on Saturday the 21st and brought Jack to see his newest cousin. They were immediate friends and Jack certainly does look grown up next to a new baby. Chelsea informed me that my house was not very "baby friendly," as she was running around behind Jack picking up books off the center table and little bits of this and that he found on the floor! Chelsea took Jack up to visit Grandpa Bisel and Jack loved big, ole' furry, ragged Bob and Tank. He jabbered and talked up a storm to them until Grandpa finally said, "That kid doesn't shut-up!" Grandpa did think he was a pretty good boy and enjoyed his visit. Olivia then brought Eli up to see Grandpa the next day and Grandpa was so tickeled--especially with the name of Alexander! He thought he was a very handsome boy and laughed at the thought of Jack, Evan and Eli all together as cousins playing. He thought maybe it was another Jim, Bill and Paul threesome! Watch out!!!Giselle flew in on Sunday morning and Chelsea, Jack and I all went down to pick her up. The plane came in on time, but the luggage took a while. We ended up going out to lunch since it took so long. The girls said the devil must have me, for me to go out to lunch on Sunday, but I sure did enjoy a "girl talk" session with the two baby girls of mine. The people in the next boothe sure did enjoy Jack's jabbering and patty cake. Later that evening, Dad (your Dad) grilled up some "carne'" and we enjoyed quite the fiesta out on the deck in the cool summer breeze. Chelsea left on Monday after a really nice visit and Giselle is here for the week of Body Motion's Summer Intensive Dance camp and helping me with the Miss Kamas Valley pageant. Billie Jo will choreograph the swim suit section and Olivia was in charge of crowns and helping with prepare the contestants for their interviews. We have six really cute, talented girls trying out and the pageant is Friday night. The theme is "I want a girl who is...." and the music is Short Skirt-Long Jacket. It is so darned fun and the girls are great! You all know what we're doing this week!
