2012 Branding on the Ranch

Saturday we went to the Branding! :) The Dockens took Mom and Dad to a wedding in Tucson. It happened to be on the same day in the morning, so they didn't get there till later. Justin and I took the little boys down in time to see them brand the calves.

Friends and family gather for this once a year event. Branding all the new little calves that were born during the last year.

Jenny, Micah David and Jack :)

Roseanna Yeske and Lois Hyde

Joseph

That big bull was a little scary and when trying to get him to go through the chute he turned around and cleared those red horse panels. I stood there with my mouth open. I wouldn't want to mess with him!!!

Golf cart, horse and donkey rides. :)

I know.. it wasn't a very exciting post, but the day was more exciting. I just didn't get a picture of all the activities. The young people played volley ball while the little kids swung sticks at pinatas and then scurried in a heap trying to pick up more candy then the others. We left earlier to get home so we wouldn't get to bed so late. Our company (the Dockens) had to leave early the next morning and we didn't want to see them fall asleep on the road. We got to bed in good time, even though we stayed up talking for a while. :) 

Company from Louisiana

Guess who came for a visit? The Dockens family from Louisiana. We met them at Jasper Camp last year and became very good friends with them. They stayed for three days, so Thursday afternoon we went to the den room in Tucson.

On our way to the den room... the backseat riders :)

Waiting to go in.

Mommy and Daddy

Brother Steven Smith giving us a tour.

Seeing the place where the Prophet spent so much of his time was really amazing. Looking around at all the animals he killed and all the little different things, from his guns to his books, it gave us a little glimpse of Brother Branham's life. I think everyone should get a chance to see it! :)

The Silver Tip Grizzly.

Brother Branham's Study.

Brother Branham's Bible. :)

Look who I found! :)

The boys.. :)

A group picture before we head back home.

Friday we took them up to Sunset Mountain. Since it has been raining around we thought that the roads might be flooded out. Thankfully they weren't and we made it there safely. The day was hot though and a quick hike to the top of the hill was all we did before heading out. 

We stopped in at Klondike store on the way out. It is no longer in use, but is it special to see as it was Brother Branham that would come to this very place. There is even a picture of Brother Branham hanging inside on the back wall.

Shade is treasured in Arizona!! :)

Fun times!! 

On the way home we passed the Graham Mountains which are on fire. At night we can see the flames from our house.
Everyone came to our house in the evening and we played volley ball and ping-pong. Saturday we went to the... well, I decided not to tell you. I will post it soon! :)