Double Dipping

Last week was a busy one for these grandparents. In addition to the eldest grandson playing baseball in the state tournament, we had a couple of grandsons showing their cattle at the State Beef Expo. Thank goodness both events were taking place in the same town. So, while we had about a forty-five minute drive to our destination, we could take in both activities, since they were only a couple of blocks away from one another.

Angus Steers in the District Champion Class

The first day was actually the district show. Both boys did a wonderful job showing off their animals. They held the calves' heads high and positioned their feet just so. They watched the judge and kept an eye on their calf as well. All of us were pleased at how they were 'dialed in' and focused on doing their best.

Easton with his steer

It was evident that the boys had done their homework because their animals behaved beautifully. The calves responded to the gentle tugs and nudges from the boys and handled almost like pets. Of course that kind of behavior only comes after hours of practice at home and those boys had a ritual every single day for working with each animal.

That's a lot of meat on the hoof!

Levi's heavyweight steer won a banner for Reserve Champion Angus Steer in the district show and got a blue ribbon in his class the next day in the State Angus Steer Show. Easton's steer won a blue ribbon in the district show and was in the top five in the state show. Little brother was not a happy camper that big brother placed a bit higher than him but we don't think either of them did any too shabby! 

Easton's first official steer show

Levi had a couple of heifers to show as well. The first one was a farm bred and raised Angus heifer. The second one was a Hereford heifer that is what we hope is the start of a herd. The Mister has had a lifelong dream of having Herefords. He has talked about it for years and finally bit the bullet and bought one. 

Levi with Kaitlynn

She is sort of a family favorite because she is so docile and friendly. Even little sister has been putting her through her daily paces in the pasture beside the barn. Every afternoon they have a backyard mini-show. First, each animal is rinsed - Easton's specialty. Next, each one has its hair blown out and styled - Levi's specialty. After they all eat their feed, they are led in a circle around the yard or pasture a few times and stopped to practice setting up and standing patiently before they are set free for the evening. The next morning they are all haltered and led into the barn for their morning feeding. They spend the day inside with fans blowing on them during the day and the ritual starts all over again late in the afternoon.

Levi and heifer sharing kisses

It is so much fun for us to watch the guys exhibit their cattle and so rewarding to see them do so well after watching all the hard work that went into preparing. We watched them show their calves for a while one day. Then, I went to the ball park and watched Harris and his team play. The next day the Mister and I thought we would split up and one watch the ballgame and the other watch the cattle show but it turned out to be a rain out for the ball tournament. So, we both watched the cattle show. I sat with a friend from my collage days and we shared tales and photos of grandchildren. The next day we watched a bit of the cattle show and then went to the ball park for a game. That sort of action went on for the duration. So, we sort of double dipped by taking in both events happening in the same town. We felt so fortunate that both events were taking place only a short distance apart and we got to see a little bit of both events.