Thornton Ranch

We had such a great time at Thornton Ranch in Montana. It's so great to enjoy the simpler things in life. Just to get away from the crazy life and just relax. That's exactly what we did:) It's so fun to go and visit Dan's family. I love it more for the fact that everyone picks on him. When he's around my family he's the one picking on everyone, and I mean everyone, including me! What comes around goes around;) It was the yearly Thornton branding, and Mayci and I had our first opportunity to experience it. I'm so glad that I went, I seriously had so much fun. I forgot how much I love to ride horses. Kinda makes me want to get one of my own. If not for me, for Mayci. She LOVED them!! I can't stress it enough. She was completely fearless. She wanted in the corral with everyone else so she could chase the cows. When she finally had the chance to get on a horse, she was in heaven. She did NOT want to get off. She rode with Grandpa T, dad, me and all by herself. It was so adorable to watch her lean forward and give the horse a little pat on the neck. I laughed when she would talk to the horse telling him, 'let's go'. I wish I could have froze time that day with her, the horses, Dan, Branding....EVERYTHING!! When we first arrived at the Ranch and got out, it wasn't 5 minutes and Mayci found the cow pies. She was so fascinated with them that she had to step in it. Don't worry that I made sure she wore her rain boots, easy clean up:) So many memories that I'm sure I'll never forget. What a great Weekend!! Can't wait to go back

Just waiting to head to the Ranch. I guess this plastic horse will suffice for the time being:)

I would never wish that Dan was a cowboy, but I found myself several times throughout the day wanting him;) I loved watching him throw cows. He was in his element, and it was HOT!!

What an AMAZING man!!

Branden gave in to Mayci screaming to get in the corral

LOVE this picture of Grandpa T and Mayci

Had our own little testicle festival;)

Our 'Thornton's Angel's'...aka Cole and Kendyl

Also LOVE this picture:)

All the boys rode a calf after the branding. This is Dax

Guy, he stayed on the longest. Tate also rode, but someone was in the way so I couldn't take a picture....you know who you are;)

Mayci loves her cousins!

Janet worked really hard to prepare us the most delicious meal after the branding. Thank You!!

All the grandkids thought it would be fun to have some leg wars. When there was a little break in the rounds Dan's dad called Dan's sister Robyn out. Mind you, he's 77, and she's in her 40's. Don't know of many, if any, 70 year olds that would get down and do this. He amazes me!!