We just finished up April. That means branding has been in full swing around this ranch. On most Fridays and Saturdays last month, you were sure to find our cowboys and cowgirls riding and roping the range. And without fail, they’d come home smelling like singed hair.

A few Fridays ago, we had the favorite family branding. This is the branding where My Cowboy’s family brands just their cattle. Most of the other weekends they will be branding with others in their cattle association. Those branding days are still great fun, but what’s better than just looking after your OWN cows?! My Cowboy looks forward to this branding all year. It probably hits the list as his third favorite holiday.

I will write all about our average branding day, but let’s start at the beginning- gathering.  Naturally, if we want any calves to brand we have to gather ’em first! We like to start early, but not too early. Seven or eight am seems to be the usual. Personally, I despise rousing anytime before the clock ticks seven. So I sure am happy they don’t like to start TOO early! The riders saddle up and are off to begin the task of bringing in the Mama’s and their babies to the corral.

I realize this post includes the first photos of our crew so I will make sure to point out the most common faces that you will see on Butter, Love, and Cowboys. My in-law’s had four other cowboys, five altogether, if you count My Cowboy. Now they are all grown and love to be in the saddle as much as any men I know. Four of the five brothers saddled up for branding this particular day. 

We have many uncles, cousins, and friends who always join in to help get the work done as well. 

Here’s a brother.

And another brother.

This post consists of a bit of a photo overload. I just couldn’t help myself when it came to sharing many of these photos. Branding days make up some of the most challenging and fun days when it comes to photography. My goal each year is for my photos to be better than the last. 

My Cowboy.  

The cowboy on the right is the oldest brother.

My Cowboy’s brother and his wife. This cowboy found himself a gal who could rope alongside him and it is fun to see them be able to share something they both love together! Plus they should be models for some western magazine.

This is our nephew- the smallest and cutest rider of our branding crew!

Once again they got the job done. 

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