Panguitch

I'm not known for many long blog posts (I would love to, I just don't make enough time) but Panguitch this year calls for picture after picture of good memories. This all started in 2001 when we went to visit Uncle Vee down on the farm. In his 90's, Vee STILL works with the cattle, bails hay, and says, "Hell what are you doing, get to work!" All of us extended family members have gathered each summer to hang out and enjoy the simple life, namely Vee's porch. It is the porch to top all porches; wraps around the house with lots of space to grab a cool drink and watch the hot air balloons drift against blue skies or dream about your hike tomorrow in beautiful Bryce Canyon. I heart Panguitch!

On our way to see Vee we always stop in Beaver at the cheese factory where Beth buys her weight in cheese wheels and curd.



Cheese isn't the only indulgence over Pang-town weekend though... ice cream too!



Nice spot to stretch our legs



Jamie hopped in our car for a ride and let Crosby try her glasses on



It was balloon festival weekend so they had some fun picture ops



Shopping on Main Street



Is that a lasso or... not?



Olivia had a treasure hunt ready to go...



Not just for the kids; adults too!



During the treasure hunt Croz got distracted by all of Vee's fun toys



Including this tractor that he LOVED



So we had a photo shoot (;



Proud Nan, proud Gammy



Cute Caitlin taking in the porch scene, I don't think that is her Texas Twister



Couples in red



All- American fun



Anyone for badminton?



Danielle did a great job on Steve's hair. He should wear French braids more often to show off those natural highlights.



Brig and Claire: whatever it takes to entertain themselves!



Balloon launch early Saturday morning



Croz and I went on the river walk to look at these pretty horses with their new colts



Isn't this speckled one gorgeous? I forgot what kind of horse it is.



Croz and Liv and Ava feeding the horses carrots



Paul showed up just in time to help the kids sit on the horses... Crosby could take it or leave it.



Loved this fence.



When we were driving back to Vee's, a balloon landed ON THE ROAD in front of us so we had to wait 15 minutes until we could pass!



Checking out the handmade wind chimes for sale



Breakfast that sticks to your ribs... the bacon was so thick, oh my.



Colorful Mom and daughters



Preparing for the water balloon fight



When's the last time we took a picture of these two?! Cute Jon and Susan



A select few of us rode out to watch the bulls get vaccinated, tagged, branded, and castrated... which procedure do you think they were watching here?



Vee putting his walking stick to good use



Paul tagging and branding a bull



Vee and clouds



They trap the bull in this rack and do what they have to do. Yes it was hard to watch but when you realize it is necessary it helps your mindset. It does seem like torture but... well I have no idea, I was half fascinated half sad.



*** ATTENTION: PLEASE SCROLL PAST THESE NEXT FEW PICS IF YOU WANT NOTHING TO DO WITH THE TESTICLES OF A BULL BEING CUT OFF! IF YOU ARE WONDERING WHY THEY DO THIS, HERE IS THE WIKIPEDIA EXPLANATION:

Castration is commonly performed on domestic animals not intended for breeding. Livestock may be castrated when used for food in order to increase growth or weight or both of individual male animals.

***SO ONCE AGAIN, THIS IS NECESSARY FOR THOSE CATTLE THEY ARE RAISING FOR FOOD USE... ***

Once they vaccinate, tag, and brand they flip the bull in this rack to better access the "area of castration..."



Paul makes an incision and removes the testicles WITH HIS TEETH. This honestly was incredible to watch. It was absolutely horrific the first time for me, but then totally fascinating. Just another one of those once-in-a-lifetime things I guess!



*** SO HERE IS THE VIDEO: WATCH AT YOUR OWN RISK ***



One of the guys, when making an incision, slit his hand open. Good thing we had a nurse on call! Cam and Auds had a first-aid kit in their car and so Cam and Jon wrapped him with gauze.



Brave girlies



In his domain



A real live cowgirl showed up in this ride



Cam and family having some quiet time listening to D play his guitar



D played some tunes while everyone waited for dinner. Lucy and her dancing... she's got the moves.



Brig and I had so much fun dancing to the live band on balloon glow night! That dimple!



Balloons at night



Us



Glow-in-the-dark frisbee. Search parties. Star gazing. Then the party lasted well into the night on Vee's porch thanks to Catch Phrase and leftover candy in the treasure hunt box!



Vee and Beth



Ava and Liv



Steve and Vee



Can you even see Vee's orange pickup?!



Thanks for the fun weekend, Vee!



Crosby will be back soon to ride your tractor.