The first few days...

This time last year, we had 5 full sisters born in a 24 hour period.  We were about to head out to Denver to watch the show and got the idea in our heads that 2015 MIGHT be the year we make our maiden voyage west with a pen of heifers.  In that 360 days or so, the gears turned (and ground) as we began asking questions of people who have braved the experience in the past and started assembling a line of equipment needed to spend 10 days in the yards.  See, being in the yards is VERY different than going to a "regular" show.  There is still washing and blowing and feeding and clipping and washing and blowing and feeding and clipping...you get the picture, but everything else is a little bit different.

What we started with...

For those that don't know, we are outside.  The entire time. Because of this, you must provide some shelter for the 2 legged variety, a place to wash the cattle that can be heated if the weather isn't favorable, stalls for the cattle to be displayed, make a windbreak by covering the pen with heavy tarps or plastic and I could go on but you get the picture.

After traveling all day Thursday, Friday was our first full day here and was spent setting up our pen.  We ordered bedding (because you cannot bring your own) and had it delivered to our pen.  Tack haulers will bring your equipment in from your trailer to your pen to make the unloading process quicker which is great!  We covered the sides with plastic to keep the wind from blowing through.  Takes a LONG TIME.

Pen is starting to take shape!

As the day progressed, things began to take shape and get organized a little more.We got the shavings down and we called it a day!  During this time we were setting up, the heifers and bull were just hanging out in their night pen.  Its kind of like tie outs but we can take their halters off and they can be free which they absolutely love.

In the yards headed back to the night pen.
Look at the ground!
Some of the original bricks and blocks.  

Saturday was spent doing a little more organizing and because the weather was so great, we washed and dried all 7 head.  When you get going, its hard to stop so we ate lunch at 2:30 in the afternoon!  Thankfully our crew is pretty much the best and there were no complaints.  Everyone wanted to get them clean and looking good!  We also had a little bit of traffic in the pen which was nice (and exciting).

When they were washed, we took them back to their night pen, fed and watered them and then helped
some other folks come in and get unloaded.  I think initially we had intended on getting back to the hotel but instead we fired up the trusty propane heater and stood in our pen with some friends; new and old, talking and laughing and sharing stories.  Good times.

I have to pinch myself sometimes.  We are here.  Just when I think it can't get any more real, our pen looks better. Our cattle look better.  Our Facebook page gets more likes. :) And then I see this....

...and I smiled.  In a few days, we will be standing in front of that infamous blue backdrop for the very first time.  And I cannot wait!