There's something extra special about seeing a tough, hardworking cowboy turn into a puddle of mush around his grandbaby. Alex Drummond just shared the sweetest new photo of her dad, Ladd—better known as "Papa" these days—with his granddaughter, Sofia Marie, and it'll make your heart melt faster than ice cream on a July afternoon in Pawhuska.
In the photo, Papa and little Sofia are locked in the kind of gaze that’s pure, unfiltered sweetness. It's a precious snapshot of life at the Drummond ranch when cattle chores pause just long enough for Ladd to soak up some quality grandpa-granddaughter bonding. Sofia, clearly smitten with the cowboy in front of her, is sprawled out comfortably and happily, her tiny eyes sparkling as she takes in every moment with her beloved grandpa.
Now, if you know Ladd, you know he's about as steady and dependable as they come. Ree once wrote about her Marlboro Man: "He works cattle, he takes the boys to their practices, he drives me places if he thinks it will help me...He definitely helps me before I even ask." That caring and attentive spirit has seamlessly transitioned into grandpa mode with Sofia—the very first granddaughter to completely steal his heart.
Alex has previously shared just how much her dad influenced her growing up, saying, "He taught me the value of hard work, honesty, generosity, and strong faith in God." And these are exactly the kind of qualities you know he'll pass on to little Sofia—along with plenty of cuddles, laughs, and probably a few extra treats here and there. Because who can resist spoiling an adorable grandbaby?
When he's not busy working cattle or managing ranch responsibilities, Ladd/Papa cherishes these quiet moments spent doting on Sofia. Whether it's making silly faces to earn her giggles or just staring adoringly at her tiny face, it's clear that Ladd's grandpa chapter is off to a pretty darn good start. And if you ask anyone around Pawhuska, they'll tell you there's nothing sweeter to see than a cowboy-turned-grandpa who's absolutely smitten with his little cowgirl.
