Rodeo

One of our activities over Spring Break was to go to the rodeo. We hadn't been in several years, and it was Austin's last chance to do mutton busting, so it was a must! My boys found it very educational as they got to watch a ewe birth a placenta (baby born an hour earlier). They also got to watch several chicks go through the process of breaking out of an egg. Clayton and Kara went the same day we did with their kids. We met up a few times but mostly did our separate paces.

Petting zoo

This was a new exhibit: walk-in parakeet cage

Farm to Market area where the kids got to see the process of growing corn, vegetables, and milking a cow and then taking the product to the grocery store. 

Austin practicing his mutton busting skills.

Everyone waiting to watch Austin's ride.

Austin did the 4th best in his group of 30 mutton busters. He was real sad (and embarrassed?) that he didn't hold on all the way to the end, but his sheep also rammed him into the side. We all were impressed he held on as long as he did. Most kids get dumped right out of the gate.

Austin and Bryson each got to pick out a [very expensive] ride, and they picked this zero gravity one where you stand up and only have a seat belt holding you in. 

Matt took a half day off work to join us, which was an extra special treat! Austin worships the ground Matt walks on, so he was especially thrilled to have his daddy there with us.

Rodeo 2012

We get tickets to the rodeo each year through Matt's work, and we have a great time every time! Last Thursday night, Matt took the two boys by himself since I had a women's meeting for church that night. The boys loved all the animals.

Carter trying to crawl in to see the calf.

Petting and feeding station

Carter giving the baby goat a kiss

They left before the concert, but it still made for a late night.

Matt and I went last night together to see Blake Shelton perform. We had incredible seats again and enjoyed being close to the action. Unfortunately, the the concert was a disappointment because Blake Shelton didn't sing my two favorite songs of his: "She Wouldn't Be Gone" and "Nobody But Me." We waited until the very end just for those songs. :o(

Watching the rodeo events beforehand are so fun. The mutton bustin' is my favorite event...we want to sign Caleb up for it next year because we think it's so fun. 5-6 year-olds ride a sheep, hanging on as long as possible. It's adorable.

Rodeo 2011

We enjoyed going to the Rodeo again this year, courtesy of Matt's work. We scored FRONT row seats this year which, as part of the action seats, gets free food. It was fun to take Caleb this year and let him see all the animals. We love so many of Clay Walker's songs, so it was fun to see him live. Caleb stayed awake the whole time, then zonked out in the car. Thanks to my parents for watching Carter for us!