Rodeo

Early March is rodeo time here in Houston. This year we got to go two days in a row. On March 3rd, we were invited to attend the rodeo with some friends who had a suite for Rascal Flatts. Some other friends rented a limo and invited us to ride along with them. We had an absolute blast. We were MUCH overdue for an adult night out and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks to both sets of friends, as well as all of the good company. May we never forget The Dog named "Pooper", Peach Clobber, Brucey, Hair in the Butter, Skipping to the Lou and all of the other great moments from the night.

The next day we went back with the kids and Mammy and Pops. This is at least the third year we have gone to the rodeo with them and have enjoyed this "tradition". We started the day with pony rides. Leah has always loved horses and Kate is following in her footsteps. She didn't seem 100% sure for the first few minutes, but through a fit when our turn was over.

I think Leah was confused with the "pirate decoration"

Kate decided she did NOT want to ride in the stroller and walked for quite a while. You can tell in this picture how her left leg really turns in (still working on this in therapy).

We went to see all of the animals. There were several colts, calves and piglets that had just been born and several more that were very close to being born. Kate loved the baby chicks that had just hatched.

After staring at them for a minute, she tried to eat them through the glass.

"Get in my belly!"

Sweet Sisters

Dancin' queen - Even when she is "walking" she's dancing

The annual longhorn picture

Pops and Leah

Watching her hat get steamed - LOVE this picture

After we walked through all the vendors and Kate had a nap, we headed out the carnival area. There was not a single ride that Kate was "big" enough to ride. Like not even the carousel or Ferris wheel. Kind of sad since she rode SO much at DisneyWorld. I guess the carnies don't carry the same insurance. That didn't stop Leah from having fun though.

"Please can I ride?"

Mammy and Leah on the Ferris wheel

Leah and Pops racing on the slide

They had a real neat new kids section to teach them all about agriculture. They started out getting a basket and an apron and had to work their way through the farming system. They milked a cow, planted a "seed", plucked wool and had other farm chores. For each chore they were given an item such as a carton of milk or a vegetable to put in their basket.

Growing some veggies

They then put their basket in the trailer of a John Deere tractor and rode through a course to the market.

At "market" they sold their goods and collected money for them.

They then went to the store where they could by a real snack or juice box. It was a very neat, hands on way to show them how it all works. Leah really enjoyed the farm life.

By then it was time for dinner and the rodeo.

"You eatin' my chicken?"

We went to the rodeo and saw quite a bit of the show. Kate didn't care too much for sitting still and was pretty tired and cranky. I had an allergic reaction (as best I can tell) to something and felt pretty bad by then so we went back outside and walked around the carnival for a couple of hours.

We wound up having to leave a little early, but still had a wonderful time. Thanks again Mammy and Pops!