Rodeo

I tried to take Elizabeth to the Piatt County Rodeo last June, but a little baby boy had other plans! So I took both kids this year down to my grandparents and they showed us a real rodeo!



Although this maybe a small town rodeo it is a pretty big deal because the points go toward the International Pro Rodeo Association (or something like that!). The first thing to notice was that the parking attendants are on horseback. Right inside the gates were pony rides and Elizabeth has been asking to ride a horse so of course we saddled her up! Her pony was named Charley and she was all smiles the whole ride!

We took our seats in the bleachers and waited for the events to start. We were introduced to the Rodeo Queen. This little lady stays very busy! I never saw her off of her horse! At this point I should also mention how patriotic the rodeo is. I should have anticipated this, but I didn't. I also owe my mother a huge apology. We were at Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede several years ago on vacation. When they presented the American flags on horseback she stood up. We all looked at her and rolled our eyes (she was the only one who stood up). I now understand why. The same thing happened at the rodeo, but everyone stood up immediately. Sorry for teasing you Mom, you were just being a good American!!

The first event was Bareback Bronco and it provided some excitement. The first cowboy got bucked off but his hand got caught up in the rope and he took quite the beating. The second cowboy got bucked off right in front of us! My grandma was grimacing...I loved it...this is what a rodeo is all about! Unfortunately, that was all for that event and we were entertained for quite some time by the rodeo clown. The rodeo clown wasn't bad, it was just that his antics were a bit much for a two year old and we needed to see more horses!

Next was the calf dressing. Yes, adults chasing a calf trying to put a giant pair of cow size underwear on it...calf dressing...just like it sounds!

The kids (not my kids!) did mutton busting. This is when the kids act like bull riders, but instead of riding a mean old bull, they ride a sheep. Well these sheep were fast and the kids didn't stand much of a chance!

At this point they announced a 20 minute intermission before the second half started. Second half?! It was already 9:00 pm. Elizabeth hadn't napped and I failed to bring a bottle for Grant. We decided it was best to head home. Enter: Meltdown Mode. Elizabeth cried the whole way to the car and most of the way home. She was so tired! I really wanted to see the events of the second half (barrel racing and bull riding), but there was no way the kids were going to make it. Next year we will plan better and insist on naps!

It doesn't get much more hometown and wholesome than the rodeo. Thank you Grandma & Grandpa Briggs for showing us city folks a good country rodeo!



(and Cory & Kari, if you reading this, I have to admit that I had to laugh knowing that you were enjoying the South of France and we were at a rodeo! I thought to myself, they are having a glass (or two) of French wine and we are having corn dogs!)