Rodeo #1- A Day with Grandma

This is the first in a series of our trips to the rodeo...what can I say- we love it!
Our first time going was last week while my Mom was here.  Chris was at work so my Mom, the kids, and I hit up the rodeo in the morning.
Unfortunately I didn't get many pictures, of the day but let me assure you it was packed with fun things!
We looked at all the animals.  Nathan loved it.  Abby loved it as long as I would hold her- she loved them from afar.

We also planted some seeds and touched worms.

The highlight of Nathan's day was definitely riding the horse- he has been asking for that for weeks.He was so cute sitting on the horse!

The highlight for me was seeing the kids in their cowboy/girl gear! Thanks Mom- they are so adorable!!!

We then hit up the petting zoo.  Abby was once again scared if anything came near her and Nathan was a bit passive, but I think that they both really enjoyed it

Abby's favorite part was next...the merry-go-round! She absolutely loved it! It was her first time and she was so happy.

We then ate some lunch and headed home for naps- even though we don't live just down the street like in previous years we still live close enough to head home for nap time.  It was a great decision.  They both took great naps before we headed back again well rested and ready for a full evening!

Chris met us at the rodeo when he got off of work.  He was able to take the metro straight from work to the rodeo- I love that he works so close! We ate some dinner then headed off to the actual rodeo!
The kids were fascinated.  Nathan was enthralled.  Even though Abby is completely insane she really did well during the whole thing.

 pretty sure this picture was when one of the rodeo clowns almost got gored by a bull...see the look on my face compared to Chris's?

We really enjoyed all the events, but we love the bull riding, horseback riding,  the mutton bustin', and our personal favorite- the calf scramble. We were sitting just 2 rows ahead of a mother of one of the calf scramble participants (30 kids chasing 15 calves...if you catch the cow you get to keep it).  The mother was insane!  We were laughing so hard at her- between the tears, gutteral yelling, wailing, screaming and shouting pleas for divine intervention we were in awe of her. The fact that she was slightly intoxicated may have had something to do with the craziness.  However, we are happy to report that her daughter was one of the last kids to catch a calf :)

After the rodeo there is a concert and we saw Lady Antebellum perform.  we were actually pretty impressed bu their performance (and the fact the the Lady of Lady Antebellum was dressed modestly...crazy I know!) We then realized that it was pushing 10:00 and our kids usually go to bed between 7:30 and 8:30, so we headed home (stopping for some fried oreos on the way) and made it home with our kids completely awake- I can't believe they didn't crash in the car...probably way over stimulated from the rodeo, concert, lights, and fireworks...oh well we had so much fun! Thanks Mom!!!!! We're excited to go again with you and Dad next year...hint hint :)

And our last picture- the only one of all of us together...and it is quite possibly one of the most unflattering angles of myself but we all had so much fun! Thanks Mom for the amazing day!!