How Aprapos: It's Rodeo

It's that time of year again. Time when we dust off boots, head into traffic, and eat more calories than is sensible, hoping that the three mile hike to the car might even things out.

While we were out of town, Alastair got to spend the day with his Grammie and Papa at the rodeo. This time of year, however, they are known only as "Rodeo Bill" and "Rodeo Sue." We may commission action figures in their likeness in the future.



From all accounts, Alastair had the time of his life. He collected all the cards in the various stations at Agventure, which was a feat of no small patience, I'm sure, for his grandparents on a Saturday. He fed the animals at the petting zoo a small cup of feed.

And his hat.

Rodeo Sue reported that this goat was not satisfied with the feed and went straight for his hat. It has teeth marks on it as a souvenir.

She also reported he had no interest in sharing his ice cream.

Although I'm sure he was fed lunch directly before embarking on his trip to the stadium, Alastair insisted on eating an entire sausage on a stick as well, which is at least a half pound of sausage. I am really afraid of what will become of us when he hits sixteen.

He loved "the show." I got a convoluted explanation of various rodeo events for the next week.

Later the next week, the real show:

Four moms (nine kids between us) out on parade.

And boy did we have fun! This year we went to see Lady Antebellum which was a far tamer show than last year's Black Eyed Peas. Rodeo Bill and Rodeo Sue put in a cameo and got us into the Corral Club after the rodeo for fun and dancing. Emily (the light blond vixen depicted above) lured my father onto the dance floor for a two step and we all got Rodeo Sue out there for the CottonEyed Joe although she disappeared around the Schottische. This was the first year we went out on a weekend and it sure was nice to put my earplugs in and go back to sleep when the hooligans started thumping around the next morning.

This week is Spring Break in Houston. Despite the rain, Monday we decided to head down to the rodeo grounds so Emery could have a chance to have some fun too. Of course, this kid would have a fabulous time in the living room, but it was the excuse I needed.

At the last minute, Kim decided to join us.

Emery liked patting the animals, especially the rabbits in their exhibit in Agventure. She is very gentle with the animals and never grabs at them or tries to squeeze them like Alastair did.

Another favorite Bowling event

Emery also loved sitting on the tractor, which Alastair regards as an actual rodeo activity. I told him he should convince his Grandad that he needs a new tractor. Alastair found one that has more functions than a Swiss Army knife that he thinks would be just perfect.

While we were inside, it was pouring rain on the outdoor events. After we saw all the shopping and had a nice lunch, we headed to the still damp carnival.

The spinning dragons were a hit.

These dragons were pretty dry inside and function much like the teacups at Disney Land. You twist the "table" in the center and it spins around while the whole thing revolves. We got that thing spinning really fast and Alastair was shrieking and laughing the whole time. It was a blast.

Our last rodeo event for the year was a couples night out to see my current favorite band, Zac Brown Band. Despite hiring a sound engineer that should be taken out and shot immediately, they were great. Kim and Bryan, both sound aficionados, were a bit tweaked. Jennifer and I partied it up anyway. It may be easy to screw up sound at a huge stadium, but it still is impossible to make those boys sound downright bad. I'm planning a "make my own concert t-shirt" craft in the near future.