St Paul Rodeo 2014

I realize it's almost the end of August, and I tried to shove all of my July pictures and happenings into one post, but it just could not be done. So you will have to bear with me as I go back in time and share some our summer happenings, even though summers almost over.

The first 3 days of July were busy and fun. Troy's family from Washington were here, so we had a full house and lots of activity. July 2nd we went to the St Paul Rodeo. As you remember we went last year for the first time and had a great time, so we decided to find our inner cowboys and cowgirls and go again.

The girls got new hats.

 

And cotton candy

The first night is PBR night (Pro Bull Riding). We had better seats this year, so I got some great out of the chute pics!

These guys are so huge...

 It takes 5 or so guys on horses to wrangle them sometimes...

 

 But ultimately they really do what they want to.  In this guys case, he was just giving up. I think it took them about 10 minutes to get him back where he was supposed to go. I guess when you're a million pounds with horns, you can take your time.

The rodeo clowns are there to distract the audience when the bulls are taking their time. This night there were 2 guys running around acting silly, and when this one jumped over the fence to talk to the audience we jumped in for a pic!  He was just lucky he got to get his picture taken with 2 of the cutest cowgirls there!

We came into some more tickets the next night, July 3rd, thanks to my dad and his quick thinking, and we couldn't pass them up. 

One of my favorite favorite things about rodeos is some of the pre-game activities. Both nights we were there they had a prayer, a real, authentic, In Jesus Name prayer. It was great, I got a little verklempt.

Then there's the patriotic stuff too! Love the national anthem being sung while a man on a horse carries the waving flag.  

The second night was more of a variety of competition. We got to see broncos, calf roping, barrel racing, and more bull riding. This time we were on the front row across from the chutes, no obstruction. Pretty great view!

 I would say that the rodeo is definetly becoming one of our favorite things to look forward to every year! Anyone who wants to come with us next year, plan on being her July 2-4! Good times will be had!

As you can tell from the smile on this beautiful face...

And the intent far off gazing on this face...

If you look in this picture, you will see a cute little blond girl in pink chaps. She rode a young bull and won the young bull riding competion, against all boys. The mental seeds of becoming a bull rider have now been planted in a certain 9 year olds brain...oh sheesh.

In closing, yes this is a horse in a car. You have now seen it all.