Tuesday, February 22, 2011

I Must Have Been a Cowgirl in a Previous Life....

'Cause I love me some Cowboys...and the Rodeo!

On Saturday night, we left Chloe home with a sitter and we took Camdyn to the rodeo.  Not, just any rodeo, but the Bull Riding Championships, 30 cowboys competeing for the title 8 seconds at a time.

We pulled in to the lot about an hour before the start of the rodeo, and were surprised to see a ton of kids, and bounce houses, bounce-slides, and $6 bull rides (on a gentle- walking bull of course). 

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Camdyn was 10 kinds of excited when her little eyes caught glipse of the festivities.  In fact, she ran through the gates ahead of us while we were waiting to give the man our tickets.  She bounced, she slid, and then she spent 10 minutes laughing and giggling at the boys who were riding a mechanical bull. 

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Of course, she looked so cute in her pink skirt, and pink boots...she was the girliest cowgirl of all of them.  I asked her if she wanted to ride the mechanical bull and she said, "Maybe next year." 

After some pizza and soda, it was time to claim out seats for the show.  Five minutes before the show started they played "Stuck Like Glue" by Sugarland.  This is a song that has been on repeat in my car for months now.  Cam loves it, and she let everyone around us know.  She was standing on the bleachers belting out the lyrics as loudly as she could.  She was making the cutest spectacle of herself ever...and I was so proud! 

Then, they dimmed the lights and it was showtime.  The cowboys came out and stood behind a flaming outline of a bull's head.  They lit fireworks behind them and introduced them one at a time. 

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Cam's eyes were as big as saucers and she knew she was in for a special treat.  "Look at all dem cowboys, Momma!" "Yes, Camdyn.  I see them....(and I'll probably dream about them too)"

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And, it just may have been the finest bunch of cowboys that I've ever seen.

Then, it was time to recognize the flag.  They sent the flag around the arena on horseback, and the Announcer explained that the Blue on the flag symbolizes the working class hands that built this country, and the stars for our 50 great states, the 13 stripes recognize the orginial 13 colonies, the white symbolizes our nation's purity, and the red stripes represent the blood that was shed for our freedom, and for the blood shed by Jesus Christ.  And, at that, the crowd roared.  Roared.  A reaction that stunned me a bit, but also made the hair stand up on my arms.  After that they prayed.  Prayed for the safety of all of the cowboys, prayed for the bulls, and safe travels for all of the supporters, and they Thanked God for this great nation.

And after a collective, AMEN, the crowd cheered and it was time for the National Anthem.

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Then, the Rodeo started and the cowboys took their turns 8 seconds at a time.  My little girl was in awe.  She cheered and hollered with her little arms up in the air rooting on the cowboys.  She stamped her little pink boots on the bleachers and cheered for a good ride. 

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And, after a few rides it became apparent to me why Jesus was at the Rodeo.  Because this just might be the most dangerous sporting event that I've ever seen.  Those crazy cowboys need a prayer.  There were at least 10 times that we saw cowboys nearly get stomped on by the bull....both gut wrenching and thrilling at the same time.

This morning, Camdyn took the program to school with her.  She wanted to show her teacher the "bucking bulls" and then cut out pictures of the "cutie cowboys." 

The rodeo was a blast, it was really affordable (minus babysitting expenses) and we'll look forward to going again next year with Chloe.  My girls just might love the Rodeo as much as I do!  Yee Haw!


12 comments:

Rochelle@AFamilyofLooneys said...

Those are some good looking cowboys ;-) Looks like it would be a ton of fun. Looks like Camdyn had so much fun.

LeeAnn said...

It sounds like you guys (especially Camdyn) had a GREAT time! I gotta say, though, bull riding is just dumb...I'm not religious and I can see why Jesus needed to be there! ;-) I'm afraid if I took Rylie to something like that her nightmares would be 10 times worse than they are now! LOL

Rylie's favorite song is Stuck Like Glue too! She doesn't quite know the words, since the DVD players usually beat out the radio in the car, but when she does hear it, she says "This is my favorite song!" It's one of my faves too.

How have you been? I miss you. I just realized we haven't chatted in a while.

Mama Hen said...

Wooohoooo this looks like fun! This is so special! This is a memory not to forget! I could only imagine how excited Camdyn was! :) I am happy you had a great time! I would love for you to write an article for the Nestwork. E-mail it to me when you have one and I will let you know when I will feature it! Have a great night!

Mama Hen

cooperl788 said...

What a fun night out, and what awesome pictures you took! I love the rodeo; I used to go with my aunt and uncle every summer. It really was fun for the whole family - there were sweet treats, cute butts in Wrangler jeans, and of course, all the bull-riding. I loved watching the barrel racing; those horses could really turn on a dime!

Lindsey said...

Nice shots! Those cowboys are lookin good LOL My mom loves rodeos and anything cowboy/cowgirl related lol She has two horses of her own! How fun!

Unknown said...

I grew up on a ranch so we went to all kinds of rodeos. Good memories. Love that Cam was singing at the top of her lungs - soo cute. And Kneedeep those shots of those cowboys is almost sinful - good job :-) and thanks for sharing :-)

Anonymous said...

I also have to admit that I LOVED the rodeo! We went last year and already have tickets for this year (in Arcadia). Loved the atmosphere, the men, the suspense of whether or not they would stay on or get bucked off, wondering if the bulls would charge into the crowd etc. I especially loved wearing the hat while looking at the hotties (you know- the hat I wore to Sugarland!) LOL Glad you guys had fun!

Liz said...

Love the photos!!! They are great :) Glad you had fun! Cam was so cute on the phone talking about it ... I loved that little conversation :)

Jennifer said...

It looks like everyone had a great time. I have never been to a rodeo...I don't think we even have then in NY..LOL! But it looks like a whole lot of fun. I am sure looking at some cute cowboys isn't too bad either..LOL! I am sure Cam is going to be talking about this for weeks. It is great that you took the time to let her enjoy something she loves with the people she loves most :)

Lexie Loo, Lily, Liam & Dylan Too said...

I bet she loved that! She looks so grown up! Fun pictures!

Sassy said...

OMG! What is it about those cowboys? Mmmm...mmm! What fun for Camdyn! Glad to see your raising her to appreciate the good stuff! ;)

Eastlyn and co. said...

Who knew rodeos were so big in Florida?! I guess my kids are just a little too citified to appreciate a good rodeo. I think my parents took my son to the Cowboys of Color Rodeo a while back and it was nothing like Cam's experience. I'm glad you all had a fun family outing and Camdyn has such a grand old time. This post makes me think of Pioneer Woman and Marlboro Man...something about those buns hanging out from behind those chaps!