The Rodeo

The boys were in luck when they got their first trip to the rodeo last week.  Although we didn't go to the actual rodeo, which involves calf roping and bull riding, the boys did not know the difference.  Instead, my parents and I showed them around the kiddie area and the carnival. There were several firsts for both of them.  Both boys had their first ride on a pony.  They seemed to enjoy it and it was really way to short.  Later on, Benjamin made a point to say that he and Evan got to ride "real" ponies.  They got to see how a "real" cow gets milked.  This is something I have never seen live.  I was shocked at how quickly the milk is pumped out, filling several gallons in just a couple of minutes.  Next, we entered the petting zoo, which was a little intimidating for Benjamin but we saw a baby goat that had just been born.


After the kiddie area, we decided to head over to the carnival.  On the way, the boys were sidetracked by some tractors that were on display and available for exploration by little boys.  Benjamin was determined to make his way to the ferris wheel as quickly as possible.  I thought it was interesting that he wanted to ride the ferris wheel (which scares me to death) but was afraid of the petting zoo.  Poor Papa had to take him despite his fear of heights.  Amma took Evan on the merry-go-round, which I felt was going much too fast to really be fun.  Thanks to my pregnancy, I got out of having to go on any rides.  Finally, my favorite part of the experience, was a trip to the gourmet area of the fairgrounds.  Benjamin and Papa chose large slabs of pepperoni pizza, Evan chose a corn dog on a stick, I chose a burger, and Amma had a huge sausage with peppers. We capped it all off with dessert.  Although there were many very exciting options, such as deep friend Kool Aid, we went with an ice cream and M & M concoction and chocolate covered frozen bananas.  

I didn't expect to have such a good time, but I did.  I can definitely see us hanging out at the rodeo every year and making many great memories.  I know the boys had a fabulous time and could have been entertained for many more hours.  I hope Lance can come with us next year.