2011 Cowboys & Cowgirls!

The traditional annual trip to the Stock Show arrived right on schedule. And the kids were thrilled to dress up in the cowboy/cowgirl best to see the show, the animals, the "paint-facing," and all the treasures to buy.
Look at this handsome boy, doesn't he look like the real thing. Isaac was so cute, he asked me in the car what he should wear. I told him that real cowboys either wear a t-shirt and jeans for working or a button-up shirt with jeans to look nicer. He came up stairs with his flannel button-up (which he never wears) tucked into his jeans, with his big elephant belt (suited for a large belt buckle) jeans, "work" hiking boots, and his cowboy hat. He looked so authentic, I couldn't wait to take a picture of him leaning on a fence. If wishes come true, he'll find a way to work on a ranch. Maybe when he really does it, it will cure him??? He just loves being with the animals and living in this world. He follows in his Daddy's footsteps...this was Danny's dream too. Maybe someday one of them will get their wish.

I, of course, wanted Esaias to experience it all! We went directly to the petting zoo. I tried to get Esaias to "pet" the animals. (Some background knowledge might be helpful here: Esaias is a grabber! He loves hair. Pulls Marina's regularly! He has made his cousin Erica cry already, by pulling her hair. He is not gentle. He grabs noses, faces, whatever he can get a hold of.) I knew I had to be careful. But he wasn't really to interested until...we got to the poor llama. Yes, poor llama who had long hair. Yes, had. Esaias decided to reach out and grab a hold of the hair on the llama's head, and not let go. The llama protested, and that made it even more fun for Esaias and scary for me! When I finally broke the connection, Esaias walked away the winner with a trophy hand full of llama hair. Yikes!


We met up with Danny's brother Luke for a little while at the kids ranchland, before the rodeo. Thanks for taking the pictures Luke! The kids had fun finding the treasures they wanted to buy with their own money. Of course Marina chose the "paint-facing." Isaac added to his already traditional cowboy ensemble by buying a rope and hanging it from his belt. He got to twist the rope himself. Jose joined in the fun, and bought one too.
And Erica joined Marina in getting her face painted.

Lastly, we went to the Mexican Extravaganza again. As always it was tons of fun and entertaining. I love the culture of the American west mixed with the mexican culture, bringing together a great way for my kids to experience a little of their ancestry. My great-great-great grandfather Juan De Dios was a Mexican rancher in New Mexico. His ranch was a place where many pioneers, and new members of the church, traveling west to Utah from the southeastern United States, stopped for rest and supplies. Pretty cool that the kids get to experience a little of that history and culture.
Another terrific and fun-filled adventure!
Thanks Grandma Chris and Papa Joe for coming and getting Esaias so we could enjoy the show!