Well there's something I never thought I would do

How they tell a story:

-Momma, I rode a horse!!
-You did!
-Yay, first we went in and there were these hats and I really wanted one but Daddy said no but then I got to run after a calf and try and get a ribbon off its tail.
-Wow! That sounds like fun.
-Yay and then I took Jack out and we did the chicken dance.
A demonstration of the chicken dance is given.
- Jack came out with me but he didn’t really do anything but he did turn around with me. Good job Jack – and she pats him on the back.
I smile at Jack-
-And then the best thing happened. Oh mommy it was so great. I got to ride a pony. But there weren’t any ropes (she demonstrates how she would have handled the reigns) instead I just had to put my hands here. (and she places her hands in front as it holding on to the horn on a saddle) And then I got to ride. Oh it was soooo great.

Then when putting Jack to sleep-
-Mommy mommy!
-Yes Jack.
-Horses and Cowboys!
-Did you see Horses and Cowboys Jack?
-Yes! Horses come out gate.
-Did they open a gate for the horses Jack?
-Yes and then horses ran away.
-Really?
-Yes and bull ran too.
-Oh were the horses running after the bulls?
-Yes and guy had a rope...
-Did you have a good time Jack?
-YES!

Eric has a graduating senior who rides bulls every Tuesday at a locale ranch that has a little rodeo show. Since he is graduating his parents invited people to come see him ride for Senior night at the rodeo. Eric took the kids to see it. Jack sat transfixed and watched the whole show. At one point they could not get one of the bulls back in the holding pen. They tried several things, even sending out some other bulls who tried to poke and prod him back in – hmmm now bullying makes sense – but nothing worked. Eventually they were able to rope the bull and pull him back into the pen. During intermission they invited all the kids 10 years old and younger to come out into the rodeo area and chase a calf with a ribbon tied to its tail. The child who was able to get the ribbon from the calf won a prize. Jack was not interested in this but Olivia ran right out. As soon as the let the calf go, it ran straight toward Olivia who tried to put up a brave front but then just got out of the way. Some other kid got the ribbon. They then had all the kids do the chicken dance and Olivia came and got Jack. Olivia caught on to all the motions by the end but Jack just stood there. He clapped once and he turned around each time but only because Olivia grabbed him and made him.
After the intermission, they had some Cowgirls race their horses around barrels and then the night was over except for the pony ride. The mother of Eric’s graduation senior was Olivia’s preschool teacher. Olivia sat next to her all night long and they chatted away. As Eric was leaving with the kids, Mrs. Ross paid for a pony ride for Olivia as an early birthday present. Olivia was thrilled!! On the way home the kids fell asleep in the car but both woke up when they got home to tell me of their adventure.
Of course we have no pics but there were some other people who took pictures and said they would forward us copies. If we ever get any I will post them!

When the kids were in bed Eric said – That was fun and who knew I would ever go to a rodeo?