Rodeo Week (Part 1)

Rodeo Week is the Big Week of the year here in Sheridan. All of a sudden the town is full to brimming with people and animals. We have a carnival as well as 4 nights of rodeo fun. Of course, since we live right around the corner from the fairgrounds, we are also aware of the extra 2 or 3 days when stock is arriving, the carnival is being set up and qualification rounds are beginning. Eleanor was really super into it all this year. We walked over to the "ro-ro" numerous times during the week to check out the bucking horses, steer, calves and of course, to climb into the stands and watch the qualifications. Immediately, Ella fell in love with the calf and steer roping... She would tip her head to the side with one hand under her cheek and say, "See cows do dis! Get tied up!" By the time the "ro-ro" was over she no longer used the tipping of her head to discribe it, but just said, "See cows roped and get tied up, please!"

Thanks to Joel and Amanda, we had tickets to the rodeo 2 nights this year. The first night, Ella went with us and LOVED it! We stayed out with her until almost 10 and she was super content to watch everything. She of course loved the roping events, but she also got into the bucking events a bit and really liked the rodeo clown!

Lucky for us, some of our good friends were sitting in the seats just below us one row and to the right. Eleanor spotted them early and spent quite a lot of time hanging out with them (especially when they had popcorn!) and watching as well. It was nice to be able to let her roam a little bit and great that it kept her from running amuck.

Opening ceremonies: watching Joel's flag race around the arena.

Amanda and Ella

Rodeo Queen with the American Flag

Look, we match, Daddy!

Ella and Adeline, watching intently.

Unfortunately, our camera quickly ran out of batteries, but we do have a few friends with good pictures. We'll get them uploaded soon and keep telling you about our busy week.