And they call the thing Rodeo...

Sorry...I couldn't help myself by using Garth Brooks for the title.  So cheesy, but once I typed it I just couldn't bring myself to delete it.  And so it stays.

We have been hitting the rodeo circuit on the regular the past couple of weeks with a new little star emerging.  We let Roanin sign up for the Mutton Bustin' (again...typing that seems so weird, but whatever - that is what the freaking thing is called).  For all you not familiar with the crazy sport of rodeo...this is the event for the littles in which they strap on the traditional gear and attempt to ride a full grown sheep for as long as they can across the arena.  I was a little hesitant, and still am for that matter, to let my little guy get involved due to the fact that I am not sure I want bronc busting and bull riding to be in his future, but he was so excited that I decided to go with the flow. 

So we hit the road and made it to the big shin-dig.  The boys were crazy about all the people, animals and energy of the rodeo scene.

The star getting his back number (as they call it in the biz) pinned on by the retired saddle-bronc rider himself. 

We did some warm up on the pony rides.

Rex thought he was THE MAN riding the horse all by himself.

Last minute pointers from Daddy.

And this, my friends, is sadly all you will see as far as pictures are concerned of the actual busting of the mutton.  As it turns out, I underestimated my ability in several ways.  It turns out I am not able to take pictures while simultaneously watching my first born ride a "wild" farm animal in a competition and screaming like I am bat-freaking crazy.  I have no idea what came over me...but I got pretty excited once he was released out with his sheep.  I quickly realized that we will possibly need to look into some type of intervention or muzzle-situation before these boys take to really competing in sports because I yelled and cheered like the boy was in the Olympics.  In fact, in the second rodeo Roanin competed in he did really well, and was in first place until a girl (who in my opinion didn't ride as long or as well) fell off rather dramatically which caused a gasp in the crowd resulting in her taking first place.  And what does a normal, classy, housewife do in this situation.  What's that you say?  Scream "SYMPATHY VOTE!!"? Oh good, then I was spot on. 

We spent the rest of our time watching the actual rodeo, doing the penny hunt...

and riding a few rides.  (I will omit the picture of taken of me and Roanin on the roller coaster  due to the fact that it is possible that CPS needed to be called on me for even letting either of us on the janky thing.)

Such a fun night.  Such good memories.

We even had some local support from our sitter and great friend, Becca. 

Yeehaw Ya'll.

The Party in Pictures

happy birthday rex.

Dear Rexy Patrick,

I cannot even find the words to describe how shocked I am that you are three years old.  How did that even happen?  When did this happen?  Where is my baby?  The last three years have flown by, and yet I feel like I have known you my entire life.  You are amazing.

You are such a good boy.  I love how you love me and have no shame in being a total momma's boy.  I love how your favorite position is to be curled in my lap with apple juice and picking my nail.  I love how you beg me to "Hold you, me."  I adore how you copy your big brother and look to him to figure life out.  I  love the way you say "Daddy."  I am so grateful you have a soft heart for animals and tough little knees and elbows.  I am obsessed with your little yellow curls.  I love/hate that you are such a little daredevil and will try anything once.  You drive me insane with your preference for any food that has been processed, dyed or pumped full of sugar.  You melt my heart when your eyes light up when you see me. 

You complete our family in such a perfect little way. 

You are your brother's biggest fan.  You give him confidence and have pushed him into a fiercely protective role that I adore.  You love him so innocently and forgive him with the blink of an eye.  You have made him stronger and quicker.  You have made him softer and have forced him to slow down.  You are his best friend, and he is yours. 

You are your daddy's favorite little snuggle bug.  He loves having a partner to sit back and make fun of the intensity of your brother and mommy with.  Your exciting stories about our days when he gets home from work simply fill him with joy.  He has such a strong and special love for you, and can't wait to spend the rest of his life showing you how much.  He doesn't mind taking a backseat in your priority list, because even being counted is beyond a blessing.

And to me...Rexy, you are so much.  You are all the dreams I had of you while you were in my belly times a million.  You are a wild, blonde, chunky, rough little ball of stubbornness.  You have made me more patient and want to truly be a better person.  Your carefree attitude about life inspires me.  Your authentic smile and intense hugs turn me to mush.  I can hear your laugh and the world is right.  You are a dream come true and I feel beyond honored to have a front seat in your life.  Thank you for letting me be your Mommy.  It is the best job in the universe.

Happy third birthday, little bug.  I love you.

Mom