Post Rodeo Review

Happy Monday Friends!

Thank goodness the anticipation is the best part of any affair. Have I mentioned that Mason has wanted to ride bulls since before he turned two years old? Of course, this is one of those things we assumed would pass and when it seemed it wasn't passing, we told him he had to ride a sheep before he could ride a bull. The riding of the sheep is an event at many local rodeos for little kids called Mutton Bustin'. The little cowboys and cowgirls dress in their best western wear and compete for a "Best Dressed" award before they get in the chute to ride those sheep. Every Rodeo we've been to in the last two years had Mason in the stands crying in a fit that he couldn't ride the sheep because he wasn't four years old yet.

This weekend was the Auburn Wild West Stampede and Mason, being four years old, is qualified and registered to participate in the Mutton Bustin' contest. Over the last few months we've been practicing on his stuffed bull, watching rodeo on television, and we even watched clips on YouTube. Instead of his Wranglers and boots, Mason opted to wear a rodeo clown outfit. Saturday morning, our cheering crew arrived from Orangevale, Alameda, Clements, Clayton, Martinez, and Auburn. Signs in hand, we were off for this momentous occasion two-years in the making. Mason was gung-ho all the way up until the moment he was in the chute with that adorable little sheep. Only thing was, Mason didn't think this was such a good idea after all. With Dave in Mississippi on the cell phone, our clown with the smile painted on, wasn't smiling a bit! So, in the end, Mason didn't ride the sheep, but he did win the "crowd applause" to take the award for best dressed. Ultimately, I couldn't live with myself if I'd pushed Mason or belittled him for not riding a sheep. When he told me he was sure he didn't want to ride, I told him I thought he looked great as a clown, and I loved him with all my heart. He gave me a hug and then learned he won a prize (a pair of Justin boots and a pair of Wrangler jeans). Talk about Partak luck!

We watched some rodeo before heading home for our own rodeo barbecue in the backyard. It was a wonderful evening and wrapped up around the fire with wonderful drinks, s'mores, and great friends visiting and laughing. If it takes a sweet little boy wanting to ride a sheep to bring us all together for a weekend as wonderful as this one was, than I'll take it!

Today, I have the "Cowboy Code" by Gene Autry along with some pictures if you scroll down. Enjoy and have a great week!

* The cowboy must never shoot first, hit a smaller man or take unfair advantage.
* He must never go back on his word or a trust confided in him.
* He must always tell the truth.
* He must be gentle with children, the elderly and animals.
* He must not advocate or possess racially or religiously intolerant ideas.
* He must help people in distress.
* He must be a good worker.
* He must keep himself clean in thought, speech, action and personal habits.
* He must respect women, parents and his nation's laws.
* The cowboy is a patriot.