Baby's first rodeo

So Texas. Most of us don't wear cowboy boots or hats on the regular. We don't ride horses around. There aren't tumbleweeds rolling around everywhere (just some places).

But we do eat a lot of barbecue, say y'all, watch a lot of football, and go to the rodeo. It's a whole experience! I haven't been in years but thought Em would enjoy it, so we went on Saturday and she was. in. heaven.

First off, let's talk about this outfit. I can't decide if it's more ridiculous or more adorable. I found the tutorial for this skirt from V and Co. and was pleasantly surprised how quick and easy it was to throw together. It's a bandanna cut in half, sides sewn together like a tube, and an elastic sewn into the top. Add a little contrast fabric to the bottom and viola! Western skirt. Took maybe two hours, and that's because I'm still a beginner sewer.

But then silly mama didn't take the time to figure out the rest of the outfit. I worked with what I had. The boots are a little too "winter" and not enough "western" and I think the tank just screams "white trash" but hey, it's the rodeo. It works. Oh, and the pigtails just killed me.

We headed straight to the horses. We know from some of the fall festivals we went to a few months ago that she LOVES horse rides. The last one she went on, she cried when it was time to go.

It was 5 tokens to ride. Hans went off to find tokens and this one could barely contain herself waiting. Fortunately, the nice lady working the ride saw Em like this and just pulled her over the fence and plunked her on a horse.

Look at the smile. She couldn't be happier.

And since daddy came back with tokens, we got to ride it a second time! She was smiling and giggling the whole time

There was also a great petting zoo that Em loved. I tried to go in with her but for some reason three different goats tried to eat my dress. What?!

These goats were aggressive!

I don't know what that thing is, but I think it wanted to follow Hans home.

We also hit up the livestock show to see the prize winning animals. We missed the mutton bustin' (bummer!) but I was surprised how much Em enjoyed just looking at the animals. 

Side note: This kid has turned into a climber. She scales everything. Gives me a freaking heart attack.

She wanted so badly to steal Uncle David's cowboy hat. It was a little big for her, but she kept trying.

Daddy and Em tried to win a minion at the carnival, but no luck.

We had a great time and we will be back next year!