Yeee-Ha, Time to Rodeo

We ended our 4th of July celebrating with an evening enjoying 

the Rodeo of the Ozarks.

Hunter was super excited about his 1st trip.  

(enough so, that he napped very easily that afternoon when I told him that he couldn't attend unless he went to sleep)

The Hicks' joined us for the night of fun too.

I always say that 'Hunter is ALL BOY,' and watching the Bulldogging event proved that to be true once more.    

After the first calf was "wrestled to the ground in a headlock," as his Daddy had described it to him, Hunter was beaming & clapping and SO excited.  HAHA

Payton & Parker on the other hand weren't as thrilled. 

Payton kept saying, "Oh NO," and Parker kept covering her eyes & ears.

We had a great time watching every event -- but my ever growing prego belly became quite uncomfortable in those bleachers after a while, besides the swelling of my hands & feet from the HOT & steamy temps we've been enduring. 

So we took a short break to walk around and see the animals . . . 

and for a little concession stand ice cream and lemonade  ;)

One of our little man's favorite events of the night was this side show where a cowboy wrangled 2 buffalo on top of a trailer.

Though it wasn't the show Hunter was so impressed by . . . 

No . . .  it was the awesome truck & trailer in the middle of the arena

LOL -- this obsession of his is so adorable to me

After the rodeo, Kix Brooks ( from Brooks & Dunn ) put on a concert.  We stayed around for a couple of songs but even with an afternoon nap, the late night hour & excitement of the evening was putting my Hunter-man to sleep.

As we quietly drove home, Hunter made us both laugh when he blurted out from the backseat, "I wiked dat pwace - a whole bunch - come back anudder day too."  Haha  So I guess we'll be coming back to the rodeo next summer.  :)  

Maybe we can convince him to even ride a sheep then?  

Bless the LORD, O my soul, 

And all that is within me, bless His holy name. 

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with loving kindness and compassion; 

Who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle.

Psalm 103:1-5