A Wild Ride

Saturday afternoon, Pops told the Treekids that we would be going to a rodeo later in the day. Branch was super excited and asked if she would get to finally try mutton bustin'. I had called the rodeo organizers a few days earlier and got her on a waiting list for riding a sheep!! So, she asked a few questions about how to stay on, and Pops volunteered himself for mutton bustin' practice!! What a GREAT dad!

They got all squared up, and away they went with the fun. I could barely contain myself.

It was one of the funniest sights. YOU imagine your own husband romping around in the front yard on his hands and knees trying to brush off your kids!

She'd fall off...

But, she kept getting back on!

She hung onto her rope like her life depended on it!

Bud decided that he would like a go. But, he wanted to ride a bull. Nice horns, Pops!

This bull spun (I wish this photo had some bull snot or spit flinging - that would make for a perfect spinning shot. Somehow, Pops the Bull was able to contain himself.)

and kicked and bucked

until that skilled bull rider fell off.

All the fun and games were leading up to this moment at the rodeo. Branch was ready and she knew that she could stay on a sheep for a long long time.

Her sheep took off running and Branch and "#7" left a bunch of other kids spitting dirt out of their mouths behind them. She held on tight and went around the arena for more than an 8 second ride. At the end there was a sheep incident, where another couple sheep were a bit too close for comfort and they were kicking dirt up into her face. She had a nice soft landing...

in the dirt. Branch got up and brushed herself off like a champ and walked over to Pops who gave her a pat on the back and told her what a great job she did! She was the last girl still riding! Only 2 little boys rode a bit longer than her.

She walked over to the announcer with some other kids for her bag of peanuts.

AND a trophy! She is ready for this summer when the mutton bustin' is one kid at a time, instead of the mass chaos of all kids and sheep riding all at once! She is sure she'll stay on long enough to win a buckle this summer. 

I am sure that a daytime, outdoor, summer rodeo will offer better lighting for my picture taking!! We'll keep ya posted about her rodeo circuit!