The Denver Stock Show

On a whim we decided to head to the Stock Show since it was a free day for all. That probably saves our family about $100 so, we'll take what we can get. The weather couldn't be more perfect for a stroll outside.

In the education hall we got to see some 4-H bunnies that looked like they might need to go on Mrs. Obama's get fit plan or perhaps they were just really healthy.

Ponies had a chance to refuel before giving out more rides to all the children.

These chickens made me yearn even more for a few acres so, we can raise chickens and have a massive garden.

David met a new friend in the petting zoo area.

This adorable llama kept trampling over children that were in his way. It was great entertainment to watch him.

We also checked out some prize winning cattle. Don't mess with these guys.

These are Highland cattle. I guess they enjoy having a long furry mane. 

These bulls were totally being judged. It was like a beauty pageant except that the criticisms were made public and the bulls were ok with it.

I bet you've never seen a bull as shiny as this one, have you?

Of course you can't visit the fair or stock show without eating funnel cakes, even if it is with a fork. ;)

We were so tempted by these mouth-watering ribs but, we didn't give in to the amazing aroma that filled the air. Instead, I came home and smoked some ribs the next day. 

Checking Out the Stock

It has become a yearly tradition for me and my Lutheran Stud to attend the National Western Stock Show that is held in Denver annually. There was some cattle judging going on when we arrived. 

This cow here, I believe, is an Angus. Unlike Adriane's milk cows all the fat lives around the mid-section of these guys.

Did mention that this extra large Angus almost ran me over, but my Lutheran Stud had lightning quick reflexes and pulled me out of the way just in time.

We grabbed a funnel cake and some BBQ under the I-70 bridge and then it was time to head in to check out some bulls and cowboys.

Pyrotechnics makes everything more dramatic and suspenseful when introducing cowboys.

There were a lot of cowboys and chaps in the house that night.

The bulls seemed more feisty this year than they have been in previous years.

The rodeo clown, Flint Rasmussen, is a huge reason we attend the bull riding event. There is often dead time in between rides, so to keep the crowd from falling asleep Flint keeps us enteretained. This guy is hilarious.

Do you think he's dancing or doing push ups?

He has teenage daughters, so he knows his Justin Bieber dance moves as well as the names of the entire One Direction band. He can sing any of their songs while dancing too.

Rodeo clowns are supposed to re-direct the bulls away from the bull riders, but Flint isn't that kind of rodeo clown. He's more of an observer.

See what I mean? He's the guy in the camo shirt. ;) There weren't many 8 second rides that evening. The bulls were winning this competition that night.

This guy was the last ride of the evening. He made it to 8 seconds and he's been riding bulls in competition for 3 decades. Crazy, huh? It was a great way to celebrate my birthday and I'm sure we'll keep this tradition going for many years to come.

The Rodeo

Thursday night found us with last minute tickets to the rodeo at the Stock Show.

When I told the children that we were all going to the rodeo you would have thought that I said we were going to Disneyland or something. They went crazy. They were so excited even though they had never been to a rodeo before.

Team calf roping had everyone on the edge of their seats.

Saddle bronc riding was equally exciting.

Anna kept saying, "Look at the horses driving, Mom. See mom?" Over and over again.

The children found the rodeo clown to be amusing while Jared and I thought he was less than mediocre. He's definitely no Flint Rasmussen.

The Westernaires had the children oohing and ahhing. I'm sure if we had sat higher in the stands they could see all the cool designs that were made. At any rate it was still pretty neat.

My Lutheran Stud was taking it all in while my 10-year-old took video.

Besides team calf roping there was also single man calf roping. 

I can't even begin to imagine how to ride a horse while trying to rope a calf at the same time. It has me in awe every time.

It's crazy to see it all happen in just seconds.

See that horse? It didn't budge one bit while that cowboy was tying up that calf.

Then the judges come and check things out for scoring.

These clowns were the real deal.

They were bull fighters.

They were doing all they could get the attention of those bulls.

We also got to see some barrel racing.

Those horses were super fast. We could feel a gush of wind as they rode by us. It was crazy!

This guy tried to entertain us, or maybe he wasn't really trying. There wasn't much of effort made. I would have given anything to see a bull attack that barrel. Just kidding. . . maybe.

Bull riding came at the end.

Once those 8 seconds are up the rodeo clowns are in there right away to help get the cowboy off the bull safely.

It was a pretty awesome show. The children had a blast. 

David's not one for the paparazzi, but he enjoys those bulls and horses.

Since I didn't get my funnel cake during the PBR competition I was hoping the stand would still be open after the rodeo. It was just our luck that night since everything else was shut down.

We all got enjoy funnel cake. I think it was the first time most of our children had ever had a funnel cake.

We enjoyed a fabulous night on the town. It was one of those nights that I was thankful that we homeschool because we all slept in the next day.

Since Camera Jan takes too many photos I thought a little collage would be fun!