And this is a HUGE deal for us Houstonians. This city will be all about this rodeo for the next 3 weeks. And it is fun! It is huge! The entertainers are usually fabulous, though this year less fabulous because my guy, Keith Urban who I LOVE, will not be here. I always get chute seats and am right on the ground and have had his sweat fly in my face as he raced by me during one show!
Anyway, "shaking head to clear mind" this blog is about the other male in my life!
Tate.
Ok. So, rodeo time! This past Friday was Go Texan Day! It's the day before the big Rodeo Parade through downtown which is proceeded by the Rodeo Run. The Thursday before starts the Chili Cook-Off which runs through Saturday night at Reliant Park/Stadium/Arena. Chili Cook-Off sounds great doesn't it? Well you have to know someone to get in, and when you do it's an absolute blast! Great music, fantastic food, fabulous alcohol and tons of it and a down home root-tootin' good time! I haven't been in a couple of years, and I miss it.
Go Texan Day calls for all us Houstonians to put on our boots, hats and all that western wear and just go all out! Every school 'celebrates with Go Texan Day. All around the city you'll see people in cowboy boots, spurs, western skirts, fringe, huge ass hats and dungarees! Of course Tate's school had a Go Texan theme and along with it a Go Texan Day Picnic. After Tate's swim lesson, where he floated on his back with NO assistance from Ms. V for at least 10 seconds....I was in shock, so proud and so excited; I almost couldn't believe my eyes!, we went over to the school for the picnic. Hot dogs were passed around, chips, desserts and good ole Southern Sweet Tea. Of course Tate ate some of the poppers chips I bought, one of his plain Greek yogurts and a piece of vegan cake I picked up for him at Whole Foods and nothing else.
I left Tate there for his nap, and he was actually smiling and giggling as he scampered off to be with his teacher. I headed out for a much needed massage and eyebrow waxing appointment. Bliss followed by a small ouch! I then ran back to pick Tate up from daycare as soon as naptime/snack was over, so we could go watch the trail riders come in for the rodeo. They make their last camp only about 1 mile from our house. These riders have come from all over Texas making their way to the 21 day rodeo here in Houston. Men, women and children from all over come to compete in our rodeo. They have usually been riding several days. Needless to say traffic in Houston is at a standstill as they make their way in. We only saw the last three teams come in. But I was very excited that 2 of the teams we saw were predominantly black teams!! The Southwest Trail Riders followed by the Prairie View A&M riders. What a glorious team of riders for my sweet boy to see!! So often it seems like we African American Houstonians don't really get to participate in this rodeo, and certainly our numbers are small, but I was proud to see these two teams of riders gallop into camp. The last team is the biggest team...1300 riders...the Salt Grass Trail Riders. An old friend of mine rides in this group and lo and behold we saw her and got her attention!
Tate had a fantastic time, waving and watching the rodeo clowns. His favorite part by far though was the horses; he talked about them the rest of the night. Well, when he wasn't talking about his trains :)
Salt Grass Trail Riders.....
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| There's my friend, S, on the far right with her right hand on her hat! |
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| Rodeo Clown! |
My little cowpoke!
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| First time on a covered wagon! |
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| Henry and Edward enjoy the festivities |
Southwest Trail Riders...
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| So excited about the horses! |
So, even if Keith Urban couldn't make it this year I'm know I'll have a fabulous time with this young man!!!
2 comments:
I've always wanted to visit Texas & now I know I'll have to do it during Rodeo Time! Looks like great fun!!
What fun! Tate looks like a true Texan. Glad he didn't leave Henry and Edward at home--they would have missed all the fun!
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