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On Friday night we headed out to the Mesquite Championship Rodeo with our friends the Crane’s, Emily, Bret and their 4 cute kiddos.  Earlier in the day I was prepping the kids for the “Calf Scramble” – a rodeo event open to children, where they chase a calf to win prizes.  My brother is a former calf scramble winner, and I felt the need to instill in my children a sense of competitive edge. (Big surprise, right?).  But Derek remembered that there was another event open to kids…the “mutton bustin’” competition.  I did not recall anything about it, so we called to get the scoop.  Any child, over the age of 4, but under 55 pounds was eligible to sign up before the rodeo.  They would draw 8 names, and those eight would get to ride a mutton (big ol’ sheep).  We were just determined to get Caleb picked!  And so we practiced.  I was the mutton.

Upon arrival, we signed the kids up and waited.  But I was a little worried after seeing how many kids were being entered.  Caleb had his heart set on riding that mutton!  When we went to see the names of who was chosen, we were THRILLED to see Caleb’s name and McKenna’s name (the Crane’s second oldest).  What are the odds?!

So right after the National Anthem we headed to the “bull pen” where the kids were prepped.  We signed waivers (didn’t even flinch, although maybe we should have?!).  The kids were fitted for helmets and chest gear.  They went through 7 helmets before finding one that fit my poor Caleb. And then it was time.  The parents were escorted out onto the field to watch.  The dads were in the stands with the other kids. 

Caleb was lifted up and over the fence into the stall.

And then the gate opened, and….and…and he was falling off before I could even snap the picture!  Apparently I don’t simulate a very good mutton, because our practicing did NOT help!

But just look at that face!  He may not be the most talented mutton rider, but he sure is the cutest!

McKenna rode next, and I was too busy watching to get a picture!  It all happened so fast.  But she held on for a long time…until the sheep just stopped and decided to roll over onto her!  Quite a sight!  She was a little shaken, but you’d never know it…she was very calm and collected about the whole thing. 

We were so proud of these guys and so thrilled that they got to do it.  And they got trophies and bandanas and belt buckles to show for it!

After some bull ridin’ and some barrel racin’, it was time for the Calf Scramble.  And while all the kids participated (all except Samuel and 3-mo-old Gavin), it was Jacob that really had his eye on the prize. 

Alas, it was an older boy who won the prize, but Jacob excitedly told us that he touched the calf, at least! And this little guy loved all the animals too…

It was a FUN night.