Houston Rodeo

We were excited for the Houston Rodeo this year.  Activities like this were what we missed while we were in Sarnia.  After 5 years in Houston the last time, we had lots of annual traditions that didn't carry over Canada.  We went to other carnivals while in Sarnia, but nothing compares to the Houston Rodeo.  

Our friend Hailey joined us for the fun.  We met Hailey our very first day in our new house and the girls hit if off immediately.  They've stuck together ever since and had lots of hangouts and sleepovers.  The rodeo was just one more day of fun for these two.

Houston Rodeo 2013

It's Rodeo time again!  Something that we've learned to love.  Brenna geared up in the her new cowgirl duds and we headed out with friends and perfect weather.

Houston Rodeo and Live Stock Show

Another year, another rodeo!  I've said this every year since we've moved to Texas.  If you've never been to the Houston Rodeo then you don't know how big Texas really is.  We kicked off the opening of the Rodeo with alittle lasso practice.  The Helmcamp kids drug out the saw horse calf and got down to business.  The big girls went first and did a great job.  Next Reid went to show Brenna how its done.  On Brenna's first attempt, she roped herself.  You can see the look on Reid's face as he stood by saying "What are you doin'?"  She eventually got the hang of it and roped her first calf.

The Houston Rodeo and Live Stock Show - Part 2

Well, we revisited the true Houston Rodeo and Live Stock Show on Friday, which was in full swing.  We were all cowboy'd-up with our vest and boots.  I pulled out her cowboy hat from last years rodeo, but I figured that would just end up being one more thing for me to carry.

We headed straight to the Exhibit Hall and didn't have to look long before the kids spotted the petting zoo.  This is always a favorite for Brenna and I think her and Elijah could have spent the entire day there.  The pot belly pigs were Brenna's favorite this year and she would chase the little guys around just to give them a pat.  There was lots of animals to see.  We even stopped by and watched some of the live stock show while they were showing the Bramer Bulls and then let the kids watch them groom the cows and goats for showing.

The Houston Rodeo and Live Stock Show - Part 1

Ok, so technically this post isn't about the Houston Rodeo, just yet.  It's about the World's Championship BBQ Cook-Off that kicks off the Houston Rodeo.  Along with the cook-off the carnival opens up the weekend ahead of the Rodeo.  So this weekend we decided to cash in on half-off carnival tickets (a special they run on opening weekend) and some beautiful weather and spend an afternoon at the carnival.  This makes everyone happy;  Brenna loves the rides and Mom and Dad love the food!  Let me just say, if you haven't eaten a fried snicker coated in powdered sugar and covered in chocolate, then you really haven't lived.

Our afternoon included the fun house, pizza, the fun house, turkey legs, the fun house, a corn dog, the fun house, a fried snicker.  I'm sure you can see what's happening here.  By the time we ran out of tickets, Brenna could find her way through the house of mirrors blindfolded.  We squeezed in some other rides too.  But what we didn't get was BBQ!  Can you believe it? Here's the things, this isn't like the fair where you wander from food stand to food stand picking your treat and paying as you go.  You have to purchase arm bands specific to the "Pavilion" that you want to go to, before you can even step foot into the tent.  Now these "Pavilions" are actually mini-Honky Tonks complete with sound systems, dance floors, strobe lights, and bar.  Apparently these cowboys know how to have a good time!  Only one pavilion was open to the public, but since we couldn't see a BBQ plate in sight and all its patrons were beer laden, we decided to stick to the mid-way.

Houston Rodeo - March 12, 2010

This year we decided to go to the Houston Live Stock Show and Rodeo. For those of you who aren't familiar, it's the largest rodeo in the United States and carries on for 3 weeks. Since we're not really a Cowboy-Up type of family, we decided to pass on the actually rodeo and visit the carnival and live stock shows instead. We left the house at 2:30 PM that afternoon and didn't get home until after 9 PM that night. We were exhausted, we walked the entire time, and still only saw about 1/3 of what was there. The carnival alone is so big that they have a sky-lift that can take you from one side to the other. Brenna had a great time! Of course I had my concerns, but Brenna is fearless, so she rode the kiddie rides all by herself.  Jacob and I joined in on a few. She enjoyed the top view of the ferris wheel with her daddy and I had my fair share of slides down the giant fun slide. Brenna actually slide by herself, but I had to accompany her to the top because I was nervous about her on the stairs. We walked so much, I didn't even feel guilty over the chocolate and caramel covered deep fried snicker I had while we were there. Yummy! Here are a few pictures from the day!