Oh, how fast can I go? Gotta catch that little, red Rodeo.

We spent the 4th of July not chasing a little, red rodeo but watching "the world's oldest rodeo" in Prescott (pronounced "press-cut" and if you can say it without two syllables you've got it) AZ. We have never been to a rodeo, and while Chris and Jessica had a reference for the events the kids were very much in wonder. It took a while to get inside because Haddie was so excited about the horses that she couldn't stop "raspberrying" (thinking a horse sound--it's what she says for horse) and didn't want to leave the fence. All the Shullenbargers

appreciated the Dr Pepper sponsorship evidenced by huge inflatable can. The rodeo is most definitely the man's arena. We saw "cowgirls" at the beginning as they named their new court on the last day of the rodeo and they presented sponsors flags inbetween events. It was men though that did the roping and tying and riding and clowning with the exception of one partner crew of husband and wife in a roping event. The only event the ladies participated in and no men participated in was barrel racing. You can't deny the patriotism of this crowd. Sincere applause was given for each branch of the military as it was announced and those who served asked to stand. I don't know who was paid to sing the national athem but they invited everyone to sing with the girl and it was amazing! The kids liked the "halftime" show of the monkey cowboy that herded sheep on a border collie. Yes, Elijah slept through some of it.