Pee Wee Stampede

Is there anything cuter than little boys dressed as cowboys?   I don’t think so.  Oh, it could be a tie with little boys dressed as super heroes.

Today, I’m focusing on the preciousness of little cowboys, though.

We took a spontaneous field trip a couple of weeks ago after hubby found out entrance to the NM State Fair was free that day only.  I was really excited and had high hopes for the kiddos’ first real state fair (as opposed to the county fair that was two blocks big), but one part of the fair exceeded my expectations and left our entire family grinning.

Thankfully, my new friend, Jasmine (I wonder if that’s going to become her official name, like My Cousin Martha?), joined us or I would have been pretty overwhelmed.

Thankfully, Jasmine too has a no rides policy, so our kiddos were all in the same bummed out boat.

Thankfully, Jasmine directed us to the very best event of the day.

Seriously.

It was called The Pee Wee Stampede.

All children under from age three to six are allowed to participate, first come/first served, for each scheduled “rodeo” (there are a few each day).  The children line up against the rodeo fence and their rodeo numbers, all official, from the announcer and rodeo hands.

Each kid is given a cowboy hat and horse too.

My heart was melting before Paul Louis even took to the arena.  Seriously.

The adorable crew of cowboys and cowgirls trotted around the arena during the national anthem for the rodeo parade and then divided into events.    I was kicking myself for not bringing my real camera, instead of just my phone.   The grandstands were filled with giggles and grins as each child participated: barrel racing, bronc bucking, calf roping.

When Paul Louis competed in the bull riding event, I thought I might actually become a puddle of melted momminess.

It wasn’t just me, either.  I kept looking back at his brother and sisster and all they could repeat over and over was, “Oh, my, goodness.  This is the cutest thing ever!”

Yes, yes, it was.

Turns out, it was worth driving to, trudging around, and getting a bit dehydrated at the State Fair just to watch Paul Louis compete in the Pee Wee Stampede.

It didn’t hurt that he was co-winner of the bull riding.

Seriously.

You would have thought it was the PBR World Finals or something, considering his cheering section and beaming fans.

I was so impressed with the staff and their encouraging attitude, professional behavior, and kindness to all the children, all the while focusing on following directions and having fun.

As I watched our four year old gallop around the dust, I sighed in a bittersweet motherhood moment.  I know I need to work on embracing the truth of my children growing up, but it just goes so stinkin’ fast.

I absolutely loved the event, not just for the smashing cuteness before my eyes, but for the fondness and appreciation his siblings basked in before my heart.  I just am so grateful for my children.  I am grateful that an almost fourteen year old brother basked in that moment just as much as I did.  I am grateful that four sisters were swelling with pride just as much as I did.  I am grateful that we are a family.

It was certainly a memorable event for this mama, nay, for this whole family.

Have you ever attended a Pee Wee Stampede (or something similar)?