Cowboy up

The Calgary Stampede is a favorite place to go for me every year when we come home for Summer. It only happens once a year in Calgary, and only last 10 days. Calgary calls it "The greatest outdoor show on earth", and I agree! It is so fun. The Texas State Fair reminds me a lot of it, but there is something about the Stampede that brings me back to childhood and a happy place. 

The mini donuts, corn dogs, frozen bananas, and this year they added a bunch of fried things into the mix, which added to the Texas state Fair feeling. We didn't do the Rodeo this year or the Grandstand show, which are some of the best parts of the Stampede. Brian has never been with me either, so next year if we come home, I have to take him. 

We started off with mini Donuts and the "SUPERDOGS" dog show...

Then off to the kids stuff - Face painting, horseshoes, etc.... Courtney's face cracked me up while she was getting her face painted. haha she sat with her mouth wide open the whole time and sitting so still.

The Indian village is always a fun stop, and I was able to teach the kids a little bit about the culture and customs of the Indians. I did not, however, get bannock this year which is usually on my list.

We did not do the midway this year but they got to choose one ride to do. They chose the Sky Ride which goes all across from one side of the park to the other. Natalie had to ride it with some stranger, but she was a little girl too, so it was cute to watch them ride together and talk. I, on the other hand was terrified the whole time as Court was at the edge looking over the whole time. I was having a full on panic attack the entire time! 

We went in to go and see the livestock. The kids were not super thrilled by this. Courtney was actually really scared of the cows that were all being washed down and ready to show or go to the Rodeo. But think that it is so cool to walk through their and see the cowboys working on their animals getting them all ready. The BEST part was the Clydesdale's - who were massive. The biggest one we saw was 2000 lbs and just huge! We also learned how a cow is born, and as pictured below, we got to stick our hand and arm into a face cow to feel what a 8 month old baby cow fetus feels like. Weird, yes kind of... but i thought it was really cool! We saw this one cowgirl, who was sleeping with her momma cow and baby. It was really sweet to see them. 

Train ride there, and a train ride home and the kids were ready for bed! They were so tired but had so much fun. They walked away with an arm full of loot and junk! Love that Calgary Stampede!!