fair enough. .

All the time and hard work finally paid off at the fair. For most of the summer, the kids have been feeding and caring for their animals, walking them, and working with them to stand just right. . and last week at the fair, with hundreds of other kids from across the county, they got to show off what their hard work had produced.


R & R both showed sheep, and they did very well. Rusty was fourth in his class, and Riley was eighth. . both received blue ribbons. Out of 300+ sheep, that's not too bad! They both signed up for the showmanship class and Riley got fifth in their age group, too.

Over the last three years of them showing sheep, they have learned so much. They have not only learned how to feed, exercise, and care for a sheep, but they've learned responsibility, record keeping, paying bills and many other skills that will surely help them become able to take care of themselves as they grow. This year, we had a group of our own, so they got to make their own sign to display their sheep at the fair. And guess who their trusty leader is??!!

B & M both showed bucket calves this year. Bryant got fourth place in his class, and Macy got first. They aren't old enough to show the larger animals just yet. But caring for and showing these calves is no doubt getting them ready for when they can. For a couple of months they've walked and combed the calves almost every day. Macy named her calf "Boog", and Bryant named his "Paycheck". They both did very well and were pleased with how they did, but they were also very exhausted at the end of the show.


They have had to learn commitment & responsibility with these projects . . besides caring for their calves, they've both balanced other activites too. Bryant has had football every night, and M has had dance practices. She has been practicing and preparing to dance in the fair parade. She loves to dance, and the parade was no exception. . but when I met her at the end of the parade route, the first thing she said was, "Mom, I need a drink bad!" I don't blame her. . if I had walked that far (let alone danced), I'd have needed a drink, too.


B got to do the Mutton Bustin' at the rodeo on Friday night. It was "Tough Enough to Wear Pink" night, so we dyed one of his white church shirts pink just for him to ride. He looked so darn handsome. He got a bit nervous when he got out in front of that big crowd, and he forgot to hang on and wrap his legs around the lamb. But he still managed to ride a little ways and score a 77.

He must have had a lot of fun. As they were walking back to their seats, B was pumped with adrenalin. Shane said he was bouncing and jumping around, talking 100 mph. Shane asked him if he had fun and he said, "Ya! I guess I just get nervous when I'm doing things that are fun!" He's so cute. . always saying the darndest things. What a kid!



We had a great time seeing people that we don't see very often, sitting around watching people, hanging out with people that make us smile. . the fair is both fun and exhausting.

It was a fun, fast-paced week, and we're certainly happy to get rid of the animals that we were being responsible for. I know the kids get a little attached, but they always manage to move on and find the next exciting adventure in their lives! *SCHOOL*