Houston Rodeo

Everything is bigger in Texas. It wasn't long after learning that Houston hosts the largest volunteer-run rodeo in the world that Tom decided he needed to be a part of it. A tip from a co-worker pointed him in the direction of the transportation committee where, on good days he drives a tram, and on bad days like today (44 and raining), he's outside directing traffic. We've since learned to avoid volunteering in the "Hog Committee" which requires the sales of hogs. Uh, yeah, I can remember that. Here's a pic of Tom, ready for his last volunteer day at the rodeo this year. Oh yeah, and Bella too :)



A big bonus to volunteering in the rodeo means a gold badge that gets you specialized parking and free admission to the BBQ cookoff, and all the events at the rodeo including the concerts every night. We saw Toby Keith earlier in the week and at the last minute decided to pass on Brad Paisley last night. A little sorry about that decision after reading the review in the paper this morning! Another plus to the Houston Rodeo? It's indoors and fully air-conditioned! Not that important on days like today, but certainly gives it a different feel than the other rodeos I've attended in Arizona and Nevada!

We had the pleasure of seeing the calf scramble the other night and Houston's first ever mutton bustin' event. The calf scramble involves 28 teens and 14 calves. Catching a calf means you get a calf to raise and bring back to compete at the rodeo the following year. This was entertaining enough....until the mutton bustin' began! Imagine 5-yr-olds clinging to dear life on very wooly, scared sheep. It's like the pre-school version of bull riding! We'll definitely be back for more!