Day 8 and all is great!

Waking up in Raton, NM was part of the plan. Waking up in Raton, NM at 5:30am after getting in bed around 11:30pm the night before was not part of the plan. But since someone forget to set their watch back an hour when we crossed into NM, that's what happened. I'm not pointing fingers, but I (Brad) haven't worn a watch this entire trip. So, someone gets up thinking it's 6:30am and takes a shower. What can I say, it meant we were ahead of the game. We were in the car a little after 7am, rolling to our western-most destination, Westcliffe, CO.

Since we had enough time, we swung by the cabin, the Shortage, to pick up Abby, Megan's sister, to go to church. We worshiped at Community UMC in Westcliffe, CO, where we heard a good message and sang some favorite old hymns. The kids seemed to have a good time. They were loud and agravating, which reminded both of us how blessed we are to have people at both St. Andrews Parish and Cokesbury UMC to care for our children while we lead in worship. Probably a few of the people at worship in Westcliffe thougth quietly to themselves, 'those parents should take those kids to church more often so they will learn how to act right.' Oh well.

After worship we headed back to the cabin to get ready for...wait for it...the Westcliffe Annual Rodeo.

A real rodeo folks. The 68th Annual. And part of the CRA, Colorado Rodeo Association for you beginners. So seriously, we have seen the rodeo advertised both times I've been here and for many of the times Megan has but we've always missed it. Well, the stars aligned and we were ready for it.

So we dressed the kids up, threw our own new boots on and headed into town.

First up was the 4H Livestock Auction. Big dollars here folks. Great community involvement and my first timer hearing a real auctioneer. He did not disappoint.

(Megan, Abby, and kids are to the right of the bright orange shirt.)

Then it was time for some rodeo.

There was even some competition for the youngsters, in which our eldest participated. The Little Bronc race where he rode a stick horse and the Calf Scramble where the chased a calf around the arena trying to pull a ribbon off its tail. Our little rookie was no match for some season veteran little cowboys and cowgirls, but he got out there and tried.

(Red shorts)

Then it was time for the main event, the Bull Riding. It was as amazing as I had hoped. Only one out of 10 made it eight seconds and we did see one guy get pummeled pretty bad along with a couple of the 'bull-fighters'. Everyone did get up and walk away. 

(Sangres make for a beautiful back drop)

Overall, it was quite a day, one we won't soon forget.