Go Texan Day!!!

So every February in Houston the trail rides make their way into the heart of the city (downtown) for the Rodeo Parade signaling the beginning of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. 

As a kid we always participated in the trail rides, thanks Uncle J for having a wagon pulled by mules for us to ride along in!  And some of my most fun memories are riding through downtown in the parade in the back of that wagon and hearing Uncle J yelling, Gee Kit, Haw Kate.  If you don't know, don't worry about it.  My other favorite memory was when my cousin Kelli fell out the back of the wagon on a particularly abrupt start and fell smack into a pile of horse manure.  Good Times....

So, today is Go Texan Day, the annual arrival of the trail riders to the city and the kickoff to the HLSR which starts this week.  As such, all school kids in Houston dress like little cowboys and cowgirls and dance square dances for the amusement of their parents.  Mine were no different and here are the pictures to prove it!

Josh and his classmate Yusif sneaking in the back.

 

Josh and his square-dancing partner Caroline. (You will notice Josh doesn't have boots on because, 1) they are uncomfortable and 2) they cost a lot and you really only wear them once or twice!)

Josh, Yusif, Ava, Allen and Carter gettting ready to start.

Josh and Caroline square dancing.

 

Jake in his western wear.

 

Jake's square, Melissa, Ayla, Jake, Josh, Cole, Joel, and Makenzie.

 

Jake and his partner Ayla.

Jake do-si-doing his corner.

Cowgirl Jill came to watch and cheer!  Those are real Wrangler jeans and a pearl snap shirt!  And she loves her hat and boots.  Really.

And we got to see Auntie Courtney!  Jill was tired and hungry and wasn't having any more of the picture taking today!