Stockshow Time!

Colorado has so many memories for me.  Why wouldn't it?  I grew up here.  One of those memories is the National Western Stockshow that comes to Denver every January.  I LOVED going to this event as a little girl.  With the Rodeo, horse shows, games, food, vendors and just a whole bunch of fun I simply couldn't wait until it was stockshow time.  Of course, our family went all out complete with western shirts, Wrangler jeans, cowboy boots with boot bracelets and matching cowboy hats.  We did it up right and I loved every minute of it.

This year is the first in well over 8 years that we have had the chance to go back to this magical place and this year I got to take Lily.  Memaw made Lily a spectacular dress for Christmas complete with a horsey on the front, matching cowboy boots and all the cuteness you could imagine!  We found an adorable little cowboy hat to match the ensemble and the look was complete.  She was such a hit that people would stop us all day wanting a picture with the little lady.

One of the first stops we made was a trip down the pony trails exhibit.  Lily got horsey stamps on her hand as well as a purple ribbon to carry around.  The next stop was the Rodeo Royalty booth.  Here were some lovely ladies in their curls, cowboy hat and crowns.  They just loved the little girl and couldn't wait to be in a picture with her.  They gave her a crown and made her an honorary Rodeo Royalty Member.  So precious.

There were all sorts of ponies to ride, the stationary kind......

                                     

                                      

and of course the real thing.....

                                      

                       

You can only guess which one she wanted to be on all day long.  

After pony rides Memaw took her through the petting zoo, and for a ride on the little train.  She made a great little friend on the train and had a blast choo chooing around the track.  

                       

                        

                                    

There is just so much to do and so much ground to cover.  We walked and walked and walked trying to catch a glimpse at everything.  Lily loved it and was like the energizer bunny.  Everything was fascinating to her.

                                    

                       

After some time spent with the cows, we watched some horse jumping and then decided it was time to head home.  All 4 of us had a blast catching back up with the National Western Stockshow.  Can't wait till next year!  I will have two little cowgirls to make some stockshow memories!