Rodeo!

One of the few benefits of a bottle calf in the yard (other than the many random spots of fertilized grass and the unique conversation starter) is the fact that a rodeo for the kids is just Daddy's arms away! 

Step by step instructions on how to coordinate a home-rodeo:



First, make believe with the calf that you're his friends by throwing him ears of corn found on the hayrack.




Then, further the friendship by lovingly petting him.



Next (and only after acquiring a close connection and sense of trust with the calf), call in the big guns to get him on the ground.



Next, call in the other big gun to teach him who's boss. 
By the way, as neighbor Miles pointed out, Josh wouldn't have gotten all his rodeo points because, if you'll notice, he only roped two legs... its supposed to be three.




After teaching the calf the proper chain of command, surround him carefully without letting on what's to come next...



...riding time!  Hang on Caleb!
Mind you, Mr. Ford was not too fond of all the attention he was getting by now and was traveling at a pretty good clip... at least as fast as he could while being surrounded by the audience and having a rider on his back.



Sharp change in direction and still going!




Not-so-graceful dismount.  Still, I give Cowboy Caleb a "10"!

  


Up next, Sarah Rose!  And Mr. Ford is still bucking up a storm.





Go, Sarah, Go!





If the look on Sarah Rose's face in this picture doesn't convince you that being two years old playing with Daddy is the best thing in the whole wide world, nothing will!  This is one of my favorite pictures of Sarah of all time!  I love how the pigtails are just a-flyin' and the look of semi-panic on Josh's face! 




But all things must come to an end and despite the pleas from the kids for more rides, both Mr. Ford and Josh needed a break.  So, we grabbed the rake, piled up the leaves and jumped in.  What a great Fall day!