Opening Day of the Washington State Fair!

We decided to take advantage of the free admission

on opening day of the fair . . .

despite the rainy conditions!

(We were sad that Valerie could not be with us,

as she was helping out in the church office for the day.

But grateful that she wanted to be a blessing in that way, 

and that Lydia was able to spend the day with her there!

Thank you, sweet girls! )

 

 And of course, the free samples of chocolate milk

are always a big hit,

and one of the first things we do! : -)

It also helps us get powered up for the

 annual tractor pull challenge!

 Timmy and Joe have been gearing up for this by riding their bikes up our steep hill every day!

 Ah, Timmy make it looks easy . . .

 I get a little confused with how they decide who wins and how with all the different age levels of kids and the different increments of weights that they increasingly add to the bucket in each round.

But I think Joe seemed to be the last man standing, so-to-speak!

By mid-day,

the weather cleared up just fine!

 And it was time for Joe to do some muttin-bustin!

This is his final year,

with being right on the weight and age limit!

(Givin' his best tough cowboy look! ;-)

 

 As you can see,

the sheep were a little extra slippery. . .

both with their wet wool,

and on the muddy ground!

So, he didn't make it too far!

However, he was still invited to go to the big rodeo

that evening and ride amongst all the real cowboys!  : -)

 

 Joe is still waiting in the line-up in this next photo,

but I put down the camera so I could get a video of his ride.

I'll see if Kyle can post the video!

 Joe has always wanted to win a belt buckle!

And this year he got one!!! 

This was a pretty sweet, monumental moment in the life of our little 6 year old!

 What a way to end his muttin-bustin career! : -)