David and Lori received word during the night that their grandson was going to make his appearance into the world about 3 1/2 weeks earlier than anyone expected. They anxiously awaited word all day of his birth.
Today was our final day to spend in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Unfortunately, the forecast predicted a chance of rain today. That would be a 60% chance of rain. The rain started falling lightly some time mid-morning. Just before noon the intensity of the rain increased dramatically. In fact, it was raining cats and dogs!
By rodeo time the rain had mostly stopped. The damage was done. The surface of the arena was covered in 2 - 3 inches of muddy muck. For those cowboys that got bucked off, I think it made those landings a little softer.
Here are images from today's rodeo events.
The riders with the parade of flags coming into the arena from behind the chutes.
This rodeo is about to begin.
Saddle Bronc Riding
Calf Roping
The lead Rodeo Clown (bullfighter), this guy was hilarious!
When it was time to work, he was all business.
When it was time to work, he was all business.
Calf Wrestling
Boy oh boy, did those calves take those cowboys for a slide.
Boy oh boy, did those calves take those cowboys for a slide.
More Bronc riding
You just have to have purdy girls.
The good news came. Congratulations to David and Lori, on the birth of their sixth grandchild! The little one had finally arrived without incident. Lori reported that everyone was doing just fine. Photos were shared, he is a beautiful baby. Our best wishes to the new family!
Barrel Racing, despite the conditions, a young woman from Florida set a new low time, for this event so far for the 2013 Stampede.
Bull Riding, those guys are some kind of crazy.
This bull mowed down the gate puller, then slipped and fell as he shot out of the chute.
He recovered with the cowboy still on his back, jumped up, and continued bucking.
For this cowboy an 8 second ride!
Teams of three children had to catch this pony by the lead rope.
One team member had to climb on that pony's back. When the child mounted the animal the timer stopped.
The only all girl team.
The pony didn't cooperate with the event. This young lady was taken for quite a ride.
These kids are some kind of tough!
Pick up girls on ponies herded those little ponies back to the gate.
The ponies were corralled behind the chute area.
Most of the group ended the day with dinner in downtown Calgary at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse.
We congratulated David and Lori again as we wrapped up our last activity in Calgary.
