The Rodeo's Riderless Horse

We headed to the Rodeo last night. My guys took great care of us! They had two parking spots all ready for us. They let us in the back gates so that we could love on Rock. He graduated from the City last night after his final Rodeo. 38 years! Then we headed to our amazing seats and waited in the HOT weather. We watched the bucking broncos (how do they not break their necks?), the steer wrestling MMA thing (how do they not break their necks?), the calf roping thing (no one could get them roped, thank goodness!), the mutten bustin (nothing on this planet cuter), and the riding on a horse while shooting balloons activity.

The skydivers were amazing and respectful. P always hated the skydiving part. He just always felt like there was way too much room for error.

The tribute to P was so beautiful and so hard. The announcer introduced the kids, P's parents and Sarah's parents, who were out in the arena. Pictures flashed up on the big screen while music played. Then, the announcer began to speak about the riderless horse. My sweet Braxton stood up and removed his hat. My other boys and I followed. Tears flowed freely. We all held hands and witnessed the riderless horse ride very slowly through the center of the arena. As I said, it was beautiful and very hard. At the end of the ceremony, everyone else in the sold-out arena joined my family of five and stood to honor our P.

I am so thankful to the Ogden City Pioneer Days Committee for a beautiful tribute. I am so thankful that his amazing kids were there. Caden is still on his mission, but was there in spirit for sure!