03/02/2008

Don't you love it when something wonderful lands in your lap totally unexpectedly?

Yesterday was the beginning of the Houston Rodeo. This is a HUGE deal in Houston, and it starts off with a bang: a Rodeo Parade through downtown Houston. Nick had to work all day yesterday (about 12 hours), and this has pretty much been the pattern for two weeks. After firing one of his shift supervisors, Nick has been picking up the slack. Needless to say, we're all pretty exhausted and ready for a day off (6 days and counting). But, back to the rodeo: I really wanted to take Nathan to see the parade. I knew he would love it! They herd cattle down the streets of the city...riding horses...pulling carriages....etc. Nath would have danced!

But I just don't have enough hands.

I felt overwhelmed at the thought of fighting the massive crowds, making sure Nathan didn't get trampled by the livestock, attempting to keep Nia from bawling (she's teething!), etc. I reluctantly resigned myself to staying home. After the crowds dispersed, I put the kids into the car and said to Nathan, "Keep your good eyes open--we're going to try and find some horses." Following the large cloud of dust that all those horses were kicking up, I attempted to drive past some of the horses...you know, just so Nathan could see some. Then I rounded a corner and, bam!, that blessing smacked down into my lap:

We hit the jackpot! We found the huge parking lot where all the horses were getting loaded up onto their trailers. Nathan started jabbering excitedly, pointing, wiggling in his car seat, etc. I got the kids out of the car (just carrying Nia in her car seat), and we walked over to the edge of the parking lot. I just crouched down next to Nathan and we watched all these horses. Some of the cowpokes took note of the incredibly good looking family that was observing them and said to Nathan, "Young man, would you like to meet some of the horses?" Nathan's response: "Horses! Neeiiiiggggghh."

Nathan got a personal meet-and-greet with some of the horses. Ranger and Freckles were the two horses deemed incredibly kid-friendly, and Nathan got to touch their noses, feel their soft hair, and listen as they clomped on the ground. Freckles received some special treatment when Nathan actually stuck his finger UP the hoses nose! Gross, I know!

Anyway, I was so thrilled! This was much better than any parade. Sans camera, of course, this remains an undocumented memory, but thank You, thank You, thank You to the God who cares about one little boy and his love of horses.