Last Saturday we went down to Salinas with my parents to meet the Mariani Crew for Joe's Mutton Busting competition (where little kids try to stay on a sheep out of the chute as long as they can- it's awesome!) We expected it to be HOT mid-day on Saturday but the fog was close enough from the ocean it was nice and breezy. Jannie reminded us the whole time it's the Salinas RoDEO (like Rodeo Dr) not RO-deo like they say everywhere else and my grandmother was chosen to be Miss Salinas ROdeo and parade around on her horse when she was in high school but her grandfather thought it wasn't very lady like and wouldn't let her. Glad we had our local girl Jannie for trivia and memories!

first stop- the pony rides! Maisie watched first then had to get on her own

Sunkissed and beautiful Whitney

My buddy JoeJoe

Francie loving every minute!

"Can we ride again pleeeeassse?" (they made friends with the kinda creepy horsey operator)

Dad and daughter making the same face

Maisie's first reaction- picking up her feet and clinging to dad

then she got the hang of it

Francie and Jannie watching Sis

"There you area AGAIN mom!"

the girls making funny pictures for a family photo Jannie took

Auntie Dea and Maddie's go around!

Maisie wants another turn

Up in the stands waiting

Baby Nico- he is so cute and looks like a mini version of his cute dad!

Joe decided maybe he wasn't ready to jump on that sheep this year but got in the winners circle anyway

Cousins Emelia and Whitney

Cute Maddie

Jannie and Francie

Big kids lined up watching the bull riders... not sure why Francie started pouting!?

and after watching for awhile we hit up the kids area- Francie went down the bounce slide 12 times and Daddy patiently waited in line with Maisie for the petting zoo

she couldn't have been more excited! The lady had them all sit in little chairs and brought furry animlas for them to hold. Maisie grabbed this bunny, hugged it and wouldn't let go!