The Stars at Night are Big and Bright..

DEEP IN THE HEART OF TEXAS;

The Sage in bloom is like perfume

DEEP IN THE HEART OF TEXAS;

Reminds me of the one I love (followed with a kiss on my cheek!)

DEEP IN THE HEART OF TEXAS;

The cowboys cry, "Ki-yip-pee-yi"

DEEP IN THE HEART OF TEXAS

Those are just some of Isabela's favorite lines from her newly acquired music piece learned in school in honor of Go Texan Day. Of course, Isabela barely performed as expected with her class as we, the parents gathered right before our Texan Picnic. She was just as much of a spectator as we were. But, at home, she grabs the blue colored paper and "reads" the lyrics line per line with such profound pride for her state. It soothes my heart. It's nice to see my little girl be so Texan this month because to tell you the truth, we usually are not. We can be such city snobs. But, when it comes to February around Houston, the biggest Rodeo in the world comes alive in our town and those boots that seldom catch the light of day in our modern-day city, get dusted off to accent the perfectly put together cowboy/girl outfit. As much as I hate to be so removed from a more agriculture and nature centered lifestyle, I love that Sammy and I, at least, always make it a date on the Rodeo's Kickoff by attending the World's largest BBQ cookoff . Of course, we can't leave any friends behind :-) I hope Isabela and Crystal get to embrace this local event as we do. The school invited TWO ponies to visit the school for a fun ride!

The children made their own stick horses for some barrel race fun! Isabela named her horse "Crystal"!
Before the Family picnic, we sang and danced to that popular "chicken dance song" I usually hear at American weddings...fun and corny!

Isabela with her horse, Crystal!
Picnic-ing with our friends Bianca and kids!
Papi surprised Isabela by joining us during his lunch break!

So, the Texan Event did not end there. This pic is the start of yet another big afternoon (one week later) with another favorite friend, Paigie! The picnic started at Paigie's school...

Then off we went on a fun train ride running through the Texas Medical Center with a destination to the Houston Livestock Show!
We loved this mock Farmhouse Adventure! Planting crops...

Feeding the hens and then gathering eggs...

milking the cow...

more planting..

Driving the tractor around to gather corn..
Lastly, one pretend ride in a non-pretend tractor!
And this is the adult version of "Go Texan Day"! We mostly hung out at ABC's tent which provided a BBQ dinner and beverages all night long, along with fun music! This year marked my 15th year at the Cookoff with Sammy....it only gets better each year!