Rodeo at school

Aunt Kaki told us she had just the thing for us non-western family clothiers to put on Justin for his school rodeo day. We go up to her school and borrow one of her play vests that her students dress up in. On the way to the Faye school, Justin is so pumped to go see Kaki's classroom. When we get there, he turns uncharacteristically shy. He is basically clinging to my leg, a first for me. We go and see the vest, which he snubs his nose at. Once we got alone with his aunt he finally became his normal cheerful self.

Once we left, vest in hand, he tells me he doesn't like Kaki's kids at her school. I ask him why, and I finally figure out he felt threatened that there were other kids in Aunt Kaki's life. I explain that he is her favorite, being the only nephew and all. He also asked what shy meant. I guess he overheard me say something to one of the other teachers and this new shyness, which I am always careful of saying in front of him. We talked about how some people see it as rude, even is he doesn't mean it that way. He tells me he will never be shy again. We will see about that.

But I digress. The day of rodeo day, it is like pulling teeth to get him to not only agree on a long sleeve button down to wear, but to also wear it with the vest. He took photos in it, and was trying to take the vest off once we got to school. Then he saw all his classmates in their boots, hats, etc. and he apparently wore the vest ALL DAY LONG! After all that. But we did get some precious photos in the process.

Smiley boy


I love the flowy greenery in the background of these photos. Kaki also gave us a bandanna and showed us how to use it as the cowboys did. We wore that as well.


I think this one is my favorite. And I promise - I barely did anything in Photoshop with this one. Basically straight out of the camera - I am in love with this one.


Here we are with the hat they made at school. And don't forget to notice what he's holding from show and tell. We can't get too cowboy in the Michaelis family.


Justin insisted on this one.


Happy Vest Day to you and yours....