The last week of August we packed up and headed to a neighboring fair to show off some of our girls. This included the older tribe members calves. At the end of the show was the much anticipated PeeWee Showmanship class. The 2 older kids have participated in this before, but we’ve always went in to the ring with them.
We let the older 2 spend the night at the fair the night before the show. Miraculously they did get some sleep!
Emma had made her mind up that she and Ava would be flying solo. Taylor wanted some reassurance from his dad with FireFly. FireFly is as ornery as she is cute. She likes to play as much as any little kid and it makes Taylor a little nervous.
Ready to get their show on!
This year the PeeWee ring was divided in to 2 sides. Kids 5 and under were on one side, while kids 6-8 were on the other. Emma became a little nervous hearing this. While her and Ava click really well she had only just turned 6 the week before. She would be competing against kids that were almost ready to enter 4-H.
Taylor showing FireFly with some daddy back up.
I told Taylor good luck and he trotted of with his dad, grinning from ear to ear. He was ready to show his FireFly, his prized possession.
These two little goofs really know how to ham it up. FireFly was also Jr Champion Brown Swiss!
Emma and I stood at the back of the barn. I assured her the judge was a nice guy and he would just ask a few questions. She gave me half a smile, I gave her a big hug and Ava a pat on the head. Off they went!
Headed to the ring.
The paraded around the ring confidently. I was a nervous wreck. Thankfully a veteran show mom came up and chatted with me while she was showing. As much as we had practiced at home, I was still trusting that my 50 pound (soaking wet) 6 year old could handle a 9 month old, 600 pound heifer.
Answering the judges questions. When asked what breed her calf was she quickly replied “Holstein!”
After making a few laps around the ring the judge had all the kids line up side by side. He walked back and forth. Some of the kids changed positions of their calves. Then the judge walked to the microphone. My stomach was in knots. It was the moment of truth.
Emma was pulled forward with another little showman, She ended up getting second place!
Emma was beyond happy!
I have been showing dairy for 18 years between 4-H and open shows. I honestly am not sure if I have ever experienced as many emotions as I did when watching Emma in the ring by herself. What a rush! I have a feeling this was the first of many cases of show ring nerves for this mom!
Cool as a cucumber. She went in with Ava for the fall calf class with a little help.
