Hanging with the Sheep Dogs

Every year on Labor Day weekend, the National Sheepdog Festival comes to lovely Heber Valley and we make the long haul to go watch. It is truly spectactular. In years past the kids haven't been very interested and so we didn't get to watch the real competition very long. This year I had a plan.
Enter: Babe the Pig Movie. I loved this show as a kid. And truly it is just a back story to the pig competing in a sheep dog competition exactly the same as the ones we watch. So Friday night we got pizza and spread ourselves out in front of the TV to watch Babe. The kids laughed and loved it.

And then bright and early Saturday morning they couldn't wait to see actual sheep dogs competing. Okay so Isaac kept asking when it was the pigs turn but still, they watched, they cheered, they were entertained!!!

Okay so nice weather and some snacks didn't hurt. Also we let them bring along their Swiss dogs in purses that Arty gave them a while back. Play with the dogs, watch the dogs, everyone is happy= we get to watch the competition for quite a while.

See? Actually watching. A miracle!

Isn't it picturesque? This was where the cross country ski competition was at the 2002 olympics.

Of course these boys can only be expected to watch for so long before it's time to head to the kids activities.
Miles was in love with these miniature horses.

Ethan was a little more tentative.

And Isaac got right in there and fed them... once... and then he decided that was grose and left. Can't agree more.

But Miles couldn't be dragged away.

So Taylor and Ethan stayed with him.

And Isaac and I left to play beanbags.

And then we headed up to the Splash Dogs. A yearly favorite. The dogs get a running start and then leap as far as they can, landing in the pool. It's truly entertaining and becomes hilarious when you add in Isaac's non-stop giggles. He has the best laugh I've ever heard and it's fully contagious. A good family day all around- can't wait for next year.