Only in Texas...

Being transplants to "these here parts," there are certain experiences that Keith and I have written off as "only in Texas" experiences. For example, when we told people that we were new to Texas and their response was a hearty "congratulations" or "lucky you," we were blown away. We soon discovered that Texas pride runs deep. You just have to accept that and move on.

We had lived here for another few months when we had our second "only in Texas" experience. Keith and I took the boys to the Bluebonnet Festival in Burnet (which in Texas is pronounced "burn-it") . During the bluebonnet parade, we watched retirees dance around with lawn chairs decorated with the outline of Texas and a lonestar...that one you had to see to believe.

So this past weekend, we took in another proud Texas tradition. We took the boys to the Buda (pronounced "byoo-duh") Wiener Dog Races and Country Fair. It comes with all the regular country fair stuff....craft booths, cook-offs, funnel cakes, long lines at the women's bathroom.... But this one had inflatables and a train ride. The boys were pretty pumped about that part. But the highlight of the day comes when they race the wiener dogs. People come from near and far with their dachshunds in tow and race them...42 flights of 7 dogs each. (Yup that's almost 300 dogs!) Each race takes about 5 seconds. The dogs are placed in starter crates with gates that lift up when the starting horn sounds. Ideally, the dogs are supposed to run toward their owners at the finish line.
Some of the dogs did really well....others needed a little wiener dog remediation. But either way, it was fun to watch, as evidenced by the hundreds of people standing around trying to get a good look. The boys found the first two or three races entertaining and then we had to go back to the train. So here they are on the train....soaking up the sun and all the goofiness that comes with an "only in Texas" experience.