Junior Nationals in DSM

Jul7 - 13, Junior Simmental Nationals in Des Moines, IA

Steve and Aubrey left for the week for lots of fun and camped at the faigrounds.

It was a rainy day to load up and leave on Friday night

Getting all her free swag 

Always washing and rinsing each morning and evening.

For the Opening Ceremonies, all of the Iowa kids could get their faces painted for free.

IOWA representing very well at the largest junior nationals to date!

Aubrey was involved in a lot of contests - here is Sales Talk - she goes through a mock conversation to try to "sell" her heifer. She was successful and sold Moriah for $5,000!

The goal is to get the buys up off their seats and come closer, while another

friend holds your calf so that you can do all the talking. 

Lucy, McLane and Aubrey ready for the festivities!

Avery and mom decided to come up and surprised Aubrey and Steve on Sunday! It was a less busy day so they enjoyed the company.

We watched a fitting clinic together put on by Sullivan's

Aubrey was making new friends - yay! McLane, Lucy, Aubrey, Brynlee and Brynn

Her next contest was her speech that she prepared for - 4 minutes with 2 notecards about the topic of how to prepare for heat in your cattle herd.

Iowa held a scavenger hunt one night and Aubrey won a FREE quarter zip jacket - $50 value!

One evening they put together a sand volleyball tournament - her team was one and done.

One evening the State Fairgrounds opened up the Sky Gliders for free - fun!

Aubrey's camper spot :)

SHOW DAY - started off very rainy!

Avery and I came up - to do her hair and watch the show. 

It was live streamed, so a lot of family and friends could watch, too!

Moriah did very well in the ring, but Raven got a little jumpy, but nothing Aubrey couldn't handle :)

Show day is exhausting! 

A VERY WELL DESERVED ice cream treat after show day!

The last show contest was SHOWMANSHIP. Aubrey didn't make it out of her heat, but her and Moriah showed very well!

Aubrey and Brynlee hanging out before Awards Night!

WOW! 17th overall (out of 200 kids) on the Genetics Evaluation Quiz! CONGRATS!

WOWSERS! She got 7th overall (out of 200 kids) on the Cattlemen's Quiz! BRAVO!

Here are some of the professional pics that were taken that I do not plan to purchase, 

so the watermarks remain!

It was a GREAT WEEK of learning, showing and having fun!

See you next year, Oklahoma!