Fourth of July Rodeo

The reason we took our trip to visit my parents last weekend was because there is an annual Fourth of July Rodeo in the area.  Last year, the girls attended with their dad and their stepmom's family and begged to go again this year. 

Handstamp for rodeo admission

(It reminds me of the Wyoming cowboy logo when I was growing up there.)

While we didn't get any good pictures at the rodeo, we did have some memorable moments.  We loved watching the different events.  One participant roped and tied up his calf in 12.5 seconds!  WOW!

Megan was NOT happy I took her picture.  (That's Grandpa in the background.)

The bullriding was fun to watch, though I bet they could all use a chiropractor the next day.  One of the bulls didn't want to re-enter the pen after bucking off his rider.  It took about 8 tries and 5 riders with ropes to get him back into the pen.  The announcer called him an "Obama Bull," because once you let in you can't get him out (of the arena). 

Another bull tried to horn the downed rider, but one of the rodeo clowns jumped in front of the bull and distracted him.  The announcer said, "That man who jumped in front of the bull is a grandpa!"  The man next to Emily muttered, "He's a STUPID grandpa!"

But my VERY favorite memory was watching fireworks and listening to Lee Greenwood sing "I'm Proud To Be An American" and hearing nearly everyone in the stands sing along.  What a beautiful moment!

Traditions

I apologize for not posting my July 4th comments sooner. I spent 3 out of 4 days in bed sick since then so I wasn't feeling much like writing. However, I am feeling better now and I'm ready to "publish" again.

Several years ago my in-laws moved to a new house. That summer we realized that they had a perfect view of the fireworks at an arena near their home. Now it is a solid July 4th tradition: BBQ with Papa and Grandma Libby then fireworks. Each year we sit in their driveway and watch the fireworks while munching on snacks, waving glow sticks, and cheering for the prettiest fireworks.

One year my friend asked if they could join us. This event is now one that all of our children anticipate all year long. In fact, Megan and Heather packed their camp chairs in the van several days early! They also tried to convince me to take enough snacks to feed an army. They asked me 800 questions that day: Can we leave for Papa and Grandma's house now? (as soon as they woke up!) When do the fireworks start? When will our friends get here? When?!? It reminded me of Christmas when they were little.

I love traditions that the girls can look forward to with this level of anticipation. And I love that this particular tradition involves family and friends and the country that we all love.