Stampede Sensation

There are few events that we look forward to with as much anticipation as the Ute Stampede. The glorious occasion came upon us, and we reveled in every fabulous moment.

Our whole family got seats together for "Family Night" at the rodeo. We danced to the music, cheered for the cowboys, and played and unofficial round of musical bleachers. We ate nachos, snow cones, and, of course, rodeo burgers.

This was Daisy's first year doing "Mini Drill," which she, of course, loved.

They got to ride in the parade.

There is a total of three wonderful parades throughout the rodeo. The kids make a haul on candy.

This was the 34th year of the Ute Stampede Fun Run. I've done the 5k four times. This year Daisy and Levi decided they were ready for the kids Half-Miler.

Daisy had sore muscles after running so hard.

Levi was all business...surprise, surprise.

...but a half mile was a little longer than he anticipated, so mom jumped in for a little motivation.

It was well worth it when it was all said and done. We're gonna practice up to be even faster next year.

Parades, parades, and more parades...

...and popsicles...

...and cousins.

Isaac fell and sustained a lip injury, which he was unusually proud of (just in case you were wondering what was on his face...)

I got to attend the rodeo with the Most Handsome Cowboy in Town.

The last night of the rodeo, we got a babysitter and went with friends. We sat closer than we ever have before, and we were amazed how much more we got to watch the rodeo without the kids there.

The week before the rodeo was the annual Lavender Days 5k. When I started running, I convinced my mom to sign up for this race with me. We were so nervous. It was a first for both of us. We had so much fun. With one notable exception (when they mindlessly scheduled their race on top of the Ute Stampede) I have run the Lavender Days race every year since. This year I got to do it with my niece and sister-in-law.

Now that the very best part of the summer is over, we have a few more things to look forward to before we will let ourselves think of the dreaded return to formal education. More camping, more late nights, more horse back rides, more runs, more summer.