Sensational Stampede!

It was several weeks ago that Daisy was writing a paragraph about her favorite holiday.  In order to get started, she asked Levi, "What's your favorite holiday?" 
"Ummm, spring," he answered.
"Spring is not a holiday, Levi.  Holiday is like, Christmas, Valentines, Ute Stampede..."
I was laughing out loud.  Only a girl born and bred here would classify the Ute Stampede as a holiday, but I suppose that for classification purposes, the Ute Stampede is as holiday as it gets.  We really do look forward to it all year long. 

This year, Jeff's brother Brian and his family were visiting from Ohio.  Brian is a dentist there and we haven't seen them for AGES!  We were all thrilled to be able to spend some time with them.
 

 We went swimming at a campground up the canyon.

 Davis and Levi are only a few days apart, and they are the best of friends.  It is so fun to watch them play.  You would think they were next door neighbors rather than cousins separated by lots of time and states.

 Brian is hilarious.  I forget what a sense of humor he has when he isn't around.  And Reece is as girly as they get.  You should see this girl pose for the camera.

 When Isaac needed a break from the pool, he kept Grandpa company in his napping spot in the shade.

 The Ute Stampede was off and going with the first parade down main street. 

 Jeff rode in the parade with Ashlyn and Daisy while the rest of us watched. 

 We were so lucky to have Grandpa and Grandma join us this year!  Isaac decided it would be a great idea to share Grandma's snow cone with her.

 Rodeo burger: check.  Dr. Pepper: check. Best friend/cousin: check.  Levi was all set to go for the big rodeo.

 Isaac got to sit with the hottest cowboy in the crowd.

 These three cousins were simply enchanted with the sky-dive entry of the American flag.

 Levi got nice and comfy as the night wore on.

 And don't worry...before we could head home that night, we had to hit the sleezy carnival.  My disgust with this part of the Stampede was somewhat alleviated due to the complete and thorough satisfaction of each of my children, and we hit it right on "one ticket" night, where all the rides cost only $1 for 30 seconds of rickety thrill instead of $4 or $5 like the other nights of the carnival. 

 The best part about the carnival?  Cotton candy.  Yum!

 Daisy and Ashlyn rode in the parade again on Friday, this time with the high school drill team.  They made it through the parade route just before the big storm hit and all the parade goers bolted for their cars.

 That night at the rodeo, the kids participated in the "kid dig" at the end and each found some money!

 Then bright and early the next morning we were off to the Ute Stampede 5K and Kids Race.  The kids have been "training" for the race for the past month or so, and they were all set to go.  Each runner got a great running shirt, a hamburger from Burger King and a water bottle.

 After I ran the 5K, I got to cheer the kids on in their race.  We were all strong finishers!

 And Levi took first place in his age division!  We were so proud of him!  He took off from the starting line on a dead run and I thought for sure he would burn out, but pretty soon we saw him coming toward the finish line.  He was super fast!  The cash prize inside was no fun, so as soon as we left the park we were off to the farm store to buy a prize with his winnings.  He, of course, chose a gun.

 After the race, the Chuckwagon Breakfast in the park (one of my favorite parts of the Ute Stampede), and a stroll around the car show, Grandma and Grandpa had to head back home.  It was SO MUCH FUN to have them here with us.  They are a blast to be around and we are so grateful when we get to spend more than a few hours together.

 Davis got tired of walking around the car show, so Uncle Jeff gave him a hitch.  Isaac wanted a ride too, and Levi was happy to volunteer.

And here is a picture of Baby at 19 weeks just after the 5K.  I think Baby likes running!
Happy Ute Stampede!