As usual, we start our celebrations early - on the 2nd. On the 2nd Ella donned a pair of chaps for the first time, complete with her jeans, cowboy hat, boots and denim jacket, and we went to the child's first rodeo. It was my sisters foster daughters and Beck's little friend, Regan's, first rodeo as well, not to mention the first rodeo I've been to in at least five years. And let me tell yah folks, I love a good rodeo! We weren't disappointed, either, although Ella's name was not drawn for the mutton busting. Maybe next time!
Isn't she cute? Looks like she's ready to jump on a bucking horse or bull! (Half the fun of going to the rodeo was dressing her in such an authentic fashion :)
L with her Aunt and Granny - can you tell that we were all having fun?
This dog act was great! 10 dogs doing a variety of cool tricks. L and I have our work cut out with our dogs, Bridger, Sanyu and Kayo when we get home... ;)The 4th we headed down to Cody to spend the festivities with our old friends, the E's. Tiff's my age and we've been friends (as have our families obviously) since we were 9 yrs old. It was the first time for Ella and I to meet Tiff's brother Jason's wife and their two year old, Lilly. Gosh is Lil a cutie and L and her hit it off fabulously. I am generally not a great lover of children but little Lilly really was a great little kid and both L and I just loved her.
We attended the 4th of July parade, which was Ella's first. We weren't right on the curb, so Ella couldn't get in on the candy grab, but that was okay as she was all eyes anyways. The guns going off and the cars revving make her nervous but she did great and loved it.
Ella enjoyed sitting with her Granny...
...and Lilly enjoyed sitting with hers!After the parade we wandered around a bit visiting all the different craft booths and Ella was able to experience her first cotton candy, snow cone and funnel cake. This child really knows how to party...
Shovel it in little Ellster, shovel it in...
Mom, modeling a cool hat
Ella and "Aunt Tee Tee"We then headed out the E's house where we spent the afternoon talking, eating, talking, riding horses, and playing with little people (obviously our little people were the ones playing with the little people - not us!).
Tiff, Beck and I rode the horses out onto the dike. This was Arleys first time off lead and she did great! We even loped and some firecrackers went off and some flags were flapping and she didn't totally freak out. She's a sensible little horse.
Beck and I rode Kip. Tiff's had him since he was a babe so needless to say, we have a long history with this guy. He was a real idiot when he was younger, always doing stupid things and breaking something. He's mellowed out in his older age (he's 17 or so) and we've come to accept his little quirks now :).
A proud Tiffany, astride her "baby", Arley,, OFF LEAD!
The amazing sisters...
Just look at that view!
Two bald heads are better than one... :)
Regan and Dad
Whilst the others rode the death defying go cart, the Grannies and children stayed on the porch. Isn't there a saying about that?!!!
The little tykes also got a turn on the horses. It was blowing in a storm which was why we weren't out on the lake boating.
Buds
These two played so well together! They both have similar personalities (cheerful, obedient and friendly) and are being raised with similar parenting styles. What a joy these two little ones are to their parents and extended families (and friends too!).We attended the Cody fireworks display in the evening, sitting in the cemetery. Lilly fell asleep but Ella was able to stay away and REALLY enjoyed them! It was so fun to see :) Regan lost a tooth whilst sitting amongst the grave stones, lost it, then was able to find it again! The tooth fairy arrived that night, bestowing her with a five dollar bill :).
We spent the night at E's, then went to church with them in the morning where a guy and his family were talking about the work that they help with in Uganda. It was so refreshing to hear from some one other than myself!
This was quite a fun and memorable 4th for both Ella and me!
