Stampede Festivities & 4th of July Fun!!

This may be a long post but I hope you will still read it and check out some pictures. We had a great week leading up to the Fourth of July and a great Fourth.

Every year in Greeleythe Greeley Independence Stampede is held from June 25th to July 5th. This is an old and fun event with Rodeo's, carnivals and a ton of yummy food. We were fortunate enough to be able to go to one of the weeknight rodeos. It was great fun. Aiden LOVES going to the rodeo and talks about it all year (no joke, ALL year). I had hoped to get Aiden into the mutton-bustin' this year but failed to get on top of that quick enough so I am hoping for next year. I know he would rock at it or if not he would have the time of his life. I love going to the rodeo too which is a bit funny considering I never ever went as a kid. I just love the cowboys! On Thursday night our good friends from Denver, David, Stacie, Ally, and Justin, came up to stay for the weekend. Aiden was so excited to have someone spend the night and especially Ally. He calls her his girlfriend sometimes. They have been together since birth and really enjoy playing together.

On Friday, Jay's buddy, Chris from high school was in town and came over and had breakfast with us. He has 2 cute kids and lovely girlfriend. We had a yummy breakfast of pancakes, sausage, and eggs. The kids had fun playing while the adults chatted. Jay was so happy to see Chris and catch up on old times and new happenings.

After breakfast we decided to head to Estes Park and enjoy the mountains. We got up there in just enough time to eat lunch by Lake Estes and then run for cover as the clouds took over and it rained. Luckily it didn't rain long and then we were off to enjoy the day. We rented some pedal bikes to take around the Lake. It was a lot of work especially when your laughing. We were laughing at how hard it was and raced each other. We put Jay and David with the 2 older kids on one bike and Stacie and I with Justin on the other bike. We even saw a moose on the golf course bordering the path. It was perfect. However, by the time we got back to the rental place we were too exhausted to do much else so we headed home. Friday night was a bit low key since we wanted to get some rest before waking early Saturday to get to the parade so we could get some good seats.

Saturday started early 6 a.m. to be exact. Jay left then to go help set up a spot on the parade route where Wells Fargo has bleachers. Then the rest of us got ready and left by 7:30 so we were there early enough to save some bleacher space. The waiting game for the parade to start is the hardest part. Since the parade doesn't start until 9 but didn't reach us until 9:40. But the wait was worth it. The kids LOVED the parade and all its fun and excitement. Aiden loves the Texas Longhorns that walk down the parade route. I don't like that part because they could easily just run over anyone at any time. Its pretty impressive that they just stay in line but it is still scary for my wimpy mentality. Anyhoo, it was a ton of fun but not as much fun as I remember it being when I was young, but at least Aiden and all the kiddos enjoyed it.

Later that day we all took naps and woke up and headed to the Adams' house for a little BBQ. I am happy that we had a BBQ and grateful that Elise hosted despite just having a baby 8 days before. She is such a wonderful host and friend. The kiddos had nice time playing together and were excited when the time finally came to light some sparklers. They were a hit but the rain made it hard to enjoy them for too long. Thank you Stacie for the sparklers and firecrackers.

At this point, David and Stacie headed back to Denver hoping to catch some fireworks up there and we headed home. Aiden fell asleep before the fireworks, which didn't surprise me after a long day, and Jay and I just watched them from our house.

Jay finished up the Stampede festivities with the Demolition Derby. I decided not to go and he took Brad instead. It was a lot of action full of fire's and crashing. It moved much faster this year than last Jay said. Last year we were there from 4 until 11 p.m. Too long if you ask me. Jay didn't get any pictures from the Derby so I don't have any to post.

I hope everyone had a great Fourth of July and appreciate all those still fighting and sacraficing for our celebrations and liberty. I know I am grateful and humbled by those who have fought for Our country and still do.