I love the 4th of July. During our 3 years in the nation's capital, we saw true patriots. The people there lived and breathed freedom--they studied it, advocated for it, and taught their chidren lessons on history and democracy on a daily basis. We are trying our best to be involoved (look for a post soon about the 2008 primary!), but I know we could do more. The holiday was a great reminder for us to be grateful.
We started the day off dressed in red, white and blue (I know it's corny, but I felt guily when I tried to put something else on, so I'm now advocating that everyone wear our nations colors on that day!) in Oakley with Jenni and Jed. I am so glad we did that. It was so fun to attend a small town parade, where Olivia rode on the float and people threw candy to the kids. There is such an incredible sense of community in a small town that you just don't find many places. Living there is not for me, but how fun would it be to know everyone!
After the parade we went to the kid's portion of the Oakley rodeo. Okay, if you know me at all, you know I really dislike animals, am super allergic to hay, and only wear cowboy boots as a fashion statement, so rodeos, are not really my thing, but Jenni married into the Gines family, and they are rodeo people (Jed was a national steer wrestling champion, and yes real cowboys make fun of all the city people who dress up like cowboys out of fashion magazines--they can spot you a mile away).
After attending my first rodeo, I have to say, I understand why people do it. The kids had a blast. They got to chase chickens (if you catch one, you get to keep it. Grandma Kimmi was so bummed the boys weren't fast enough). They raced for silver dollars, and chickened out of the sheep riding (seriously, little kids were getting trampled by sheep and coming up hurt and crying, so when Jace didn't think that looked fun, it was a proud mom moment.)
The best thing about it is that now chasing chickens is a regular game at my house, they do it through the aisles at Target. I love it.
Thanks Jenni, Jed and Olivia for a great holiday!
2 comments:
even though i don't comment often.. I just wanted to tell you I love your blog and I am an avid checker as to what you are doing. Seems like you guys are always having fun! Gosh we miss you guys! -Kochs
darling darling boys you have! you are so beautiful!
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