Rodeo Weekend

 We headed up to Preston for our annual Rodeo weekend. It was great because the whole family was able to get together and fun this year. Grandma and grandpa Cromwell always do such a wonderful job hosting and having us there at their house. The kids love it and its so great to be able to visit and catch with everybody!

What a view

Christian couldn't wait to get in the water

Having so much fun

We started off the weekend on Friday by taking a trip to Bear Lake. It was the first time I have ever been there and I was so excited. And when I got to the lake I was so surprised because it reminded me of Lake Michigan and Crystal Lake. The water was so blue and you could see all the different layers of blue and then the beach was big and perfect for the kids to play in. It was so fun to see the kids play and go out in the water. We had kayaks, blow up toys to swim with and even played a little water volleyball.

Parker, Ella, and Julia getting out on the water

Christian on the turtle

Playing a little water volleyball

What cute girls

We had a picnic lunch and just swam and played on the beach all day. It was a perfect day and it took me back to when I was little and spending time up-north. We had dinner and then also watched the opening ceremonies for the 2012 Olympics that are being held in London. I love the summer Olympics and can't wait to see what happens. When all was said and done, we all were sun burnt and wiped out. The kids slept great when they actually calmed down long enough to go to sleep.

London 2012 Summer Olympics

Saturday was a big day. We got up and helped with breakfast and then got everybody ready for the family pictures. It was right about Christian's nap time so I was worried he wouldn't do well and want to sit still long enough to get a good shot. But I was pleasantly surprised. ALL the kids did great, especially the 4 little ones all under the age of 2. They actually sat with gma and gpa and got a great picture and then the big group shot when over without a huge hitch. Christian had a little trouble but all in all he did great. I can't wait to see how they all turned out! After pictures gma Cromwell had a surprise for the kids. It was the theme for the upcoming week and the kids were excited. It was great because she came out all dressed up like a pioneer and had a little story about some of the kids pioneer heritage. Then they all got a little bag that had their summer pj's inside.

Grandma telling her pioneer story

All the kids decorating their bags

All the pioneer girls in their bonnets and summer pj's

 Gma Cromwell makes the all the kids summer pj's each year and they always turn out so cute. Julia loves to see what they will look like each year. All the girls got a pioneer bonnet and the boys got red bandannas. They all looked so cute! We even had a pioneer cookout for lunch and it was delicious. Steaks, corn on the cob, baked beans, root beer and even homemade scones.

Later on we headed over to the famous Preston Rodeo. We actually took the kids over early to let them do some rides before the big crowds hit. Christian did pretty good on the rides he went on and of course he had a little help.

Riding the train

Christian LOVES the horses

Got to ride all by herself in the very front

We never attended the rodeo but we love the carnival and the parade. The kids each get a plastic bag and its about half full of candy once the parade is over. Julia loves to run over and show me what kind of candy she gets. We did have to corral Christian in a little bit this year. We didn't want a repeat of what happened when we took Julia at his age. She was all over the place. So we brought the pack-n-play and put him inside. He wasn't happy and did scream but I pointed out things for him to see in the parade. He LOVED all the horses and even loved all the big trucks. We got them to all beep the horns for us because Christian was so good at doing the action for the truckers to blow the horn. He kept doing it over and over again. Once the parade was over all the mom's took off for a little dinner and girl time and the boys headed over with the kids to get the much anticipated and much talked about Rodeo Burger. I think the consensus is this: Boys love them, girls not so much (meaning the older women, the kids love them too.) Again, it was another fun and exhausting day.

Sunday was a bit more relaxing. We went to church and came home to have one last meal before we packed up and drove home. Julia always gets a little emotional when we have to leave. She would live at gma and gpa Cromwell's if she could. Before we even pulled out of the driveway Julia said, "I miss Grandma." But I did tell her we will get to see them again very soon for her birthday and she was satisfied with that. But she did get home and just was crying before bed because she really missed everybody and wanted to stay. She LOVES to visit with gma and gpa and also her favorite cousins Hailey and Ella. It was a wonderful weekend spent with family. I always look forward to going up at the end of July to enjoy some family time. Good times and good memories!