24th of July fun!

Chad got free tickets to the opening night of the Days of '47 Rodeo, which fell on a Monday, so we decided to make it our Family Home Evening outing and really have some fun.  The kids and I piled into the van and drove to Chad's work to pick him up.  We headed out to the South Towne Expo center first to see the floats that would be featured in the parade.

I saw this float and had to snap a picture.  Dad would be so proud!!  Go Cougars!

One of two Noah's Ark themed floats, the kids were able to play a game locating different animals in order to get a small prize.

The variety of floats was truly amazing.  Too bad some of our pictures didn't turn out!!

 There was face painting, balloon animals and other activities at the event and the children decided they wanted a balloon animal.  The cost was free, unless you count standing in line for 30 minutes (which Chad does!).

Merritt got a balloon python.

Grace got a balloon bow and arrow.  Sorry sweetie, you are holding it backwards!

Grant got a balloon bow and arrow as well, Joseph got a monkey, and Chad got a lesson in patience.  :)

 After viewing the floats, we grabbed a quick dinner at Wendy's and headed to the rodeo.  Being from Wyoming, I've seen lots of rodeos, so it was really weird to me that my kids had never been to one.  We saw calf roping (which totally disturbed Grace until she watched the first one hop right up and run off), saddle bronc riding, team roping, barrel racing, and bull riding (which was totally insane!).  Those bulls are ornery!

 

The best part was when it was announced over the loud speaker that President Thomas S. Monson, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, and Elder Jeffery R. Holland were in attendance.  We gave them a great big cheer and tried to take their picture, but the cell phone camera couldn't get a good one across the arena.  What a fun night!