Good Ol Traditions

Traditions are something every person can say they have at least one of. Often times traditions are created within families, sometimes they are with friends, or sometimes, simply with your significant other. Not very often are traditions created within friends, family, lovers, haters, and everyone in between. The small town we are once again calling home has created that rare tradition in which has thrived an impressive 80 years. "The good ol Ute Stampede!" I feel like you can't just say "Ute Stampede" without "the good ol" in front of it. For those who don't know, this tradition consists of many events spread out through 3 days. Parades, carnivals, rodeos, shopping, competitions, etc. More than that, it's an opportunity for everyone to get together.

Gathering with friends and family is our favorite thing about this tradition. We don't always participate in all of the traditional events, but we do always get together will all of our friends and enjoy some good laughs. This year was another one for the books. 

The first day we were able to participate we decided to make it more of a family day. We watched the mammoth parade with my side of the family. After, we gathered at my mom's house to visit and of course have a couple piña coladas. Later that evening, Zacary and I took Drayze to the carnival to ride the Mary-Go-Round and the big slippery slide. He loved it! 

The next day, Saturday, we sat outside most the day visiting with friends. It was so much fun having friends come and go, getting to visit with everyone. Later, we went to Zac's dad's house for a delicious Dutch oven meal. The kids played in the water while the adults sat around shooting the shit. After the day cooled off a bit we headed for the carnival to use up our left over tickets from the night before. Zac won Drayze a fishy, who he {Drayze} named No. I'm sure you can figure out yourself how that name came to be. 

Late Saturday night Michelle volunteered to let Drayze sleep over so we could stay out later with our friends. It's our tradition to gather at James and Candy Eyre's house {Marlowe and Bryan's parent} for a fire and drinks. James and Candy are so much fun to be around. They are so nice to let us invade their home. It was so much fun to have most of the friends in one place to be able to catch up and share some laughs.

The "good ol" Ute Stampede is a tradition we have had our entire lifetime. It's one we have been able to grow with and share with our entire extended families and group of friends. It's a tradition we will continue to carry on as our family grows and we begin to age. Until next year, "Cowboy Town."

Picnic before the parade

Licorice and a parade, what more could a boy need?

Riding the Mary-Go-Round

I just wanted a picture of my boys in their handsome matching shirts. Clearly, they are both thrilled about that.

Lovers.

"Red-neck bathtub"

Cousins.

It's a good thing Drayze has aunts who are the size of small children so they can go on rides with him.

Journee, Jenilee, Drayze riding the awesome motorcycles. Drayze's favorite!

By the end of the weekend we were all exhausted! It felt so good to lay down. :)