Stampede and my heart...

So yesterday we headed out to checkout the Calgary Stampede or as they call it around here "The Greatest Show on Earth" I was not to pumped about checking it out but I figured "when in Rome..." So we go the kids ready and off we went...

We had been told by locals the only way to get down to Stampede Park was by train because the parking is so limited and congested. So that is what we did...our first C Train adventure...

B wasn't really that sure about it but at least we convinced you had to be buckled in the stroller to get on! ;)

When we arrived the first thing we did was head over to see the Thomas the Train show...

Of course this was just for B...he was beyond excited waiting for Thomas...

Then....instead of Thomas this guy came out for the first 15 minutes singing songs...he is supposed to be Sir Toppam Hat....yeah....B was SO not impressed with him. Scott and I were cracking up because we have seen quite a few kids shows and this was just the bottom of the list...:/

Eventually Thomas did come out...B was pretty pumped!! :)

However Thomas didn't really do anything and it was back to unknown humans singing so we had to slip out ;) But B is still talking about Thomas so that is what matters!!

Moving on...after all the fun had at the Thomas show we headed for cotton candy!! Yummo!!

I thought the kids area sponsored by a local bank was pretty impressive. They had games set up for the kids and everyone won a prize...snazzy sunglasses ;)

They also provided face painting...which was pretty good. We waited in line for about 45 minutes but they paintings were pretty impressive and easily would be 10-15 dollars at Old Settlers or a State Fair. The kids had a total blast in this area.

Next we headed to see all the farm animals and agriculture exhibits. Again very nicely done. We were pretty excited to find some horses from Oklahoma proudly decorated with American flags! :)

As we moved through there was a huge building with Holiday Mart type shopping set up...or so it looked from a distance...I was pretty pumped hoping to find lots of Texas vendors...be still my heart...as we neared to my disappoint meant there was only booths that looked like this....not cool...not cool at all...if you needed some Native American accessories, cleaning supplies for your ranch, or you are the Pioneer Woman (whom I adore) you would not have found anything :( Scott said, Well Babe, this is a rodeo....:(

Speaking of the rodeo, we got a glimpse of the full stadium...pretty amazing. Do I have any desire what so ever to go? um no...but if you were into that...I bet it is one of the great shows on earth.

So we had a really FUN day...truly. I was a little concerned at first when all there was were carnival rides that were five dollars for one spin on the tilt a whirl....but when you really walked through it and saw all there was to see it was pretty cool. I think once is enough but it was a fun day. Side note...I was quite shocked that the majority of the stamped goers were people from a certain decent (I won't name it) but it was a little hard to enjoy yourself with all the pushing...cutting in line...and in general extremely rude behavior. I hope to find out whats up with all that...I will just have to keep on shining the Midwest way and maybe it will rub off...and NO I am not referring to Canadians...

Anywho...I am feeling very heart broken to be missing one of my favorite little persons very first birthday :(

Man I LOVE that guy!! Auntie Sarah hopes you have the very best birthday precious one. 

Speaking of loving that guy....my heart could burst with all my love for this man...

Love of my life...I have said it before and I will say it again. I would move anywhere with you. Its worth all of it to be by your side. 10 years this week...seriously? I am so lucky. I thank God for you our 10 years of marriage and our 5 years of dating before that. Best 15 years Ever!! 

That's all for now...lots and lots of hugs and prayers from Canada.

1 Corinthians 13:4–8a 
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails ...

Happenings!

Where to start....Happy 4th of July!!! I love this holiday. I love gathering with friends and family. I love hosting and decking the house out with patriotic decor (thank you Hob Lob) I love the memories of summers past getting together with all different friends. Being invited to join friends in Texas when we had just moved there are few weeks before. There is something about being American that just makes you proud. I am a little bit Kentucky, a little bit Texas, A whole lot Kansas but at the end of the day I am just one proud American. I dressed the kids up today and we took a few pics while we were out and about. I am pretty sure this didn't help me make local friends, especially the cashier who was reading a local magazine with the cover article reading Canada VS. America Top 10 reasons being a Canadian is better....awkward moment :/ Any way...back to the babes in the God Bless America Gear :)

It is for sure a little sad to be missing all the festivities!! I love seeing all the pics of y'all celebrating. We are there in spirit and I look forward to hosting a BBQ with all my festive dishes for an upcoming 4th of July :)

In other recent happenings around our home....

My God Bless America Scentsy warmer arrived!! Woot Woot!! It's the small things y'all!!!

We have been getting out and about checking out the local parks...they have beautiful parks here with all kinds of different play structures. We have a blast exploring and playing!

We have been spending lots of time up at our neighborhood clubhouse. The sandy beach area for the kids and the lake is just amazing! We have the best time hanging out and enjoying the sunshine!

We went out to Okotoks the other day to a nearby farm...SO. Much. FUN!!

The next pic just cracks me up...the kids saw it and Mal read it to Whit and she exclaims "We HAVE to take a picture for Uncle Bench he will LOVE it!!" Really, Uncle Bench...is there are reason the girls think you will love them locked up in an old timey prison shot? ;)  Whit said..."Mal lets make faces like we are stuck in jail" Oh wow....

In other big happenings around here...Whit Grace went under water!! Say what?! That's right like all the way submerged under water!! She has been in swimming lessons this week and she made the brave plunge. She was VERY proud of herself and informed me she would never be doing that again! If y'all remember from years past she has continuously gotten a failing grade in the level 1 swim class due to being unwilling to put her head under and/or get her face wet. So, this is major breaking news!! So proud of my girl and I am loving the smile on her little face!! :)

Aside from loving all the time with my man and my kiddos I have been trying to get organized in the house. I finally got the pantry done and I took a pic just for my sis....she loves to give me a hard time about my obsession for taking things out of the packages and for making junk food look pretty in containers. :) I thought she would love to see what I have done with the new pantry....be sure to look close sis, I even have a pic of my favorite nephews in there :)

And the last update I have for y'all tonight is that I tried the famous Crunchie bar they have here...

Sad to say it was an epic fail....I only ate 2 bites...that's right this chocolate loving preggo mama only ate 2 bites of a candy bar...totally not my thing. Reese's cup I will never pass you by at the grocery line for another candy bar again. Forgive me please!

We are all doing great! Loving family time, soaking up the gorgeous weather and enjoying exploring a new city/country. Am I still homesick? Without a doubt! Do I still shed a tear now a then? Yep, you betcha. But I am loving every minute and soaking in all Jesus has to offer here. Keeping my eyes open to what he wants me to see. I cherish the phone call, emails, cards etc from all of you. I have been so blessed with friends and family near and far. Your encouragement and an ear to listen has and does mean so much to me. 

Until the next time....I will be praying for each of you!!

Psalm 31:16 Make your face shine on your servant;  save me in your steadfast love!