Lemonade & Harmonicas

The Hood Family has been going to the Ogden Rodeo since Alan was still a toddler. I had never been to one before until I met Alan but that soon changed. Aside from melting like a popsicle, it was great fun! This year we went on Military night, which was incredible. I have such a soft spot in my heart for the Armed Forces and it was so neat to see all of the men and women in the crowd stand when asked who among us had served our country. They had several men returning from overseas that night and I am pretty sure that there was not a dry eye in the stadium as they were welcomed home. That night to bring in the flag they had some parachuters that came flying in, each with a different flag representing the United States, Utah, and the rodeo itself. Here is a capture of the American flag entering the arena.

The night was off to a great start after those parachuters with the Muttin Bustin where the little kids hold on to a sheep for their dear life. It is pretty funny to watch. The MC for the night was great fun and really engaged the crowd. From beginning to end we were there for about 6 hours but it was spent with family and was so it was worth it.

 Not to mention they had the best lemonade I have ever had. They literally juiced the lemons, tossed them in a cup of ice water, added a tsp of sugar and shook it up. Bam! Best frosty beverage of your life.

Probably the best part is spending time with this boy and I find it so funny when his inner cowboy comes out hootin' and hollerin' (which was quite frequently during the night).

The rodeo happened the same week as Pioneer Day which meant another parade for Alan and a family bbq. 

Unfortunately, I had class the night of the parade and I was literally running down the street and made it just in time to see Al's pipe band pass (darn class, ruining my plans). This time most of the band was there so it was great fun to hear them play all together with 60+ people. 

The next day was the 24th and we headed over to my Grandparents for the usual bbq and homemade ice cream and I was delighted to find my cute Grampa playing his harmonica. 

This man is so sweet and special to me and I was glad I could share this sweet moment with him. Together we tried to figure out how to play "Yankee Doodle" and I caught this pic as he ended the show with "Come, Come Ye Saints" which seemed fitting for the holiday. I am truly so blessed to belong to such a great family and love spending time with them each day. What fun things have you done lately with your family?