Yeee-Ha, Time to Rodeo

We ended our 4th of July celebrating with an evening enjoying 

the Rodeo of the Ozarks.

Hunter was super excited about his 1st trip.  

(enough so, that he napped very easily that afternoon when I told him that he couldn't attend unless he went to sleep)

The Hicks' joined us for the night of fun too.

I always say that 'Hunter is ALL BOY,' and watching the Bulldogging event proved that to be true once more.    

After the first calf was "wrestled to the ground in a headlock," as his Daddy had described it to him, Hunter was beaming & clapping and SO excited.  HAHA

Payton & Parker on the other hand weren't as thrilled. 

Payton kept saying, "Oh NO," and Parker kept covering her eyes & ears.

We had a great time watching every event -- but my ever growing prego belly became quite uncomfortable in those bleachers after a while, besides the swelling of my hands & feet from the HOT & steamy temps we've been enduring. 

So we took a short break to walk around and see the animals . . . 

and for a little concession stand ice cream and lemonade  ;)

One of our little man's favorite events of the night was this side show where a cowboy wrangled 2 buffalo on top of a trailer.

Though it wasn't the show Hunter was so impressed by . . . 

No . . .  it was the awesome truck & trailer in the middle of the arena

LOL -- this obsession of his is so adorable to me

After the rodeo, Kix Brooks ( from Brooks & Dunn ) put on a concert.  We stayed around for a couple of songs but even with an afternoon nap, the late night hour & excitement of the evening was putting my Hunter-man to sleep.

As we quietly drove home, Hunter made us both laugh when he blurted out from the backseat, "I wiked dat pwace - a whole bunch - come back anudder day too."  Haha  So I guess we'll be coming back to the rodeo next summer.  :)  

Maybe we can convince him to even ride a sheep then?  

Bless the LORD, O my soul, 

And all that is within me, bless His holy name. 

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with loving kindness and compassion; 

Who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle.

Psalm 103:1-5

Celebrating Our Freedom

We started celebrating Independence Day a little early this year, when we joined several friends at Cross Church's Fireworks Extravaganza.

Andrew and I almost backed out because of the crazy heat but decided to tough it out with the rest of the crowd . . . and we were so glad we did.  By the time we got out there, it was really quite nice.

The kids had a blast running around and playing in the huge field.

Getting darker . . .  it's almost fireworks time

This was Hunter's 3rd year for fireworks.  At 1, he was content to watch and even fell asleep during the show, and then last year he was amazed by it all, loving every minute of it -- so of course this year I expected the same.  I guess the difference was the fact that he couldn't really remember what fireworks were . . . so his anxiety over what was to come got the better of him for a moment, although I think it affected almost all the kids in that age group.  

But after about 3 shots, my little man's tears & fears had totally disappeared and he was smiling from ear to ear.  (haha - that rhymed & made me smile)  

I think all the kids decided they liked them this year.

After the grand finale, Hunter pleaded to get to see it again.  :)

I'm glad he decided to enjoy them.

Happy 4th of July

We started the morning with a BUBBLE GUN

Needless to say . . . we both had fun

God blessed us with a beautifully sunny (hot-hot-hot) day.  So as Andrew & I were giving our thirsty plants a drink, I took a moment to appreciate their gorgeousness.  

My new baby (2nd) Knock-Out Rose Bush is finally blooming so very pretty

My hubby has done such a great job creating a little oasis for us to enjoy

Two of my favorite perennials -- and not just because they are so pretty, they attract butterflies too

We swam in the morning . . .

After lunch . . .

And again that evening . . . 

What better way to celebrate the day, than with friends & a pool

(Possibly the cutest picture that will ever be captured of baby Landon)  

Oh.  My.  Goodness. 

Proof that all the mommies swam 

(and watched the kids so the daddies could play basketball)

My Hydrangeas finally bloomed -- So I threw together a little 4th of July inspired centerpiece

 Next best thing to celebrating with awesome FRIENDS . . . 

Celebrating with delicious FOOD

 YUM-YUM-YUM

 We even had festive home-made snow cones

my only group picture . . . and it's blurry   :(

 Time for my favorite firework - Sparklers

 Most of the kids really enjoyed them

 But the biggest hit  --  Poppers

 We ended the day with Fayetteville's firework show at the mall

 (I love how Hunter is turning into a mini-man . . . so sweet)

It was another great 4th of July.  Such a wonderful time to celebrate our freedom and our many many blessings.  

Thank you Lord for our freedoms, both here and in You.

God Bless the USA and all those who serve & protect it

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.  

2 Corinthians 3:17