Stampede 2014

After wedding week, we had a few more days with Mom and Dad Z before they had to fly back to Chicago.  Since Greg was out of the country last year for Stampede, we had tickets for Greg, Mom, and Dad to go to the Stampede rodeo on Sunday, July 6th.  They arrived early to have some time to walk around and experience the midway, Indian Village, and more. 

Around 1 p.m., they settled in for the rodeo.  It was a warm day, thank goodness for the covered roof!  The Mounties kicked off the festivities with a performance on horseback, and then the rest of the ropin' and ridin' started.  They all enjoyed the rodeo and the atmosphere of the Calgary Stampede!

Monday, July 7th was time to say goodbye to Mom and Dad Z.  We had a slow morning of breakfast and packing, and then had time for a walk around the neighborhood before driving them to the airport.  It's so hard saying goodbye...the truly terrible thing about living away.  But, we are so grateful for all the time we spent together, for all the new memories we made and laughs we shared.  Thank you for being such incredible parents and grandparents...we miss you already!

That evening, we had tickets for Stampede chuckwagon races and grandstand show.  Greg came home from work early to get all "cowboy'd" up, and we were on our way.  We had dinner, and then got to play!  Ferris wheel, giant slide, and carousel...topped off with some ice cream!   

And then we were off to the races!  Greg really enjoyed watching the races, and the kids were awesome.  It can be a bit slow-moving for them, and they were really patient.  Finally, it was time for the "Barnstormer" show!  Great theme, great performances, and great fireworks!  The kids lasted the whole time, even in the car on the way home.  It was nearly 1 a.m. by the time we all laid down for bed.  Wow, what a full day!