Preston Reunion~

Every year we attend the 'Famous Preston Night Rodeo.'

It's a tradition I grew up with, and still look forward to as an adult. 

My mom went into labor with me at Rodeo time, so I was actually born in Preston, Idaho. 

Each year is extra special for me, as it is always around my birthday time, and we get to gather around so much family. 

Justin and I have started a new tradition in our family of stopping through Logan on our way to Idaho to see where we spent our first years married and of course where our little Miley was born. 

I love this tradition. My heart is always so happy and full of memories when we get the opportunity to drop into Cache Valley. It will always be a special place to us. 

We are always making a big deal to Scotlin and Loren that they were born in Canada, and how that is unique for them. Miley will ask us "well, were was I born??" We will tell her many stories of being our only child born in Utah, and welcomed to our first home. 

We are those parents who take a drive down memory lane showing the kids the homes we lived in, and the places we went to school. I remember doing that as a kid and rolling my eyes!! :) Wondering if it would ever end. :) But our Miley was a great sport when we asked her if she would like us to show her where she was born. She was filled with gladness at the thought to finally arrive at THE place! :) 

We took her to the home where she was welcomed into our family and showed her the streets we walked with her in the stroller. She was captivated by it all. Feeling very special to be the ONLY one born in Utah and the USA~

The Rodeo turned into a massive family reunion. Once it was all said and done we counted and were only missing 3 grandchildren that would have completed the entire group. It has been too many years to count since we have all been together in this large of a group between missionaries serving, or folks living away. It was wonderful being together with everyone again. I grew up very close to my mom's side of the family, so I enjoyed so much seeing cousins I haven't seen in many years. 

We always gather at grandma's for dinner first. Sloppy Jo's-- you know it! 

We all know the Preston Parade is epic. This year was no exception as toilet paper rolls were thrown in place of candy.  I can't wait to stock up on toiletries next year!

In all reality though, I haven't met a kid who doesn't love a parade. Our kids thought it was the greatest and so for that reason it was extra fun. :)

I still remember the day my friends called me up and asked if I wanted to go see this new movie called  Napoleon Dynamite. I had never heard of it, and had no clue what it was about. Well, you can imagine my surprise to find the whole movie was a perfect representation of our good ol home town! My mom went to preston high~ We grew up playing tether ball by the sprinklers at the elementary school. And the crazy guy in the movie who shoots his cow... he's not acting! They hit the nail on the Preston Idaho head when they filmed that movie. My family gets a good kick out of it.

The rodeo starts and ends late, so this year we decided to ride the carnival rides instead of getting tickets to the rodeo. Our kids love a carnival! This was a very fun night out for all of us!

On the ferris wheel~