Cheyenne Frontier Days 2015

We had a great vacation with great friends this summer to Cheyenne, WY. We rented a house that Cassie found on Craigslist. We were not really sure what we were getting into. The house turned out to be a little older and needing some updates but it was clean and a place the kids could play and sleep comfortably. Titus said it's the coolest house ever because it has a zip line. I say it was a win. We left on a Wednesday night after Dan got out of class. We drove all night and ate breakfast in CO. Next stop was Denver to see Cassie's brother in law and tour his jet. Next stop was to eat at Casa Bonita. This is a childhood restaurant we all in enjoyed growing up so we wanted to try out the original one.

Here we are after driving all night. So sleepy and hungry! Looking a little rough!

Friday morning off to the pancake breakfast. They served over 6,000 people in one morning. The line never stops moving and we only stood in it 15 mins. The pancakes were hot and really good. The boy scouts are there helping. The batter is mixed in cement trucks and they throw the pancakes behind their backs to the catchers.

Next stop the "Bid Daddy of Em All" Rodeo. Largest rodeo venue in the country.

One of the craziest events we watched was the Wild Horse races. Teams of three have to saddle and get on a wild horse and ride it all the way around the track. These guys are crazy.

Saturday we went to the parade. It was the longest parade I have ever attended. We did some shopping, sight seeing, watching gun slingers and then toured the governor's mansion. I love history and seeing historical sights. WY was a head of it's time in the women's rights movement. The first state to let women vote and count them as a resident for statehood.  Saturday evening we went to a dinner show at the Bit-O-WYO ranch. The food and entertainment were well worth it.

BIT-O-WYO Ranch

Last day of our trip we went to Finals Sunday, Indian Village, Pioneer Town, and let the kids ride the carnival rides. We also took a chutes tour. They took us on a tour of the bucking chutes and where the contestants enter and leave. 

 Titus approved of their kettle korn. That is his favorite kind of popcorn.

Last stop Buffalo Bill Cody's place in NE. We had a great trip and got to see a lot of fun new places across the country. We can't wait for the next adventure.

School life

Life with my children getting older is busier. Ever step of the way I have thought this is my favorite age. Tatum is 8 and Titus is 6. Again this is my favorite age. They make us laugh everyday. They are both are so smart and hard workers. They are already way better at school then I ever was. I want them to always feel like they can do anything they want to do.

Titus was nervous about starting first grade because they have spelling tests. He cried the night before school started. He has never done that before. We prayed with him and assured him that he can do anything. When he got to my classroom after school the first words out of his mouth was " Mom first grade is fun and we didn't even have a spelling test." Since then we have had several spelling tests and he has done great. He wants to go over and over them until test day. Titus' love language is affection and words of affirmation. He loves to hold hands, give hugs and to tell us he loves us.

Tatum is in second grade and is ahead of things. She is starting to learn some multiplication during class center times. She loves to read and write. She is very organized and on top of things. She keeps her daddy and I in line when it comes to her work. She is involved in Play days, softball and wants to start basketball this year. She has such a sweet heart and loves her friends and family with everything in her. Quality time is her love language. Nothing fills her bucket like fun time together. She loves to be at home. Yesterday after being gone a lot through the weekend we wanted to go ride bikes. Tatum said "No, can we please just stay home?" This is her safe and happy place. Both my babies love to play the I love you game. They say hey mom guess what? Then try to beat me to say I love you.

Dan is now Dean of students at the high school. He stays busy during the school year going to ball games and school events. He some how found time to coach both kids in baseball and softball. He is such a good daddy and husband. He always makes time for us at home. He works hard and is good at his job. It is not always an easy job and I love how he handles himself and students.

I love teaching fifth grade. It has it's challenges but the students are so fun. We are trying something new this year. I am teaching social studies. Last week we did plays to act out the explorers finding the new world and claiming new land. They loved it. I am trying to think of every way possible to help them remember. It is a lot of information and a big time period they have to cover. I am also taking an online class through NSU. It is Intro to Special Education. I am learning so much through this class and through the education system.

My sleeping beauties the week before school started. Meet their teacher night and first day of school. 

Tatum and her daddy riding rides at the fair.

Mommy and Tatum date day. Daddy and Tatum date night out skating. She loves these moments about her.

Titus is our animal/creature lover. He loves all things that move. 

Play days are the best. Time with great friends and horses. We love it and are trying to enjoy every moment with our kiddos.