Limos, Rodeos and Deep Fried Oreos

Stampede in Calgary happens every July and is like a religion with a fanatic following. For months, its talked about, anticipated and planned. People fly in from all over Canada and the US for it (i.e. Sandra) and the locals drop what they're doing - dust off their cowboy hats, bring out their boots and wear all sorts of combinations of demin and plaid. Myself included - though I only wore plaid once. 10 days of free breakfasts all over the city that consist of pancakes, bacon, sausage and eggs, orange juice and coffee. You can just walk up and eat for free. Then theres the famous Rodeo/Chuckwagons and Grandstand show. I didn't make it to the latter two this year but the rodeo was amazing.

Snowbirds treated us to a show the first day of Stampede while the parade was on.
The Cowboys and Girls formed a horseshoe for the National Anthem

Crazy sights and sounds on the Stampede grounds

Heart attacks waiting to happen

The classic games (check out her biceps!) I'd just met her that day (she is a friend of a friend)Safe to say, I didn't stand close to her. Ever. Given my current bicep condition.

Stampede is also famous for their mini-donuts. (for good reason)

DEEP FRIED OREOS. What the heck ? you say?! It was like a party was happening in my mouth. Like a local radio dj said "Theres more grease in these than a carnie's hair".

Cutest little boy in full cowboy gear, complete with spurs on his boots!

On Sunday, Conrad had his 2nd annual Stampede Breakfast at his house:

The newly/nearlyweds with the newest nephew. (i want to squeeze all their cheeks!!)

So lucky to have such amazing people in my life. You all know Sandra, and the other girl is Jaime (a friend of Conrad's - great girl)

Me n' Dave chillin

Ashley and Conrad arguing; well, Ash telling him whats up about something and everytime she'd talk, he'd turn the blender on. We were dying laughing outside. I think I see a smirk on her face too.

Conrad and I trying to figure out why we weren't getting Blackberry Messenger messages from each other. Its hilarious. We look like we're posing but its a legit problem ... (solved, in case you were wondering)

This sweet little thing was with us and she's from PEI and said bay-ad and say-ad for bad and sad. Such a cutie, moved out here all by herself at 19.

Me n' San, it was so hot that day (one of 6 hot days in 2010!!) that my makeup was already melted off!

This guy was cutting in on C's dances with his girls! haha!!! Our attempts at country dancing - I love this pic for that reason!! He's literally telling the guy to scram! Looks like I'm saying "Yeah, what he said".

Ha! I love this of her!! (her friend made her earrings!!)

Boys acting silly

I heart her.

Soooo .... we couldn't find a cab and C decides to rent a limo. So we got a tour of the city? Ummm we live here, we don't need a tour. However, it was a fun thing to do and had to push aside my dislike of limos - haha.... somehow I managed!

The highroller and myself trying to act tough.

If you saw the movie The Hangover, you'll get this picture. This pager is from First Alliance babysitting service and Iris forgot it when she was here and I kept forgetting to bring it to church with me and it was in my handbag - so I posed with it on.

That was Stampede '10 - It was fun and it was awesome to share the experience with Sandra, but I'm glad its over because theres so much pressure to pack so much craziness into 10 days and well .... I'm not made of that stock. My quiet side came out and I retreated from alot of invitations, it was almost like sensory overload. But the city comes alive, everyone loves everyone else and its the event of the year here and I was glad to be a part of it.

Cheers,

Leanne

EWW

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I went to the Nationals - horsejumping. So cool. I want a horse so bad.... ( i sound like i'm 12)



Backyard Sunday lunch at Ray and Dees with all the Matheson children and Joyce's kids and their kids. Such a great time. I was there early and had the priviledge of having a UNE (as deep talks are called by my Halifax friends - loosely translated from a "one on one" to the french version of "une on une" to a simple UNE) with Morris - we had such a deep talk for about 30 minutes - it was great!


Love love love this picture. The bride and groom (Dan and Caryn) with Dee and Dee's brother. They laughed so hard for so long - they were the loudest table in the room and it was a beautiful sound.

Surprise cake for Gerry's 60th - and his sisters made him (because his brothers are way too demure to do so) sit in Aunties walker. You can see him here literally asking "you want me to sit in Mom's walker?"

Yup - they do. So he did. Obedient little brother.

Marion, Mora, and Ruth. They all smile like this all the time. They are all this happy and real, its amazing to be around.

Owen chillin in Ray and Dees back yard (Joyce and Floyd's grandson)

1000 watt smiles.

The newlyweds making fun of the painting in their grandparents seniors complex. (pretending to be hiking)

Bella - sweet little girl of Matt and Sarah (Mora and Craigs daughter)

Morris and Ray goofing around

Dad conversing with Uncle Lloyd

The Matheson Clan.

As follows:L-R

Marion - lives in Toronto. Ruth married to Morris and lives in Seattle. David - lives in Chicago. Ray (we ALL know Ray). Gerry - married to Betty and lives in Edmonton. Mora - married to Craig and lives overseas. Joyce - married to Floyd and lives in Toronto.

Dang you double chin!!! (is this an age thing?? i've just noticed it!)

This is Darkise - after 12 years we see each other again - and she hasn't changed a bit! Love it!

Remember Banff last year? This is Mo who was part of the trio who made the trip. Bree is completely unaware that I'm taking a picture and is, at this point, asking herself "What the heck is Mo doing? She was just in the middle of a sentence."

Me and the gracious host.

The BBQ at Bree's didn't work, so we Foreman Grilled the sausages and cooked the burgs on the stove.

HAHA! This pic makes me both cringe in horror and burst out laughing. I look like I've been superimposed into the photo. I have put some weight on, but honest, not to this extent!! Isn't Uncle Lloyd precious?!

So in love with this kid.

Iris and Auntie.

Big Bro and Auntie.

Me and Auntie. She's the cutest little thing ever.

Handley and Auntie - after showing her how his Transformer worked. Tooo flippin' cute.

Ash and her fiance - Dave. He's awesome!!

Me n' Conrad. Somehow there is always a series of pictures of us trying to get a picture together. This is the in fact, the 'real pose'. Sad. :-)

Crazy Brit and I at Ash's surprise Bday party

Me n' ' the other Ash". Love that I know her!