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