I apologize for the delay in posting. But I figure the longer the anticipation, the more appreciated the post! =) So at this point, the grand adventure part of the road trip is finished. I will be updating you on what has happened between Colorado and now.
Stop 1: Cheyenne, Wyoming. This little adventure probably stretched me the most out of any on this trip so far. Definitely out of my comfort zone. Coming from Los Angeles, I am used to a huge diversity. Different skin colors, languages, styles, interactions etc... But here the only different skin color was pale, burnt or tan. The only language variety was if you had a Texas accent or an Alabama accent. The only variety in styles were if you had a black cowboy hat or fancy boots or suspenders with a cell-phone clip. And all the interaction was 100% cowboy.
Needless to say, I was in awe and wasn't sure how to act. And I'm almost positive they can spot a city slicker like me from a mile away. i was wearing flip-flops. and we asked where we could go to "look at the animals." (that got a funny look from this old cowboy who was like, "you wanna look at the animals. like after the rodeo? like a zoo?" haha.)
We had some of the best seats possible. The two people we asked for directions on how to get to our seats were both in awe. And one guy asked to see our tickets for proof because he didn't believe him when we said we were in East Lower. We were second row from the arena. just to the right of the chutes. Perfect view. Misters to keep us cool. mmm delightful.
But it was everything I imagined a rodeo would be like and more.
Epic beyond description.
Breathtaking in its redneck magnificence.
The bull riding was amazing. I do not understand how the human body is able to withstand this...but these guys do it, and thrive on it. Legs flying. Balance precariously maintained. Heads being thrown back and forth. Major whip-lash. And even occasionally they get stomped in the head. We saw a few that got stepped on and almost crushed by the bull. But no one was seriously hurt.
I had these awesome videos to post. But my connection doesn't allow for it. So you'll just have to come visit me. and I'll show them. Pictures will have to do.
Our awesome second-row seats. best part of this pic is the cowboy with the happenin' handlebar mustache behind us. incredible.
One of the many bulls that were ridden
The line up of cowboys above the bull chutes. so cute ;)
One of the ginormous Percherons. his name was Shaq.
Moral of the story: Suzy is short. really short.
Tasha's awesome cowgirl belt buckle.
The ridiculousness of the bucking horse.
Overall, the rodeo was a smashing success. loved it.
incredible sunset on our way out of town.
Next came a grueling 14 hour drive to St. Paul, MN to visit the brother, Sis-in-law and cutest niece EVER. so much fun.
Super cute niece. she loves cucumbers.
brother jim took us out boating. turns out, baby girl loves it. wind was a bit much. but she ended up falling asleep in my arms. *sigh*
Simon got a bit sick while we were there. battery short-circuited. so he went to the doctor. and got a battery transplant. now he's as fit as a....ford...should be. =D
Walked around downtown St. Paul. Jim gave us a tour. we found an arsty piano and played it and sang. It was delightful. slightly out of tune. but delightful none-the-less.
Jim and Kris live right next to this fantastic river that gets all pretty at dusk with reflective lights. Super movie-ish.
We had quite the adventure on Tuesday because Simon was at the doctors and we had to check out of our hotel (a little over a mile away) and get all our bags to J&K's lil loft. And we had the baby. So much fanegaling took place to get us to this point. but that is all the stuff we hauled. with the help of a slightly senile taxi driver who thought all the streets were one-way. (Don't worry, J&K...baby girl was very safe. and even fell asleep).
at this point we were exhausted and still had to drag the stuff up the small stairs and across the inner lobby to the elevator. then from there to their loft. meh.
One more parting shot of this smiley girl. She has the biggest grin and flashes it frequently!
After St. Paul, we did another night drive and arrived in Chicago at about 10:00 am. Checked into our hotel, met the girls' cousin and went to take on the windy city!
First stop was the Museum of Science and Industry (a bit too much science for my taste, and not quite enough industry.) But we saw the amazing Body Worlds Exhibit. For those of you who haven't seen it, i highly recommend it. Definitely gives me more appreciation for intelligent design and our awesome God. No pictures were allowed of that exhibit. So here are some others.
awesome misty wall thing in the futuristic room.
eeeeelectricity!
Then we walked to Navy Pier for a delightful fireworks show. It was breezy, warm and so pleasant. Great way to end the night!
Now I'm here in Central Illinois. Us girls have parted ways. I'm on to the next segment of my journey visiting more family and friends. having a great time. Missing home.
Hopefully I'll get more pictures as time goes on. Thanks for your patience!
love.
Stop 1: Cheyenne, Wyoming. This little adventure probably stretched me the most out of any on this trip so far. Definitely out of my comfort zone. Coming from Los Angeles, I am used to a huge diversity. Different skin colors, languages, styles, interactions etc... But here the only different skin color was pale, burnt or tan. The only language variety was if you had a Texas accent or an Alabama accent. The only variety in styles were if you had a black cowboy hat or fancy boots or suspenders with a cell-phone clip. And all the interaction was 100% cowboy.
Needless to say, I was in awe and wasn't sure how to act. And I'm almost positive they can spot a city slicker like me from a mile away. i was wearing flip-flops. and we asked where we could go to "look at the animals." (that got a funny look from this old cowboy who was like, "you wanna look at the animals. like after the rodeo? like a zoo?" haha.)
We had some of the best seats possible. The two people we asked for directions on how to get to our seats were both in awe. And one guy asked to see our tickets for proof because he didn't believe him when we said we were in East Lower. We were second row from the arena. just to the right of the chutes. Perfect view. Misters to keep us cool. mmm delightful.
But it was everything I imagined a rodeo would be like and more.
Epic beyond description.
Breathtaking in its redneck magnificence.
The bull riding was amazing. I do not understand how the human body is able to withstand this...but these guys do it, and thrive on it. Legs flying. Balance precariously maintained. Heads being thrown back and forth. Major whip-lash. And even occasionally they get stomped in the head. We saw a few that got stepped on and almost crushed by the bull. But no one was seriously hurt.
I had these awesome videos to post. But my connection doesn't allow for it. So you'll just have to come visit me. and I'll show them. Pictures will have to do.
Our awesome second-row seats. best part of this pic is the cowboy with the happenin' handlebar mustache behind us. incredible.
One of the many bulls that were ridden
The line up of cowboys above the bull chutes. so cute ;)
One of the ginormous Percherons. his name was Shaq.
Moral of the story: Suzy is short. really short.
Tasha's awesome cowgirl belt buckle.
The ridiculousness of the bucking horse.
Overall, the rodeo was a smashing success. loved it.
incredible sunset on our way out of town.
Next came a grueling 14 hour drive to St. Paul, MN to visit the brother, Sis-in-law and cutest niece EVER. so much fun.
Super cute niece. she loves cucumbers.
brother jim took us out boating. turns out, baby girl loves it. wind was a bit much. but she ended up falling asleep in my arms. *sigh*
Simon got a bit sick while we were there. battery short-circuited. so he went to the doctor. and got a battery transplant. now he's as fit as a....ford...should be. =D
Walked around downtown St. Paul. Jim gave us a tour. we found an arsty piano and played it and sang. It was delightful. slightly out of tune. but delightful none-the-less.
Jim and Kris live right next to this fantastic river that gets all pretty at dusk with reflective lights. Super movie-ish.
We had quite the adventure on Tuesday because Simon was at the doctors and we had to check out of our hotel (a little over a mile away) and get all our bags to J&K's lil loft. And we had the baby. So much fanegaling took place to get us to this point. but that is all the stuff we hauled. with the help of a slightly senile taxi driver who thought all the streets were one-way. (Don't worry, J&K...baby girl was very safe. and even fell asleep).
at this point we were exhausted and still had to drag the stuff up the small stairs and across the inner lobby to the elevator. then from there to their loft. meh.
One more parting shot of this smiley girl. She has the biggest grin and flashes it frequently!
After St. Paul, we did another night drive and arrived in Chicago at about 10:00 am. Checked into our hotel, met the girls' cousin and went to take on the windy city!
First stop was the Museum of Science and Industry (a bit too much science for my taste, and not quite enough industry.) But we saw the amazing Body Worlds Exhibit. For those of you who haven't seen it, i highly recommend it. Definitely gives me more appreciation for intelligent design and our awesome God. No pictures were allowed of that exhibit. So here are some others.
awesome misty wall thing in the futuristic room.
eeeeelectricity!
Then we walked to Navy Pier for a delightful fireworks show. It was breezy, warm and so pleasant. Great way to end the night!
Now I'm here in Central Illinois. Us girls have parted ways. I'm on to the next segment of my journey visiting more family and friends. having a great time. Missing home.
Hopefully I'll get more pictures as time goes on. Thanks for your patience!
love.
1 comment:
The belt buckle, THAT PIANO, and the riverboat are awe.some! Looks/sounds like a real honest-to-goodness road trip!
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