Gone Country

The first week we moved here someone said, "Oh you are going to love this place. It's great Small Town America." Later Stephen looked at me and said, "You know, I've never considered 'Small Town America' being a compliment." Haha. Boy from LA.

I think he is loving it a lot more than he thought he would already.

This last weekend was the Philomath Frolic and Rodeo. Philomath is a tiny town on the other side of Corvallis. Steve works at a second office there a couple days a week. Day started off with a small town parade.

Lots of horses, lots of trucks, and lots of tootsie rolls.

Jake was a big fan.

And even a bigger fan when he saw his dad walking in the parade!

Stephen's practice was invited to join the parade as a commercial entry.

They passed out a bunch of toothbrushes and orbit gum.

That night we headed over to the Rodeo...

I was super excited to dust this baby off. Been in the drawer the last four years.

Had no real reason to wear it. UNTIL NOW!

Didn't get a ton of great pics of all the events, but this is the first time I have seen anything like it. The real bull ridin', buckin' broncos, team ropin', barrel racin'...

and the clown act, aka Donkey Race:

See the dentists in the white coats in the center? That was supposed to be Stephen, but he graciously handed the duty over to one of the partner's father who was hinting he really wanted to ride a donkey. A grand gesture, though I wish I had pictures of Stephen riding a donkey in a rodeo. Next year, my friends.

Jacob was such a good sport.

I was really nervous about taking him, but he sat through the whole thing! Amazing.

And since he was oh so good the whole two hours, he got some icecream on the way home. Some things are just worth the mess.

We had to pass on the Town Dance due to Jake's bedtime, but you better believe we're going next year. You know I would LOVE to go to an outdoor dance again.

I hear there is a Frog-Jumping Festival in a couple weeks at another town around here.

So, thank you Small Town America for giving us fun things to do on the weekends!