Rodeo weekend... with FIVE kids!

Last weekend I took the boys to the annual TriState Rodeo in Fort Madison, IA (mike had to work). For the ride there, we managed to cram me, Noah, Sam, Michelle, Evie, and Val and all our stuff in my Honda Pilot. It was quite the feat. We managed to make it there (even though it took 7 hours instead of the usual 5 with our lengthy stops to eat and nurse babies) and had a great time with the 5 kids. Ayla is 2.5, Noah is 2.5, Kyndal is 15 months, Sam is 7 weeks, and Evie was just over 1 month. And we all stayed with the Krogmeiers. It was awesome. I had the boys wear matching outfits 2 days in a row!


On Saturday there was the parade downtown. Noah excitedly waited for candy, but then did really get the whole "dash out and grab" method. He liked watching all the horses and bands and firetrucks. Sam just slept the whole time.

Protecting ears with auditory expert and fellow speech path, Aunt Val.

The highlight of the parade was this small box of candy Aunt Andrea caught for Noah. It had superheroes on it. He's been carrying it around all week!

Sam chilling with the men while watching ultimate fighter. Gotta start 'em young, right?

Noah sporting Aunt Val's rodeo gear. He loved the boots even if they were hard to walk in.

Ayla liked holding Sam, and she did a great job. A little more gentle than he's used to from Noah!

Kyndal got into the act by helping pat Sam's bottom when he was gassy, so cute!

We did manage to get one group shot at the end of the weekend. Can't wait to see what next year's photo will look like!