NoDak and Back: Part 2

We landed in Faiview on Friday afternoon and stopped to have a beer at the Waterhole before heading to the farm. There's nothing quite like the feeling of driving into town and seeing the Oldtimer's banner (likely the same one they've used since I was a kid) and pulling into the bar. Then we hit the gravel road out to the farm. We got settled in our room for the weekend (John's favorite sanctuary: The Bougainvillea Room, complete with a giant bed, AC, and satellite tv), had a couple beers and then headed back to town with some of the family to enjoy the Friday night reunion crowd at the bar. I didn't realize until we got home afterward that not only had I not looked at the mirror since my arrival and was wearing three day jeans, I didn't put on makeup and had simply finger brushed my hair out of it's braid. Nothing like looking your best in front of folks who haven't seen you in a million years :) We made it home early enough to get a reasonable night's sleep before a big next day.

Parade Day! We had breakfast and then gathered the horses to primp them for exciting day. I made my horse, Bud, some fancy ribbon and feather clips for his hair. He was very handsome. Mom and I rode and Dad took his Belgian team pulling the wagon, from which John and my brothers (and cousin Cheryl and SIL Kim and nephews Brock and Jake) threw candy. Here we are, ready to go.
Part of the parade tradition for us is to ride to town, go through the parade, and then ride home. Here's where I had to make a pit stop on the way....
Bud before the parade, with a little bit of stage fright, nervously biting my foot to make sure I'm still there.
I must have seen 100 cameras during the parade, but didn't manage to get a picture of us in it :) Afterwards, we rode home and everyone gathered in the tack room to chat and have a beer. Here's the men's corner....
Checking to see if Bud had a good time before I take his saddle off...
Horse treats....
Hugs for Uncle John...
We rested up for a few hours and then cleaned up a little (muchly needed by that time) and went to town to join the festivities.
Open container in the middle of main street, leaning on a cop car with the cops in the background? home sweet home.
We were smart enough to come home before we rendered ourselves useless the next day, good for us! We are getting smart.... or old... We had a fun family night on Monday and gathered everyone at my folks' place. As usual, the horses are interested in what we're doing...Less so after the fireworks start....


Baby Jake likes Uncle John.. and his drink...
On our last day, we went down to the river with Casey and Kim and had a great time.
As with all good boating trips, we ended up back at the bar :)
The time at home always goes fast, but I can assure you that we enjoy every single second that we are there. Especially this time, as my dad had sprayed for bugs and we had absolutely perfect weather. It couldn't have been better...