There are many things I loved and missed when we moved to St. George from Los Angeles. The beach, the diversity, the museums, being able to walk to run a lot of my errands, and friends that are family.
St. George has always had a part of my heart, I’ve loved the red cliffs, the temple, and random people at the grocery store knowing who my Dad and my Grandpa are. But, moving is always jarring. A month after we moved here, we went to the Dixie Rodeo and I felt home.
My grandpa is a cowboy. He roped until he was in his 70s, and has always saved seats for whatever family wanted to come. So there I was surrounded by my extended family, Justin, and two very excited children. I felt so American.
The beginning is always my favorite part and it makes me cry. Every. Single. Time. There is always a tribute to this amazing country, to the soldiers that defend it, and to the policemen and firemen. This year they had someone skydive into the arena holding an American flag. Anna participated in the boot race. All the kids take off their boots and someone drives them out into the middle of the arena. Then the kids have to race in, find both of their boots, put them on, and run back out. Unfortunately Anna’s boots were brown ones from Target, so she was not the speediest racer. Her and another girl actually grabbed each other’s boots and had to switch back. Red, the key is to have red boots, I’ve decided.
This year Josh made it all the way to the Bull Riding, we’ll see who can stay awake long enough next year.
They also have a fair at a nearby park the weekend of the rodeo. The Army had a free rock climbing wall, and mechanical bull. All kinds of fun free stuff. Justin made it a full 10 seconds on this thing. I fell off in about 5.
Small town America is fantastic.