Duck Creek Parade

I love the little town of Duck Creek. The parade floats which consist of ATV's, Rangers and big a** trucks strewn with streamers and American flags are so redneck. But, we are in the country...and redneck is okay here. Redneck is dirty Wranglers and dusty boots. Its cowboys hats and bandannas on bald heads. And, its a nice break from the glitz of Las Vegas... our home the other eleven months of the year.

We decorated the Ranger with flags and streamers, the three boys decided to have Maddie fix their hair in ponytails. I was quite surprised they would allow her to touch their hair, let alone assemble it in little ponytails that resembled faux Mohawks.

The pelting of candy went just as planned. The kids were happy to toss candy to smaller kids, often more than a sole Tootsie Roll. The teenagers were in for a world of hurt though. They got pelted with jawbreakers, salt water taffy and Dum Dum lollipops...by my husband. He loves to pelt the candy and does this while driving! He also pelted his sister on the side of the road. Oh, the fun never ends.

I gave my parade wave. I missed out on Prom Queen (in high school) and I believe this is as close as it gets. Redneck and all. Husband pelting candy in his cowboy hat as I smile and offer the "cupped hand wave" to the parade watchers. We are a pair!

The fireworks are little 'po dunk too. They aren't the big fan fare in the sky. Instead, the local firemen (fully decked in their uniforms, hat and all) light those little firecrackers you remember doing as a kid. The ones your parents would buy and light on the street. Piccolo Petes and little Screaming sparklers. I think the kids were all a little disappointed but Maddie enjoyed the hula hoop contest. She won! Got a coin dollar. If the gymnastics thing isn't for her, she can fall back on hula hooping!!

Yes, Duck Creek is no Las Vegas...and for that I am grateful.

Cabin Life

Our blissful cabin is located in Duck Creek Utah, just 33 miles from Cedar City, Utah and a mere four hour drive from our home in Las Vegas.

We purchased our cabin on 7/7/07, at 7:07pm. I don't believe in numerology but that "seven thing" is pretty odd. Tony is a numbers guy and noticed the irony on the purchase paperwork. It may be lucky.

I have to say I feel lucky when we are here. I am at peace, no deadlines, chauffeuring kids to soccer or the gym four times a week. No work or phone calls. No traffic, no shopping, no errands...no nothing.

Instead, we have formed many traditions in our cabin. Max likes to play Monopoly with Mom. Maddie likes to drive the Ranger with her Dad, to Aunt Sue's for a homemade pie. Sometimes, we just make one. We also make chicken pot pies, (Marie Callendars look out)! My husband likes to listen to the local country band, Muddy Boots play their music. I always get a slow dance in!

We sit by the fire and make S'mores, the kids ride dirt bikes and Tony works. He really never stops working. From laying bricks, grading the garage, hanging pictures, shoveling snow, fixing dirt bikes, snowmobiles, etc.... He rarely relaxes. On the other hand, I can relax all day long. Okay, all month long. I read, write, play with the kids, read cookbooks and make new meals. I wouldn't say we are Little House on the Prairie, but it is a BIG step from the life we made in Las Vegas.

So, here's to the month of July and our real family time. Time away from homework, organized sports, junk mail, grocery lines, the office... and here's to spending time as a family. The way we should be everyday...not just on the lucky month of July!