In November Tara, Kateri and I along with Nicole experienced quite the whirwind trip to Montreal!  We attended fabulous pancake breakfasts put on by the Grey Cup Committee.   We had the opportunity to explore the beautiful and charming city of Montreal and do some shopping.  The city was alive with Grey Cup Fever.  We attended many of the pre-game parties and also managed to get our picture with the Grey Cup!   

VIVA Las Vegas!  In December we traveled to Las Vegas to support our fellow Canadian cowboys and cowgirls at the National Finals Rodeo.  The Calgary Stampede livestock performed with the usual thrill factor.  Tara, Kateri and I also assisted in the coronation performance for Miss Rodeo America.  

Our advisors Arlene and Wendy pretty much showed us everything there was to see in Vegas. From shopping in three western convention certres and an outlet mall; taking in a typical Vegas show, taking pictures with “The King” and also riding the roller coaster at New York New York we had a marvelous time.  

The Holiday season is upon us and I would like to which everyone happiness, health and the best of the season!  I am off for a little rest, relaxation and fun in the sun.   

Happy New Year!   

Kerri

Howdy all!

In the early part of November, Kateri, Kerri and I were swept away to Edmonton for the 35^th edition of the Canadian Finals Rodeo.   We watched the Friday night performance where the evening theme was to honor the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces, bringing members of the Canadian military on to the infield and unfolding a giant Canadian flag in front of a crowd of 16,033 spectators.  We were privileged to observe as the team ropers set a new arena record of 3.7 seconds, the boys steer riders re-joined the Finals for the first time since 2001, and Calgary Stampede’s Grated Coconut is Bareback Horse of the CFR forever in the history books.   While in Edmonton we also attended the Ladies of Canadian Professional Rodeo Western Winter Wonderland luncheon and fashion show helping raise funds for the Cowboy Benefit Fund and Canadian Pro Rodeo Sport Medicine Teams.  We also got the honor of meeting the newly crowned Miss Rodeo Canada 2009 Aaron Courchesne from my hometown of Okotoks and her princess from Nanton, Tara Slade.

In December we flew to my original hometown of Montreal QC, for the Grey Cup where I had the opportunity to speak my native tongue of French.   While there we danced the socks off of the Alouette fans, learned how to cook pancakes from the Grey Cup Committee, indulged in a few crepes, went for a horse-drawn calèche ride through Old Montreal, took a tour of the famous altar of the Notre Dame Basilica, met and danced with Alberta’s Premier Ed Stelmach and Quebec’s Premier Jean Charest, and supported our Calgary Stampeders’ football team as they brought home the grey cup.  Go Stamps, Go!!!

Next on the agenda was flying to the city that never sleeps; Las Vegas for the 50^th anniversary of the Wrangler National Finals rodeo to watch the top Cowboys and Cowgirls get crowned for the 2008 season.  While there, we did what girls do best – shopped until we dropped at Cowboy Christmas, watched as Amy Wilson (MRA 08) passed on her crown to the new Miss Rodeo America from California Maegan Ridley at the 2009 coronation, partied with the Calgary Stampede Rodeo Committee and watched the 2 hour action packed rodeo.

When we got home Kateri, Kerri, Nikkole and I kicked off the Christmas season by attending the Queen’s Alumni Giddy-up Christmas party held for the challenged children of Calgary.

I’d like to wish you all a fabulous holiday season and all the best in the New Year!  Wishing you love and laughter,

Tara