The Guinns: blame it all on my roots.

"cowboy homecoming" is a tradition that my family takes part in annually. the event is held in our hometown - pleasanton, texas. for as long as i can remember, the gossetts have always made a showing. it is held in the heat of august and always consist of live bands (country and tejano, of course), BBQ cook-offs, the cowboy gallop 5k, a parade through the heart of downtown, a carnival, and a whole lot of giddy-up-ing.

i must confess, i've missed out on all the fun these past few years and it sure felt good to be back. although nothing could do justice, below is a little re-cap via pics and video. there's something about country music and the simple life that remind me so much of my childhood--being out on the farm with 'ol ned and embracing my roots. this little town holds a special place in my heart, as it truly is the very place that my family has thrived and survived for over 100 years... and this weekend was an opportunity to give thanks and be reminded of where i came from and the blessing that pleasanton texas, williams hardware, and williams farm have been to my family.

Eli Young Concert!!! we LOVE eli young band!

i snuck in... rebel without a cause.

we were able to make friends with security and get "back stage"

next morning was race morning! i was able to take first with a time of 20:49...clearly, not the stiffest competition ;o)
when you win, they take your picture and put it in the pleasanton paper and my grandmother "dodo" used to always cut out and mail it to my brother and i...i told ned he must carry on this tradition.

Here's papa joe serving up tj's breakfast taco's - post race yet still only 8:00am.

and here's the fine chef himself--A&M flag... necessary.

and now, for the best surprise of my weekend-- they added GUINN to the farm gate!!! Dad has been wanting me to see this for months and finally, we were pulling in (just after our joyous sing-along drive) and there it is...guinn on the gate! i jumped out of the truck and said "ahhhhh take my picture take my picture" i knew guinn would be sooooo excited!" and then dad threw me his hat for special effect, of course.