The rodeo, the police, and one hysterical mom! WARNING: long post.

Last night was free kids night at the rodeo. Jaden even won a free adult ticket at school. Garrett stayed home with Grace, and I took Kimball, Jaden and Kody. We got there two hours early and got great seats. 40 minutes before the rodeo started, the kids ran over to get their free Rodeo picture. I could see them from my seat the entire time they were standing in line. 10 minutes later, I watched them begin to run back to our seats...only they never got there! I waited about 10 minutes thinking maybe they stopped for a snow cone, but they never came. I got up and walked towards the picture tent, and they were no where. I could see the entire stadium, and it wasn't like 3 kids would just disappear. I looked for about 10 more minutes completely baffled, and then saw a police officer. I gave him their description and the search began. 8 police officers and myself and we still couldn't find them for over 1/2 an hour. I was hysterical and crying, the rodeo had started and their was a huge crowd of people by this point. Finally, the police radioed and said they thought they were down on the field helping with the opening ceremonies!!!! They had been missing for about an hour! I ran down just as they were finishing up, the police were holding them for me. I guess the children that were supposed to hold the flags never showed, and the lady in charge grabbed my kids and asked for their help. Kimball said she was going to come tell me, but the lady said they needed to come right now. When I saw them running to come back to their seats they really turned off and went to the tunnels to get ready to help. I saw them and ran to give them a hug. They saw my face and burst into tears. We all stood their hugging and crying for a while and then I turned to the police officer and said. "Could you please find out who took my kids without my permission and make sure this never happens again," and we walked away. I just wanted to leave, along with Kimball who felt awful, but I didn't want to punish my kids for something that wasn't really their fault (although we did discuss the importance of always telling me where they are). We ended up only staying for about 1/2 an hour, the kids were too upset. Kimball says she is never going to a rodeo again. And...we never even got pictures because the lady grabbed them right when it was their turn. Not that I really want to remember this night!