Wynne Washmon, 5, rides a horse during Texas Day on Friday April 26, 2019 at Kids’ Kaleidoscope in Tyler. Kids’ Kaleidoscope is an early childhood learning program for children and a ministry of Pollard United Methodist Church. (Sarah A. Miller/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

While some of 4-year-old Bella Breedlove’s earliest outdoor adventures involved hanging out on the beach in Florida with her parents, she seems to be adjusting well to life in Texas. 

Bella’s parents, Bear and Bromli Breedlove, said she was eager to put on her cowboy boots soon after waking on Friday.

On Thursday and Friday, she and other preschoolers at Kids’ Kaleidoscope, a ministry of Pollard United Methodist Church, celebrated Texas Day with a variety of activities.

Children dressed up as cowboys and cowgirls and performed western tunes such as “Deep in the Heart of Texas,” “I’m a Texas Star,” and “Home on the Range” to an audience of their parents, friends and family members.

The playground area at the school was transformed to mirror that of a bustling ranch. Children were led on horseback rides by cowboys from Sky Ranch, enjoyed covered wagon rides and took countless photos. 

In an area located around the jungle gym, children pretended to pan for gold, milk cows and wash clothes by hand. Families also were treated to a picnic catered by Outback Steakhouse.

“It’s a great reflection of our Texas culture,” Bear Breedlove said of the event. “(Bella) spent the first four years of her life in Florida on the beach, so I hope this provides her a good representation of Texas heritage, where she’ll probably spend the rest of her life.”

Kids’ Kaleidoscope Director Kimberly Brasher said Texas Day has long been celebrated at the school and provides families an excellent time to bond.

“I think days like today give families time to focus on their little ones experiencing just fun, hands-on activities,” she said, adding that they were able to “put their phones away and just spend some quality time with (their) children.”

TWITTER:@TMT_Augusta