Oulaw Fishfry/Reunion 2010

The family reunion was a huge success. It was hot and humid but also a rare opportunity to visit with loved ones. I loved it. It was so sun to see faces I have not seen for 8 to 10 years. That is way tooo long. I met family members for the first time. I had the great pleasure of taking everyones picture. I fell in love with the kids' sweet smiles. Cindy worked very hard to prepare a feast. She is amazing and I can't thank her enough for her efforts. I posted different pictures on facebook so check those out also. I tried to post a slideshow here but could not get it to work. I put it in dropbox to share with family and friends.

Random thoughts on the event: Children are so much more happy to have their picture taken. I am not sure who declared it red t'shirt/hat day but we did not get the memo. I have not seen that many smokers in one place ever. The air was so hot and humid my lens instantly fogged when I stepped one foot out of the door. I love, love, love my family and my hobby. The two together are perfection.

He's growing up fast.

He is going to high school in a matter of weeks. He is practicing driving. He is becoming so grown up. Here is a little digital layout to try to capture the moment a little.

Segway Layout

Cool scrapbook page of a very cool kid. No, I will not buy you a segway. I just want to take pictures. It's too bad Daddy wasn't there to ride with you. That really would have been a photo op.

Branson Fun

The Hollywood Wax Museum was a big hit with the kids. I was impressed with the variety of exhibits. Some looked amazingly real and some not so much.

Jamie is a huge movie fan. All of the big hits were on display here.


I love this photo op. Jamie is ready to beam up with Kirk and Spock.


"Who is she?" I thought my kids saw way too much tv. Maybe not as much as I believed.


Both kids thought the mirror maze was a fun challenge. I am just glad they were there with me. I probably would have never made it out.

Jamie's big opportunity to ride a Segway. He cruised around the park like an expert and loved it.


There was so much to do and see. We barely scratched the surface. The kids can't wait to go back. We also enjoyed some shopping. I was too busy to stop and take pictures at the scrapbook store.

Showboat Branson Belle

The riverboat was a huge hit with all of us. The show was great, the food was delicious, and the view was fantastic. The weather was just right for a ride on the boat. After the drive up to Branson it was very relaxing to simply enjoy the breeze.


The kids posing with Mom and Dad.

Mom is petting one of the stars of the show. This Boston Terrier was part of a ventriloquist comedy act. We laughed so hard. It was good clean fun. Branson is known for that kind of entertainment.



The live show had great music and dancers. The music varied from rock to opera to Broadway. Jamie loved the jazz players. The costumes were beautiful. I was impressed with the elaborate show on such a small stage area. The service was also impressive. Our food was served quickly and the portions were generous.


Sarah petting a fake duck/goose on the dock. The look she is giving me says it all. "Do I really have to pose for this shot?'


The riverboat was huge. There was plenty of room to walk around and enjoy the view. I am so glad we planned to do this. It was money and time well spent. What a great start to our mini vacation.

Cleaning off the cards

I found this shot cleaning off the card of my G10. I am getting the cameras ready to go to Branson next week. I actually took this one on my birthday 3/17. I could not resist the spring blossoms. What a beautiful sight.

My last day at ALC. Most of the kids were skipping so we just had a handful of students. This building set was donated by someone. They did a very good job setting it up and running it. I miss the kids already. I hope they have a safe fun summer.


Sprinkler fun. When Sarah can not convince me to take her swimming she asks to play in the sprinkler. Her friend Jordan visited the other day and the pool questions began immediately. The sprinkler was quickly put to good use. The hula hoop was the accessory of choice. They frolicked together in the front yard in the hot Arkansas sun.


Happy Father's day early to Mike. The ipad is still pristine in the box. It is sooooo cool. This is Mike's new toy to take with him on his weekly business trips. The entire family loves it but it's hands off for all but Daddy. I have flipped through a book with it and loooved it. There is a reason this company is so successful. They pay attention to the tiniest details and then some.


Sarah and Jamie both had haircuts this week. Sarah had long layers cut all over. The longest length cut was about 6-7 inches. As you can see it is still very long. The long bangs are a big change and definitely an adjustment. She really likes it so far. Jamie had about 2 inches cut all over and it is still plenty long. We walked out of there with piles of hair on the floor yet they both still have long hair. Maybe Mike and I enjoy their hair so much because our own is beginning to turn gray, thin and fall out. Big sigh.

Summer begins

Our summer begins with a cookout and hot weather. It is already hitting 100 degrees in Benton. It is hot and humid. Thank goodness for air conditioning or we would never make it. The kids are already doing lots of nothing. We have very little planned this summer. I hope to scrapbook as much a possible. Just look at the fabulous pictures I took on Memorial day. All of the rain and sun has been great for the garden and flowers.