Old Fashioned Day

Benton's annual downtown festival was yesterday. It was a nippy 50 degrees. Turnout was kind of low. There were very few booths to visit. This used to be a beg deal for Benton. I think it has just slowly lost it's appeal. Most of the booths were selling jewelry and candles. We did enjoy a fresh funnel cake. I had to take a picture of the Chihuahua and baby sharing a stroller. They were both shivering.

We tackled a long over due project this weekend. Mike received a fabulous new power washer for his birthday this year. We used it to remove the very unattractive green mold growing on our white siding. I am not sure what to think of the picture of Jamie. It looks like someone needs to call the authorities on us for child endangerment. On the other hand, we were very proud of Jamie for doing such a great job. The front of the house looks so much better. We also weeded and trimmed the flower beds a little. All we need now are a few pumpkins to decorate for fall.

Go Panthers.

Before.

After.

Marching.

Waiting.


Watching.

Football is back in full swing. The junior high band does not travel so we only attend the home games The rain stopped last night just long enough to enjoy the game. We are seriously being washed away here in Benton. Salt Creek was rocking and rolling on the way to school today. I tried to get some good shots in the dark once again. Here are a few of my favorites. Getting a good picture of Jamie is really hard. He is positioned in the back at all times. He also does not appreciate Mom hanging around with the camera. I am still trying.

I hope to do a little fall decorating this weekend. Halloween will be here before I even get a chance to put a pumpkin out.

Just Looking.

Mike's Bronco radar went off tonight on the way to supper. He sensed it from a mile away. We had to stop and examine it thoroughly. Mike tried to convince Jamie what a great car it would make for him. No such luck there. Jamie is rock n roll all the way. Anything remotely redneck is off his radar. Then I went to visit Dad and took this shot of Tot. He was loving on his toy pug and looked too cute. Lots of house cleaning here today but still more to do. Bummer.

Picture Play

Here are a few photos from today's practice session. Sarah is my usually very patient model. I am lucky to take more than one of Jamie. That is why you rarely see pictures of him here. I am thankful Sarah is still young enough to be willing. I think I will start stalking the neighbors kids.

This has been a very busy week. I worked every single day and my house is a wreck. Thursday was a terrible day at ALC. One kid was brought in by the police wearing a new ankle bracelet. This was very disruptive. Today was much better. The isolation room is designed as punishment. It is super hard on me and I don't suffer from ADHD. I have starting walking during my lunch. This makes the day so much better. There are good sidewalks all around the area. I can set the ipod with a 30 minute timer and go. I have met some lovely subs there this week. Several people have been out and I really enjoyed meeting other subs in the district.

Some OCBR shots

Taking pictures of the parade line up and repairing the Bronco at the same time.

This is a cool Bronco trick. One drives on top of the other. Just for fun. They get a big kick out of this and I take lots of pictures.




This is my happy place defined. My camera in hand and a sweet smiling face in front of me. What a treat to photograph this guy. One creative dad made his son's wagon into a Bronco. It has a cup holder and license plate. It was a huge hit at the festival. Precious.

Sarah wanted to take this dog home. Uhm... NO. He was cute. He had a big bad bark just like our chihuahuas.

Fearless Tour 2009

Saturday night Dawn and I took the girls to see Taylor Swift. I was kind of neutral about going because I am not a huge country fan. Sarah on the other hand loves Taylor Swift. The concert sold out in about 10 minutes. We lucked into some tickets online and had a great time. The concert was really more contemporary pop music. Taylor put on a fabulous show with dancers and costumes. She inspired girls in the arena with ages ranging from 3 to me and older. She talked to them about peer pressure, boys and following their dreams. I was very impressed with her. I hope she can maintain that positive role model status. The girls are modeling the shirts Dawn made. She got very creative and used pictures from the Internet as iron on transfers. The results were wonderful. This also happened to be Alyssa's birthday. Her tickets to the concert were part of her gift. She is posing with her best friend Wesley on one of the trailers at the arena. What a sweet bunch of girls. I love them and I am so thankful for each one of them.

We are busy as usual. The flu or something is going through the schools. I get subbing calls every single day. I have barely even been home. I have lots of wonderful pictures from our Bronco weekend I hope to post this week.

Go Climb a Mountain

That is exactly what Mike will be doing these next few days. He's in his happy place. It's time for his annual Bronco Roundup in Hot Springs. They come from near and far. They come in a variety of shapes and colors. They come for the thrill of the climb. I come for the pictures. The men stand and talk about their machines and then push them to the limits. I wish I could hold my camera steady as we climb a 90 degree slope. It would help distract me from visions of sliding back down or rolling over. I rode along briefly today. We only attempted mild trails. The harder level ones scare me too much to enjoy them. It is a family affair with kids playing happily in the dirt. This little guy showed me his car collection. He was a cutie. If the weather permits I will go back for more good shots.