For about six months, we've been looking forward to, thinking about and preparing for the Clark County Fair. Duston & Sean selected a steer in September and since then we've been feeding, fitting and training him. We took our trailer down and became fair rats for Four-Fun-Filled Days! Here are a few memories from the unforgettable experience:
DAY 1: Duston competed in Jr. Market Beef Judging- where his steer was judged. Duston and Buddy both did well and looked great in the arena! He placed 5th in his class. Nice Job #629!
Fans included: Grandpa & Grandma; Uncle Derek, Aunt Megan, Stewart, JayLeigh & Maycie; Tory, Emilee, Ally & Jake; and all of us!
After the contest ended, we enjoyed the festivities of the fair- watching the hypnotist show, checking out the small animal pavilion, eating Hawaiian BBQ (which looked much better than it tasted) and letting the kids be silly with their new toys- purchased at bargain prices from one of the fair-booths. We topped off the day at the carnival- riding EVERY ride as many times as we could- since it wasn't very busy. We stayed until closing!
DAY 2: Duston competed in Showmanship- where his skills with the animal were judged. He had to answer questions from the judge and position Buddy's feet. He did a really GREAT job as a first-year, I was so proud watching him handle it all!!
Fans included: Grandpa & Grandma; Granny; Uncle Joe, Aunt Ash, Jordan & Jada; Uncle Drew, Aunt Loke, McKayla & Tyler; Aunt Emily, Taylor, Brinlee & Hannah; Aunt Jess & Hadley; Aunt Cass & Aunt Claire; and all of us.
We enjoyed lunch at MaggieAnns- Margaret Ann, the head cook, went to High School with my mom. They were cheerleaders together. We grew up with her kids, so it was fun to see many of them there. Plus the food was delish!
At the small animal pavilion, the kids were able to make their own stick horses and race the barrels and Jerett had a lesson in roping. They also got to see lots of baby animals- piglets, kids, chicks, bunnies, etc. The exhibit even had a camel, monkey, armadillo, and snakes. Jesse especially liked the roosters- and mastered his cock-a-doodle-doo!
DAY 3: In the morning, there was an awards assembly. The A-H 4H Club had several members who received awards, so we went to support them. Clayton even had the grand champion pig!
That afternoon was the auction. When all was said and done Duston commented that, "There were other people bidding on my steer, but grandpa wouldn't let them have it!" He was thrilled that his grandparents were so excited to support him and purchase Buddy. Now we can enjoy him for dinner!
DAY 4: Since the crowds weren't bad and our work with Buddy was done, we went to see some exhibits. The kids loved the old tractors, and were able to make rope with one kind farmer.
We'd never been in to see the displays before, but it was really cool. Jerett found the Legos, Mikelle found the preserves and Jesse found a ceramic train. Check out the super awesome ET costume someone made- it won the blue ribbon!
We had one last bite to eat- Jerett & Jake had been wanting a big pretzel all week. Then we went to see Ally's pig, Twix, for one last time. Jesse really liked the pigs.
After that- the fun was over, so we loaded up and headed home. All in all, we had a good experience. We learned a lot and came away with memories we'll cherish forever!!
It doesn't snow very often here, so when it does... we drop everything, pull on the bibs and hit it hard! We woke up to a Winter Wonderland last Sunday and even though there was only an inch and a half, we could not resist! Thank goodness for late church.
Going, Going... Gone!!!
The Annual Fishing Pond (for the under-aged); Soup, Salad, & Bread; Rice Crispies & Pumpkin Cake; Twinkling lights; Granny's backyard; Simply Delightful!
$100 Pot for "Best Dressed". Winners= Shrek & Family- NICE!
There's nothing like a new baby! With each child, my love inexplicably grows. I'm beginning to realize that it's not so much what they might learn from me, rather... I am continually learning from them! The greater the challenge, the more worth-my-while! I feel so very blessed!!!
Granny came to my rescue- thanks for the nap, clean sheets, and delicious food!!!
Due September 1Oth. It's another boy! So Jesse will have a roommate, Mikelle remains the princess of the house, and D&J can teach him the ropes. Seems simple enough, he'll need Dirt, Trucks and Food (a lot of it) to be happy- I think we can handle that. Boys are a blast!
After the contest ended, we enjoyed the festivities of the fair- watching the hypnotist show, checking out the small animal pavilion, eating Hawaiian BBQ (which looked much better than it tasted) and letting the kids be silly with their new toys- purchased at bargain prices from one of the fair-booths. We topped off the day at the carnival- riding EVERY ride as many times as we could- since it wasn't very busy. We stayed until closing!
Fans included: Grandpa & Grandma; Granny; Uncle Joe, Aunt Ash, Jordan & Jada; Uncle Drew, Aunt Loke, McKayla & Tyler; Aunt Emily, Taylor, Brinlee & Hannah; Aunt Jess & Hadley; Aunt Cass & Aunt Claire; and all of us. 
We enjoyed lunch at MaggieAnns- Margaret Ann, the head cook, went to High School with my mom. They were cheerleaders together. We grew up with her kids, so it was fun to see many of them there. Plus the food was delish! 
At the small animal pavilion, the kids were able to make their own stick horses and race the barrels and Jerett had a lesson in roping. They also got to see lots of baby animals- piglets, kids, chicks, bunnies, etc. The exhibit even had a camel, monkey, armadillo, and snakes. Jesse especially liked the roosters- and mastered his cock-a-doodle-doo!
We had one last bite to eat- Jerett & Jake had been wanting a big pretzel all week. Then we went to see Ally's pig, Twix, for one last time. Jesse really liked the pigs. 
After that- the fun was over, so we loaded up and headed home. All in all, we had a good experience. We learned a lot and came away with memories we'll cherish forever!!
Chapter Two: At Christmastime, I was walking my steer and he got excited, so I said, "Whoa Buddy!" And I thought of the movie Elf. From then on my steer was known as Buddy. I think he even looks a bit like Will Ferrell.
(Pictures Shown) October, January, April. The End
St. Patricks Day has always been a favorite for me! Maybe because I had an Irish friend in high school- and each year we would make a "green feast" to celebrate. I really think it's funny that you MUST wear green or get pinched! Who makes these things up? Jerett was on the prowl all day, just waiting for the opportunity to catch someone unprepared!
As you can see, it was a goofy day for us, definately unique. The "green eggs and ham" was a fun way to start the day. It looked scary, but, according to the boys, tasted just fine. (I didn't dare eat any. The cookies, however, were a different story- I had more than my fair share!) To top off the day, we had the traditional corned beef and cabbage for supper. YUMMMMMMMMM!
How time flies when you're having fun! And this is one fun kid! He's pleasant, happy, content, smart, funny and all around a GREAT BIG JOY to have in our home. Everybody loves Jesse.
We did this photo shoot to get a pic for his invitations. He thought he was so funny and acted just like a little monkey!
