Rocky Mountain Black Conservatives

I follow a conservative group through Facebook called the Rocky Mountain Black Conservatives.  It's led by a guy named Derrick Wilburn who I really respect.  His opinions are very similar to mine overall and he's a really great father, too.  I'm always trying to show my son, Michael, strong Christian black men that he can look up to.  Derrick is a very good example.  We attended one of the group's rallies shortly before election day.  All the speakers were good, but we particularly enjoyed the man who told the story of the Star Spangled Banner and it's creation.

Royally Waste of Money

 I had been looking forward to our trip to the Royal Gorge for about half a year before we finally managed to get there.  Unfortunately, I didn't plan it very well.  We arrived on a day when they closed early and found out that it cost a whole lot more than expected.  It was actually laughably unrealistic pricing.  It's a bridge over a gorge, not exactly Disneyland.

So, we chose to just take pictures at the entrance instead.  Honestly, we got a nice view of the gorge itself from off to the side and the pictures we took at the gift store were pretty fun.  The kids liked the teepee and the totem pole.  I wished we hadn't come at sunset.  The gorge was a lot further away than I had thought it was.  At least the kids all accepted the change of plans with good grace.

Bunco Backup

The ladies at my church have a long standing Bunco group that gets together once a month.  When they short a player or two they sometimes call me to fill in.  I've never won anything, but it's fun to play.  I'd heard about this game for years, but never gotten a chance to play before.  Afterwards, I picked up a boxed version of the game and taught the kids to play.  They really liked it, too.

Bunco Backup

 The ladies at my church have a long standing Bunco group that gets together once a month.  When they short a player or two they sometimes call me to fill in.  I've never won anything, but it's fun to play.  I'd heard about this game for years, but never gotten a chance to play before.  Afterwards, I picked up a boxed version of the game and taught the kids to play.  They really liked it, too.

Colorado Fall

Pep Rally!

 Danya and Gloria's school had a pep rally on crazy hair day.  We made Danya's hair crazy, but nothing could beat the kid with the fro-hawk.  They played Raiders of the Lost Ark and Michael Jackson's Thriller.  I really like taking photos of their band room and the pep rallies and concerts.  I don't have pictures of that sort of thing from when I was in band.  I only have a couple photos from one parade.  Hopefully, my kids will be able to look back at these and smile.

Fall Concert

Our first year with two girls in the band!  Danya on the slide trombone and Rosie rocking the alto sax.  They look so awesome with their instruments I can't help squealing with pride when I see them.  My babies, my little girls, are finally bandos.  My dream has always been to have all my kids play musical instruments.  God seems to provide one just in time.  This year, Daniel's little sister Aunt Jennie gave Gloria her old sax from high school.  It's in great condition and Glo is a natural playing it.  I'm so proud of them both!

Just Us Girls

 Sometimes, on a Tuesday, Daniel really needs to sleep because there is an event in the evening happening.  On those days, Katie, Karyie and I have a special time together, just us girls.  We have deep conversations about things like why boys are gross and how Katie wants to be an airplane flyer when she grows up.  Karyie wants to be a mommy or whatever Katie is going to be.  This photo of Katie on the slide seems so priceless to me.  She will never be this perfect size to do this again.  I wish I could freeze frame her at this size and remember every funny conversation we've had.  Her mind and her curiosity astound me and keep me laughing all day long.

Peek-a-BOO!

 The entertainment value of a cardboard box can NEVER be overestimated.

Who Are You?

 And this year's costumes, in no particular order or cuteness: Bri the Bee, Karyie as Minnie, Mike and Shane the Ninja Assassins (much cooler than Bi), Katie the Puppy, Gloria as Dorothy, Jordan the Geisha Girl, Danya as Red Riding Hood, Kevin and Daddy as the Mario Brothers, and Polly as a School Girl.  For costume day at Polly's school she wore Jordan's Geisha Girl Outfit and gave it a whole new look.

Alayna, 6 Months

 Molly asked me to take Alayna's six month photos.  She was too cute for words!  Her little bumblebee costume was absolutely adorable.  Brianna loved taking photos together in their costumes.  We also took photos of Molly in her homecoming outfit for her school.  She was so beautiful!