VLV Photography

Remember when you were a kid and you kept bugging your parents to take you to the carnival/fair? You just couldn’t wait to eat yourself sick of cotton candy, fair popcorn, and anything else remotely unhealthy! You could go for hours from ride to ride, maybe see the rodeo clowns dodge some bulls at the rodeo, and my favorite part….see & pet all the animals in the “petting zoo.” I have so many fond memories of those days and I wanted to share a couple pictures that still, to this day, take me back to those happier times in my childhood.  The first one of me was probably taken about my son’s age {5} and I loved my lucky rabbit’s-tail {one of the many prizes to be won at one of those money-taking game booths}.  These images are actually the first of my own that I’ve scanned.  I guess I have something to learn about how to get rid of the white around the image after scanning! 

My brother {KenDrick} is in the lower-right corner….he would be so happy I put this pic on here with him in it {you might know the guy standing beside him too-we  grew up as neighbors}…ha!  At least one of the last things to go from fairs, carnivals, and the like are face painter’s.  I have a good friend that travels around in the summer just to be the “official face painter.”  What a fun “job” and what kid doesn’t love stopping at a face-painter’s booth?!

Oh….those were the days….{sigh}…the fair would be so packed you could easily get lost in the crowd.  How I miss those days and I wish my kiddos could have that kind of experience that only a small-town fair can give throughout their entire childhood.  Our kids really did have a lot of fun and they’re already excited for next year.  I hope 5 years from now they can still say they’re excited for next year.  I’ve seen the fair get smaller before my own eyes and it saddens me.  As a family, you can load up the vehicle and take the kids to the State Fair or to a bigger fair in a larger community; however, it’s the small-town fair that offers something so much sweeter.

Alexandra was so proud she picked the #3 duck and won a baton!  Needlesstosay, she sleeps with it!

Jozlyn had never had cotton candy before and let’s just say….she couldn’t get enough of it! 

Onto other news…only a couple more days of swimming lessons remain and I am amazed how brave those kids have gotten so quickly.  Some are already swimming on their own from one side of the pool to the other.  The lifeguards in Strasburg are doing a wonderful job for having a pretty large group.  On the third day I thought Xavier was done.  He wanted nothing to do with the “big water.”  He thought he should have a life jacket.  Now only a few days later, he’s jumping off the diving board and dunking and everything.  He’s so proud of himself and I am of him!  Swimming is like riding a bike, once you learn it, you never forget it.  The minimal fee it costs to give your child the ability to NOT DROWN is worth every penny.  The likelihood of going through childhood not knowing how to swim and then learn as an adult is slim to none.  How many adults do you know have taken swimming lessons?  I don’t know one person.  I explained that to Xavier when he was ready to give up.  I reminded him of all the fun he would miss out on when all his friends are swimming and he can’t because he doesn’t know how.  That was motivation enough…that and knowing how NOT to drown!

Well I think this is it for today.  I so wanted to get this posted before midnight as it would’ve still been officially Monday…didn’t make it.  It was a busy day in the Volk household!  I have several sessions I look forward to…..a couple children sessions and a couple engagement sessions!  Wahoo!  Oh and I can’t forget the wedding I’ve been anticipating for what seems like forever!  I booked this wedding long ago and it’s fast approaching on August 21st!  I soooo look forward to it Jade & Mickayla!  A nice, quiet road trip with just me and the radio   It’ll be like a mini-vacation for me doing what I love

Until next time…Live, Laugh, and Love the one you’re with…even if they’re a little person coming at you with sticky face & fingers ;)