Sassy Hair Cuts

Well, after great effort was expended, the girls finally decided to let us get some of their hair cut off. We think their styles are quite, well, sassy.

They have been flitting about the house with their new dos and really being, well, sassy.

(Katie, after returning from the styling salon, stated that, "This hair cut makes me feel 2 years younger. She's only 8 year old.)

Balloon Fest

This was our first year in the house that we got to experience Balloon Fest. Balloon Fest is an annual event that has been held in Ashland for the past 15 or so years. We have a real close view because it happens in the field just behind our house.

There were nearly 30 Balloons in the event and thousands of people show up just to see the balloons.


Just prior to the actual event, they offered tethered balloon rides. Katie, Emma and I got in line, but by the time we got in the basket, only Emma and I got on and she probably only looked for 20 seconds of our 4 minutes ride.

The Purple People Eater was the popular balloon for the kids.


At night, the balloon pilots put on a show with an orchastrated balloon glow. 17 balloons participated in this and it was a real crowd pleaser.


Early risers got the benefit of seeing the balloons launched. It seems that morning is the best time for balloons to be launched.

Face Painting

The kids got to have free face painting masterpieces applied at one of the Balloon Fest booths.

Extra Fun at Balloon Fest

There was more fun to be had at Balloon Fest than just balloons. The kids got to play carnival games and below you can see the kids in a balloon basket.


We had a nice hike in the woods behind the field that hosted the balloon fest with the kids.

Fun with the Mask

Aunt Paula brought up a very funny mask just for kicks for Balloon Fest. Just about everyone tried on. Here's a collage of just a few of us with the mask on.