May I have this dance?

A couple of years ago Brad and I went to Virginia City, MT (an old ghost town). While we were up there we learned that every year they have a 1800's Ball. Anyone can go, so we thought that sounded like a way fun thing to do with some friends.

Virginia City is an old gold rush town, and it died just about as quick as it sprung up, but Montana has tried to preserve it as best they can. There are quite a few things to do ranging from browsing all the historical buildings, to actually panning for gold, to dancing the night away in an 1800's ball gown. (if your a girl)

Well we tried to have some family come with us, but it ended up not working out, so Brad and I found yourselves flying solo. Fortunately the 1860's dances were social dances. So we rented some costumes and away we went. We got into town a little early so we could look around, and we did a little panning for gold.



didn't come up with to much, but found ourselves some pretty little garnets. Then we got dressed up and went to dinner and then on to the dance.

There were some dance classes offered before hand that we never made it to, but thankfully we were able to catch on pretty quick. Actually there were several dances that we had learned in the dance class were we originally met and started dating. There was the Virginia reel, polka, and the waltz. Other than that the MC would walk us through the dances first so everyone could remember. What we like so much about the ball was the atmosphere was so different than that of modern day dances. You know if you go to a dance now day, you gotta avoid eye contact with those you don't want to dance with, and if you do want to dance you'd better make sure you've brushed up on your strip tease because that's about all dancing is these days! We really enjoyed the social dances where every person was involved in the dance. It really gives a person the chance to mingle and not be uncomfortable, and you are just so much for involved in the whole experience. Needless to say...we had a blast.











Brad found himself having a little too much fun...
getting into a bit of a fight..


and being cheeky with his date....




To end the night, we tried to find a camping spot on the way home, but the only one we found was full, so about 1:00 am we pulled over, blew up the air mattress in the back of the truck, and crashed. (Thank goodness for trucks!)

Winter in August?

Wes usually wakes up before me and just watches cartoons or something until everyone else wakes up. Well the other day he gets into the coat closet and finds all his winter gear.

I wake up to find him with hat, gloves, and boots on. Miles woke up shortly after that and Wes quickly recruits him to join the fun. They walked around the house for a good hour like this. cute boys.

Rainy day

It finally rained the other day, and Wes got so excited when I suggested he put his raincoat on and head on out. A few minutes of being out there and realizing the raincoat doesn't really do all that much, he came asking for an umbrella. I peaked out the window at him a few minutes later and couldn't resist the photo opportunity. It's a good thing I have a nice camera because I think I still haven't figured out how to "take a good picture."

"Participant"

A few weeks ago I was talking to my cousin on the phone when she asked me to be a "model" In her upcoming fashion show. You see, she's a fabulous hairstylist and the salon she works at was hosting a fashion show. The stylists would do all hair and makeup and then a local high end fashion boutique would be supplying the clothes line. My first answer was "No" (almost a "hell no") but then I got to thinking about it.
1. I was waaay over due for a hair appointment.
2. maybe I'd get some free clothes out of the deal.
3. what the heck.

So after careful thought, (and threatening Brad with WWIII if he told anybody about it) I called her back and said "ok...sign me up." Maybe I'm just going through a "almost thirty" life crisis, but I agreed. So first step was to get my hair ready. When I went in a few days before the show, I told my cousin she had free reign on anything but the length. Had I thought that bangs was an option, I wouldn't have given such a loose reign, but the option hadn't occurred to me. Well, since I was getting hooked up with a free cut and style, I agreed when she told me that was the first thing she wanted to do. Interestingly enough, just hours earlier I had had a conversation with my sister-in-law about how she was going to get bangs cut at her next hair appt. I told her no way I could do that. She must have thought me crazy when she saw the next day that I had major bangs.

And that has been the hardest to get used to. I don't think I've had bangs...well, I've never had bangs like this. They're kinda growing on me now, but we'll see if they stay.

So time for the fashion show. It was pretty dang fun. Me and the other "models" (I prefer "participant"...if you will) showed up around 1:00 to start getting ready for the 6:00 show. They had snacks and drinks all day, and took care of every detail. It was really like the movies. 6:00 rolls around and we're ready to go. I told myself earlier that if I could get through the event without laughing, I would call it a success. And I did. After a few run through's and some loosening up with some of the other... "participants," I was able to let go and have some fun with it.