Daylight Come, Daylight Go...Down at the Y Bar O

Spring works is my absolute favorite time of year on the ranch.  Especially days that I am on the payroll!  You just can't beat the vast wide open spaces and untouched countryside seen from atop a horse.  Breathing in the cool morning air and the hearing the sound of the cowboys spurs as they jingle...all reasons why I love living on a ranch.  I will say that ranch work is not for the faint of heart...and you better be all in if you head out to round-up that morning because more than likely you will end up miles from the house and you don't head home until that days task is complete.  It certainly takes a special person to be a rancher...a good combination of cow sense, love for the country and manuel labor...and that is what makes them so special!

  

Carnival Time in West Texas

I must admit the carnival wasn't nearly as nostalgic as it was at age 13.  Partially because now that I am a mom, I stayed busy assessing the safety of each ride and making sure I hadn't seen any of the Carnies' photos on America's Most Wanted.  I was in fact a little disappointed that this particular carnival seemed so small (how can you have a carnival without a ferris wheel???), however it might be because my fondest memories as a child have faded away.  Or perhaps it was the fact that the wind was blowing
about 90 miles an hour and I was constantly dodging clouds of dust while trying to protect my expensive camera equipment.

My disappointment, however was quickly replaced with joy as I watched the magic in little Hallie's eyes.  After all, isn't that what the carnival is all about???  At first, she seemed a little unsure, but after completing her first ride, she was hooked.  I have to report that this confirmed the fact that we have a little daredevil on our hands...I mean how many kids take their 1st roller coster ride in a diaper?

All and all, it was a fun family evening and while the carnival has a little bit different meaning to me now a days, I am already looking forward to taking Hallie back again next year.

      

Sister Sister

Thats right folks, it's that time a year...the annual "Paclik" sister spring break photo shoot.  I had big expectations for this year's photo shoot, however it was cut a bit short for lets just say...reasons beyond our control.  Nevertheless, it was fun and fabulous as usual.  Enjoy!  :)

Isn't it funny...

Isn't it funny how sometimes we take the best pictures when we least expect it?  I can get Hallie all decked out in her Sunday best, wait until the perfect time of day, drive to the perfect location and still end up being slightly disappointed with the results.  Partially because well, frankly that is just the luck of the draw with a two year old, but also because sometimes I think I try too hard.

Today the weather was GORGEOUS...especially for the time of year in West Texas when the wind howls.  However, today was an exception and while out just simply enjoying the evening (play clothes, dirty face and all) I got a couple of pictures of Hallie that were just plain pretty.  So pretty in fact, that I had to share.  ;)

Po-Po

This is Po-Po...he knows grasses.  He knows everything you would want to know about grasses, and then some...and he loves to teach it.

Po-Po starts 'em early.  Apparently 2.5 is not too early.  Today he taught Hallie about "Lovegrass".

Because I am an accomplished "grass judger" already (and my whole intention in this outing was to practice my photography), I decided to sit this one out and document with photographs instead.

My toddler still poses a challenge when photographing...she is just too busy!  However, I decided to shoot in all manual and can finally say I feel comfortable with it.  :)  I am very pleased with how these photos turned out.

Even more so pleasing is spending time with family...and I am truly blessed to have some of the best!

Let's RODEO Las Vegas!

The National Final Rodeo was definitely the highlight of my trip.  I have been wanting to go as far back as I can remember.  It is the ultimate of all rodeo experiences.  I had a blast watching AND taking pictures.  The picture taking was a little interesting from the second level.  The flash or course doesn't help in that situation so I definitely had to experiment with my settings.  The results aren't professional quality, but nevertheless a way to document a fantastic experience.  

                                                                THE END!!!

Viva Las Vegas!

Our recent trip to "Sin City" was more than fabulous!  It is definitely a place I travel back to although I originally thought it would be a "one time" destination for me.  I have to admit, I was mesmarized by the lights and sheer energy that surrounded me.  This small town girl was definitely amazed.  Although Cody and I aren't big gamblers, we do enjoy having a few drinks and a good time.  The simple fact that we were surrounded by some of our best friends made it even more enjoyable!

Taking "vacation" pictures still proves to be a challenge for me...especially when traveling with Cody Wood.  I always feel like people are waiting on me when snapping photos and that makes me go into an ever so slight panic mode.  Also combined with the fact that we try to see EVERYTHING during the short duration of our stay.  Sometimes I wish I had time to step back and get a little more creative, but that just never happens.  On the contrary, I am on vacation to have fun and take in all the sights and sounds...without having to look through the lens of a camera.  With that said, these were some of my favorite pictures in which I felt captured the mood of Vegas.  Stay tuned for my next which will be dedicated solely to the National Finals Rodeo!