BreyerFest 2018

So what is BreyerFest? It is the annual model horse festival and horse fair for Breyer model horses brings together fans, vendors, and stars of Breyer horses. Horses that have been portrayed as Breyer model horses are present for demonstrations and photo opportunities. Crafts and kids activities are also available as well as plenty of shopping opportunities. There are arena performances, seminars on horses and Breyer model horse collecting, workshops, the BreyerFest Marketplace, and more!

And Madeleine, Charlotte and I just returned from our first BreyerFest. It will forever be known as the first time Charlotte said “I am tired of shopping!” The girls had a good time watching horse shows and demonstrations, meeting the horses and of course shopping for Breyers. 

Kidless in Hawaii

The kids were at camp last week (Madeleine and Charlotte went to The Pines and James went to Newcombe Tennis Ranch) so Brannon and I headed to Hawaii for 5 days. We left on Sunday and came back at 6am on Saturday, just in time to pick the girls up in East Texas at 9am. Our great friends the Bryarly’s ferried James to and from the Hill Country since their sons were attending the same camp. 

We had a great time exploring Maui’s beaches, volcano, coastline, shops and restaurants. Our excursions included a sail from Lahaina, a pineapple plantation tour, a drive up Haleakalā to see the sunrise and then bike ride down the volcano, snorkeling on the beach at Kapalua, shopping at the Whaler’s Village, and a sunset dinner at Wailea. Now that we’ve seen all Hawaii has to see and do, we’d love to take the kids someday. 

Car Rally

Brannon took James on a car rally in Missouri and Arkansas earlier this month. The rally was organized and hosted by a car but we met at the Crescent Classic Ferrari rally that Brannon and I attended a few years ago. This rally was smaller but included many different types of cars instead of just one manufacturer. Brannon and James too the Alfa Romeo 4C. This turned out to be the last road trip in this car for them as Brannon sold the car at the end of the month when he purchased another two-seater. 

First Two Horse Shows

Madeleine competed in two horse shows on back to back weekends this month. The first show was a great learning experience and the second was a little more relaxed as we had just been through the whole process the weekend before. Here are a few pics from the two weekends. 

Madeleine placed in everything single thing she entered - a great result for her and Winston!!

Paper for Water

Madeleine and I volunteered for Paper for Water this weekend as part of our National Charity League (NCL) commitment. It was our first time volunteering for the organization and we had fun teaching others how to fold paper butterflies and learning about the Paper for Water organization. I look forward to volunteering many more hours with Madeleine over the next six years through NCL. 

About NCL:

National Charity League, Inc. (NCL, Inc.) is a non-profit national organization of mother and daughter members in Chapters across the United States. National Charity League was established in 1925, when a group of women founded the organization in Los Angeles. They supported the American Red Cross by making layettes and assembling food baskets for the hungry during the holidays. The women engaged their daughters and by 1938, the daughters formed their own group.

In 1947, all groups united to become the nation’s first mother-daughter charity. National Charity League expanded its program beyond philanthropic work to include educational and cultural activities. National Charity League was reorganized and incorporated in 1958 to become National Charity League, Inc.

MISSION

The Mission of NCL, Inc. is to foster mother-daughter relationships in a philanthropic organization committed to community service, leadership development and cultural experiences.

VISION

Through the mother-daughter relationship, National Charity League, Inc. will develop strong women leaders serving and impacting communities today and for generations to come.

Core Values

• Honoring the mother-daughter bond by together learning, growing and modeling responsibility and graciousness
• Empowering women with the skills and confidence to lead
• Nurturing through mentorship
• Inspiring a legacy of social awareness and compassion
• Providing depth of support in local communities
• Integrity and excellence in everything we do

1st Holy Communion

Charlotte made her 1st Holy Communion this past weekend. She has spent months preparing for this special day at school. It's was a very special Mass as she led the church in the Offeratory song, her brother and sister were altar servers and her Granddad got to be a Eucharistic minister. Charlotte wore her sister's 1st Communion dress and my tiara from my wedding. I think her favorite part was the veil. 👰🏼

Newest Black Belt

We have a new black belt in the family! Charlotte did so well on her black belt test that she was awarded the "best test" trophy for the class. We are so proud of her! She is now the 4th black belt along with her Granddad, Dad and brother. I'm still taking lessons as well and have achieved the rank of red belt. One day l'll catch up to the others. 😉