Berry picking
Hubby and I decided to take Bear berry picking early Saturday morning. We invited our friends Kristen and Bridgette to go with us.
After researching some local berry farms on Pickyourown.org, I decided to give Bobrook Farms a try. Right now they have ripe and delicious Blackberries and blueberries ready to be picked. If you pick your own the price is $2.50 a pint and $5 a pint if they pick them for you. Since the farm is located close to Pinnacle Mountain, we decided to pack our lunch and have a picnic at the mountain after our berry picking.
The girls ready to get their berry picking on!
If you ask me, picking your own is the way to go. Bear loved hunting for the perfect berries to add to her basket. Bridgette and Kristen also enjoyed the hunt for the perfect berry.
Bridgette and Bear before the great blueberry hunt.
We decided to hit the patch early to avoid the heat and to get the best pick of berries. We arrived at the patch around 7:15 a.m. the weather was perfect for about an hour or so, then it began to get a little too muggy to be in the sun and we were getting hungry.
Big berry number one, big blueberry number two and Kristen with her little orange bucket.
Time to pick blackberries!
Behold the great blackberry hunters!
Yummy!
We packed up our freshly picked fruit and headed to Pinnacle for a nice picnic in the shade. Luckily we found the perfect table in the shade close to the playground. After lunch, Bear and Bridgette played for a while and we headed home.
It’s hot outside, cool off with a free movie
That’s right, I said free movies.
Summer has finally reached Arkansas. If you’re not hanging out at the pool, it’s almost too hot to do any other activity outside right now. Why not pack up the kids and head to Chenal 9 in Little Rock for their Free Summer Vacation Movie Series? A different movie is offered every Tuesday thorough Thursday at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. through August 1.
Racing Stripes kicks off the season June 11-13 – This PG movie is about an abandoned Zebra who is convinced he is a racing horse. The film premiered in 2005 and is one of my daughter’s favorite movies — and yes, we own the DVD.
Need a list of the other movies? No problem, I just happen to have it.
- June 18-20: Sesame Street’s Follow That Bird
- June 25-27: Journey 2: The Mysterious Island. This PG film is one of my favorite family movies. Dwayne Johnson (aka Eye Candy) is hilarious.
- July 2-4: Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax. Yet another G rated movie, perfect for the young and the old.
- July 9-11: Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted. Can’t go wrong with Madagascar.
- July 16-18: Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory. I would love to see this movie again.
- July 23-25: Hotel Transylvania. This is another family favorite. My daughter received this movie in her Easter Basket. Every time we watch it, my daughter talks like Dracula for the rest of the day.
- July 30-August 1: Lassie Come Home. Another movie I am eager to see again.
But wait, there’s more! I have always wanted to say that.
Don’t forget the drink, popcorn and candy combos for only $4.50.
Chenal 9 is located in the Promenade at Chenal, 17711 Chenal Pkwy. in Little Rock.
*Note, while this is a compensated post, all opinions expressed belong to me.
Wordless Wednesday. a day late: Recital pics
Rebecca and cousin Katie ready to hit the stage for the Sister, Sister dance.
We are Family: Bear, my mom, cousin Katie and Aunt Paula pose for a photo.
Bear and Katie rocking out to “TTYLXOX”
Time for Hip Hop!
“Fashion is My Kryptonite.”
Shaking it to “Land of 1,000 Dances.”
My Beautiful Dancer!
And the winner is………..
Amy is Little Rock Mama’s newest contest winner. What did she win? Amy is now the proud owner of four tickets to the opening night performance of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Thursday, June 6. Circus continues through Sunday, June 9 at Verizon Arena.
Please private message Little Rock Mamas on Facebook to claim your prize!
Send in the Clowns (Giveaway post)
Contest is closed at this time. Congrats to Amy, she is the winner of the circus tickets. Thanks for entering.
Lucky Mama here, so Moody Mom and I recently got to spend some time with a couple of clowns. No I’m not talking about our husbands 
, we got to hang out with Dave and Cheree, a very funny husband and wife clown team who are Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey’s only full-time Ambassadors of Laughter.
I’m glad Yavonda cleared up the fact that we are not talking about hanging out with our husbands, although Brad is a redhead. Well kind of redhead, if you don’t count the huge bald spot – Moody Mom.
Proving that life isn’t fair, Dave’s makeup takes 10-15 minutes and he can be dressed in 3-5 minutes.
Cheree said her makeup takes a full hour to put on. As for getting dressed, add another hour. See — even as clowns, guys have it easier!
If that sounds like a fun job, it is. Basically, Cheree and Dave tour cities about a month before the circus is due to arrive in town. They talk to the media, to bloggers (like us!), visit schools, libraries and hospitals and basically make sure that folks know the circus is headed to town.
I agree, It sounds like a great job and a great way to travel. Hey Yavonda, want to become a clown with me and travel the USA? – Moody Mom.
This time, the show is Fully Charged, which is running June 6-9 at Verizon Arena. Some of the highlights include a laser-light show by Anton, high-wire walkers (think about walking on a wire the size of your thumb — that is what these guys are going to do), jugglers, horses, camels, elephants (oh my!) and of course, the clowns. Go here if you want to see more on the show and its acts, as well as ticket info.
I can’t wait until opening night. Hubby, Bear and I are going with some friends. There will be twelve of us ready for some fun at the circus. - Moody Mom.
Before I forget, I want to tell you about the All Access Pre-Show. First up, it is free with your admission to the circus. Basically, if you show up an hour before the show starts, you get to meet some of the performers, try on costumes and see some animals up close. And did I mention that it doesn’t cost extra? This is a great way to start you night at the circus.
Hubby and I have taken Bear to the All Access Pre-Show twice already and we plan on taking her again when the circus comes to town this June. It gets fairly crowded at the pre-show. Be sure to arrive a little early, it gets crowded! – Moody Mom.
So back to Dave and Cheree. They have been married 21 years and they actually met at an audition for clown college. How cute is that?
Sounds like fate, if you ask me. They are such a cute couple and I enjoyed spending time with them. – Moody Mom.
Cheree, whose background is in dance and gymnastics, said she dreamed of being in the circus since she was a kid. For Dave, well it was his fallback gig after aerospace engineering didn’t work out. I kid you not. He was studying aerospace engineering and having a tough go of it. His dad (who was a hometown clown in Ohio) told him that he should try clown college. So he did.
I thought Dave was making a joke about this at first. – Moody Mom.
The pair joined Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey in 1999. This is their 7th years as Ambassadors of Laughter.
Being a tad bit of a moody girl, I had to ask how they were able to be so cheery all of the time. Clowns and other performers feed off the energy in the room. They love to hear laughter and cheering from the crowd. Remember this when the circus comes to town. – Moody Mom.
So once Moody Mom and I quizzed them about the show and their lives, it was time for a few tricks. They showed us a little juggling (complete with a lot of laughs) and then asked for a volunteer. Moody was quick to volunteer me. And that is how I found myself in the middle of their juggling act.
Yes, I threw Yavonda under the bus, claiming I had to take the pictures. Now I wish I would have volunteered also. Looks like a lot of fun. – Moody Mom.
I’m not moving.
Nope, not moving.
I survived!
It was a lot of fun. But if you’re ever in the middle of two clowns juggling bowling pins, be sure and listen when they tell you not to move.
Wanna go to the circus? Thanks to the Angela Rogers Group, Little Rock Mamas is giving away four vouchers for opening night of Fully Charged at Verizon Arena! Vouchers must be exchanged at box office for tickets. To enter, leave a comment on this post about your favorite circus memory. Deadline is Memorial Day. Good Luck!
Our new toy
Bear has been begging for a trampoline for the last couple of years. I am a tad bit over protective and I did not want that potential dangerous thing in my yard.
One of Bear’s best friends has a trampoline that is frequently graced with several little girls, including Bear . At first, I would freak out praying my baby did not get hurt. So far, knock on wood, no injuries. This year hubby and I decided it was time to take down Bear’s swing set and purchase a trampoline. One with a heavy-duty enclosure, of course.
Hubby spent most of the day Sunday assembling the trampoline and taking down the swing set. Was it worth it? Bear squealed with delight and shouted, “Becca Happy,” as she entered the trampoline for the first time.
Hubby and Bear were having so much fun playing on the trampoline, I had to join them. I would not let anyone jump at the same time as me and I was careful not to dislocate my knee again. My knees are a little sore, but it was worth it.
Looks like it’s going to be a fun summer!
Hubby and Bear playing on our new toy.
I think she likes it.
Hubby seems to be enjoying the trampoline also.
Oh yes I did!
Gearing up for our seventh recital
It’s been another great year of dance! Bear gets ready to hit the stage in a couple of weeks for her seventh recital. Yes, I will have lots of recital pictures to share. In the mean time, check out these great pictures that Arkie Mama’s talented husband took of Bear in one of her costumes.
Look at that sweet face!
Say cheese.
Marissa’s Dancers signature pose.
I love this jumping photo.
Another great jumping photo.
Ready to hit the stage.
Wordless Wednesday: Can I do a cartwheel?
That’s me in front twenty something years ago.
For some reason I decided to attempt a cartwheel for Mother’s Day. It took me a couple of preps.
I informed hubby to have 911 on speed dial and away I went.
My family and I were amazed that I was able to complete a cartwheel without injury. I was so proud of myself. This 40-year-old still has some spring in her step.
A wonderful Mother’s Day weekend
This year I decided to have a Mother’s Day weekend. That’s right, an entire weekend of Mama knows best, listen to your mother and grant my every wish.
Hubby and I kicked off the weekend by getting ready for a yard sale Friday night. Why would this be one of my wishes? We have been trying to have a yard sale for the last two years. For a mom with OCD, this was one thing off my “To do list. ”
Saturday morning Hubby and I were up bright and early to greet our bargain hunters. My mom came over to take Bear to dance so I could stay and help hubby with the sale. I know that manning a yard sale does not seem very fun, but hanging out and talking to hubby for the entire morning was kind of nice and the weather was perfect.
Saturday night hubby took the family for a wonderful dinner at Crazy Hibachi.
I had planned on going to church Sunday morning, but we stayed in bed for some much-needed rest. Hubby cooked breakfast while Bear and I prepared the agenda for the day.
First up, Sports Academy to purchase Bear a new bike.
Second thing off of my “To do List.”
Next, Wal-Mart. Another thing off my “To do List.” Us moms with OCD love marking things off our list.
Bear has been trying to learn how to ride her bike without the training wheels for some time now. She has always been a little scared of riding her bike, even with her first tricycle. Hubby did some research on how to teach your child to ride a bike and off to the park we went.
We searched high and low for the perfect grassy hill, more like a mound, for Bear to coast down. The idea was to teach the child balance and to get the child comfortable with the bike. Bear coasted down the hill for the next 30 minutes then announced, “I think I want to try to ride across the field.”
Hubby helping Bear learn to ride her bike.
Bear is so proud of herself. Brad ran behind her the entire time. I love my family.
Hubby held onto the back of the bike and ran behind Bear as he shouted words of encouragement. He is such a wonderful father. I couldn’t tell you how proud I was when he let go and Bear took off. Of course I was right behind them photographing the entire event.
Bear rode to the end of the field, dropped her bike and ran full force at me, boosting the biggest smile. I put down my camera and welcomed her sweet embrace. As a mother, that moment was one of the best gifts I could ask for . I also loved the beautiful card bear made for me and the rose-bush she purchased with her own money. Hubby paid for my upcoming bloggers conference and my beautiful Hibiscus bush.
We decided to celebrate Bear’s accomplishment with a treat from TCBY.
The fun wasn’t over yet, Hubby also purchased a lantern for Bear and I to launch at the Komen Illuminate the Sky event over the Big Dam Bride. Bear was so excited when the volunteer handed her some markers to write a message on her lantern. My mother-in-law (a.k.a. Nona) was diagnosed with Breast Cancer last year. She is doing well, but we still worry about her, especially Bear.
Bear’s message to her Nona.
While waiting for the release time, we sat down to visit with some friends of ours. Finally, It was time to release the lantern. Bear was full of excitement as our lantern took flight. She was hopping the lantern would make it all the way to Nona in Arizona. Bear tracked our lantern as it, according to Bear, headed toward Arizona.
Ready, set, let go!
Nona’s lantern on the way to Arizona!
As a mother who suffered for years with Endometriosis, I thank God everyday for allowing me to be a mother. I could not imagine my world without my precious miracle!
Wordless Wednesday: God Bless You
Rebecca decided to wear her cape on her head as she whispered “God Bless You” to every person who walked out of Sam’s.
About Me
Hello I'm Kristina, a 40-year-old OCD and hormonal mom to a very sassy — but also very sweet — 10-year-old daughter lovingly nicknamed Bear.
I was born and raised in Little Rock, and married my high school sweetheart, Brad, when I was 18.
My blog is about living, loving and lots of laughing.
And of course, sassiness. 