Class of '88

(For me to remember) Back row: TJ Allen, Mike Blue, Suzanne Strickland, Bill Clem, Josh Kibe, Chris Wann, Billie Jo Ellis, Terence James, Ronald Richardson.  Middle row: Tracie Coleman, Mollie Grace, Michelle Clouse , Robin Baker, Sabrina Pool, Sarah Isaacs, me, Melanie Brooks, Lackey Moody, David Shetron.  Front: Jennifer McDoniel, Wendy Samples, Susan Painter, Amanda Pickett, Kristi Parks, Paula Reynolds

 Class reunion from last month!

Tailgate party: Michelle, Josh, Bryson, Chris, TJ, Mike
Photo by Samantha Hayes

good times in Batesville

 Ariel & I visited Mom in Arkansas.  I had an informal 25th high school class reunion.

First, we both got haircuts from Sheila at the Hair Loft.

 We visited Terence and company at the antique mall, then played in puddles in the pocket park on Main Street.

 Enjoying world-class Mexican food!  Yes, Batesville has great authentic Mexican food.

 Meeting Margaret and her family.  Margaret & I have been friends since 3rd grade.  She lives in Florida now, but we gathered at her mom's house with Terence, too (should've had a group photo, but we were too busy talking.)

 Margaret's son, Ozzie, loaned Ariel his Star Wars jacket to nap under.

 Picking out pumpkins with Grandma Alice.

Spa time in Alice's luxurious bath tub!

fun times with Grandma Alice

 In Batesville, we visited the Humane Society, where Mom helps take animals to and from their vet appointments.  This is the Sara Low Cat Room, where cats live in comfort until they find families.

 Garfield was very snuggly.  The next day, he went to a family.

 At Alice's house, Ariel often climbed into this cat condo.

Ariel's first (salon) haircut

 On March 26th, Ariel had her first real haircut in a salon.  We went to the Hair Loft in Batesville, where Sheila has been cutting my hair since I was 5.  Ariel felt more comfortable sitting in my lap, and Sheila went right to work.  Debra (on the right) is Sheila's niece, and they've worked together for years.  Debra entertained Ariel with a Hello Kitty toy and lollipop during the haircut.

Ariel was dubious at first, but once she caught sight of her beautiful self in the mirror, she realized it was "beauty time" and she calmed down.

Beautiful!

a few photos from home and Arkansas

Nene & Ralph watching Mr. Dalal's house and the snow.

Some of Terence's dogs.  Due to dog-neglecting neighbors, several dogs  recently joined his family.  I forgot to photograph Terence and his mom, Sheila, but I did get Miss Pug and Miss Pie.

Ariel with Grandma Alice at the cabin

eating blackberries at Alice's house

pumpkin girl

Cousin Charlene (above) and Aunt Grace came to visit from many miles away. Our visits overlapped just one day, but it was great to see them.

"Thanks for the fun time, Alice! Hope to see you again soon."

exhausted

after a full day in Batesville

Mom carved Jack-o-lanterns for our enjoyment.

China King Buffet

Ariel met new friends at a Chinese restaurant in Batesville (I realized it was only her 2nd Chinese restaurant - the first one being in China.) Restaurant worker Joyce especially liked Ariel. We also got to see Margaret's family (but not Margaret, who was sick and couldn't make the trip to Batesville.) Terence & Sheila also joined the party.

at the cabin

Desha

We had Sunday lunch with Terence's family at Desha. Ariel enjoyed meeting everyone and playing with the other kids. This is Sheila J. Lots of Sheilas I know in Batesville - this is the one I know best! She's Terence's Mom.



Annual photo with Terence. We grew up next door to each other since kindergarten. We always have some good laughs when we get together.

Ariel goes to Floral

We lived in Floral, a one-gas-station-town until I was 5.

It's a magical place. Sondra and her family were our neighbors there.

"The Wittermans were fools to move away from Floral!"

Sondra's kids were our playmates when we were little.

tiptoe through the pumpkins

We met with Jennifer and Jackson at Riverside Park. It was fun to catch up with her and some other old Spring Valley friends.

The Hair Loft

Sheila A. at the Hair Loft has cut my hair since I was in 5. I go to her for a perfect haircut when I get a chance.

Ariel didn't get a haircut, but she did crawl all around and get spun by Sheila!

Sheila F. visits

Sheila is one of Mom's teacher friends. She knows how to entertain babies and loves dinosaurs.

porch time

Hi, Violet

Sheila F. came to visit.

with Chica, the neighbors' dog

first impressions of Arkansas

Wal-Mart is a great place to people-watch with Alice.

Jet lag isn't so bad with this comfy couch to nap on.