So now we share the rest of the month’s activities…a bit more on the Memorial Service (moving to the core), the Parade (we were IN it!), the Snake Pit Ball (The Pointer Sisters haven’t lost a thing) and the Indy 500 (best view we’ve ever had)!  As if that wasn’t excitement enough, we had a mini-reunion with family from Texas over the holiday weekend, and we were proud to share some Indy goodness with them.

Here are the highlights:

Prior to the parade, we ran into some celebs.

5′4, 7′2, 5′4

(And that’s my mom – the real VIP – with the super-soaker.  It’s Roy’s water-fountain.)

Then I met the Dawgs!!  I sure hope the Pacers can get their hands on Gordon.  I asked him about his workouts, how many, etc…you know, just small talk between friends  Also a big fan of Ronald (far right)…point guards rule (that’s what I was, of course, given my stealthy, quick, and low-to-the-ground abilities)…and he actually IS friends with my cousin Hudson.

Staging for all of the big balloons!

This was our ride — a 1928 Mercedes Benz!  Only 6 left in the world.  This one was formerly owned by an Iraqi King.  It’s now in the possession of the IMS Museum, I believe.

Kurtis called “shot-gun”!  And won.  He was also the main camera man and is responsible for so many of these beautiful shots.  I, on the other hand, was busy waving nervously, trying to look pretty in front of 100,000 people.  The driver’s name was Kurt, too, so every time I hollered from the back, both turned their heads!

Soon after we started rolling, we heard and saw family cheering.  That was really neat!  And why isn’t that man with the camera in the background missing such a great photo opportunity?  I’m pretty sure he’s asking, “who are those people?!”

These people LOVED us!  Aunt Sam gets the prize for best parade hat.  Awesome.

People everywhere!   This was a good spot — free seating (well, standing) and shade when you need it.

The neatest part of the parade was approaching and going around the Circle.  Must have been the backdrop and the concentration, closeness of the people.

Lady of the day!  Mi mama!

Jim and I tried to keep a low-profile when we could!

The Purdue twirlers were at their best, right behind us!  I was fearful for an errant baton to the back of the head, but they were perfect the whole way.  I really felt bad for the drum majors with the black fuzzy headpieces.  Had to be hot up in there!  I was drenched by the time we were finished, and I did not have a black, fuzzy headpiece (other than my humidified hair).

I imagine we were the first and only car to possess a squirt gun. We pull out all the stops.

Later that evening, we got pretty for the Snake Pit Ball.  How about Studdly McStudders on the right?!  WOW!  Very James Bond, though his car keys don’t look nearly as intimidating.

Michelle (cousin) and I received these beautiful airbrush tats (a normal offering at the Snake Pit Ball).  Please, don’t compare our tans, or lack thereof!

Favors included candy cigarettes (yes!), candy buttons (double yes!), and wax bottles with sugary syrup inside (KAPOW!).  This is Kurtis enjoying his candy cigarette, which now actually looks a bit more questionable!

I stuck to wine. And tattoos.

Entertainment of the evening: The Pointer Sisters!!  They were absolutely fantastic.  I didn’t realize how many songs I knew.  So the singer on the far right is the GRANDDAUGHTER of the lead Pointer sister in the middle.  How cool and amazing is that?

We snaked our way (no pun intended) to the front row.  Awesome, awesome, awesome!

In action, singing “I’m So Excited”

Early to rise the next morning, we headed in a caravan to the track.  I am proud to say that we made it from home to our parking space near the track in just 30 minutes with 2 cars trailing!  (Now that I say this, I’ll probably forever be stuck in traffic on future trips.)  Enough boasting about my navigation skills, which frankly, were just plain lucky that day.  Once inside the gates, it was a great feeling…so sweet to be back at the 500.  Hands waved programs in the air, the sausage and turkey leg concessionaire tents were spewing smoke and good smells.  They may smell good, but you’ll never find me having a turkey leg.  I can only picture myself looking like Fat Bastard from the Austin Powers movie.

If you walk to the end of Stand B, you can get onto and across the track!  It was so neat to be out there on race day.  We took a few pics, savored our time, walked to the infield, ran into a bride/groom we had photographed, then headed back to our seats.  We had an unbelievable vantage point, perfect for pit stop action.  We could see the cars coming out of turn 4 and through 1.  We sat right across from the eventual winner’s (Dario Franchitti) pit.  It was neat to watch the anticipation in the final laps, then to see the clapping and high-fives and Ashley Judd (wife of Dario), jump the wall and gallop shoeless down pit lane.

Our view!  Mr. Binocular-Strap Man was definitely prepared.  Wish I’d had one of those!

Then, miraculously, I see my parents strolling down pit lane.  Really?!

Here’s the green flag start!  Take note of my extreme excitement and snazzy radio headset.  And just a warning:  this is a LOUD video.  It’s to give you the full effect.

Yay to May!  I don’t know what else to say.  Hope June can compete

Here are some photos from the kick-off at Victory Field.

The president of Special Olympics Indiana gave some encouraging words.

Participants were rearing to go!

Good Luck all Special Olympic participants!.. be brave in the attempt!

Yup, it’s that time of year again.  We recently had the chance to photograph the events at the Noble Evening in the Garden.  I swear, this party has everything.  Great food (from so many different area restaurants), good drinks, good music, a good cause… and if that weren’t enough you even get a sneak peek at the Flower and Patio show inside the State Fairgrounds.  As you can see, volunteering for this event is not a hard choice.  Here are some of my favorite photos from the event.

We had a great time! A special shout out to Sally and Kristen in the photo above with Jennifer. Thanks for continuing to have us out. We always enjoy the time we get you two and Randy and Johnny. And to the best Caricature Artist I know, Raphael De la Rosa (if you need him for a party/event you may have to contact me for his info… he’s currently in between websites).

Have a great day everyone!

Somewhere in the long list of things to do before I die sits the accomplishment of taking a “polar plunge.”  I’ve wanted to try it since I was a kid and saw these crazy people jumping into the ice-covered water on the news.  This past weekend I had a chance at the Indiana Special Olympics‘ Polar Plunge at Eagle Creek.  However, I was busy photographing the event.  So, I’ll have to wait to a little longer before I get to mark it off the list.  The best part about me choosing the warmer way to volunteer for the event is that I have photos to share.  So enjoy just a “few” of my favorites from the event.

Great Clips was there helping to put finishing touches on everyone’s costumes.

You burn a lot of calories while doing the plunge, Dunkin Donuts was there to put us back at normal.

The costumes were great!

And the winner is!

Scotty from 100.9 Radio Now could not stop squeezing the woopie cushion.

There was even dancing while the water was prepared.

Miss Indiana and Indiana Teen were there to warm everyone up!

The crowd of supporters was amazing.  Way to go fans of crazy people!

A HUGE Thanks to the Police and Firemen there to keep everything safe and fun!

Thanks for stopping by.  Get outside and enjoy this weather a little bit!