16 Oct octoberfest 2012.

The last time we went back to our Mississippi hometown, I forgot my camera. So I made sure I had it with me this time. And carried it around with me nearly the whole time we were there, perhaps unnecessarily. But I’d rather have it and not use it than want it and not have it. That, and I feel less naked when I have it. It’s like an extension of my right arm, and I always feel like I’m missing something when I don’t have it. It’s true.

This weekend was the annual Octoberfest festivities, and we didn’t want to miss it. It’s the one time of year that anyone who has ever lived in our hometown goes back to catch up with old friends. We saw many a face that we hadn’t seen in years, ate too much fair food, and purchased some unique craft items.

The kids never pass up a chance to slide down a giant inflatable, bouncy slide!

I was a little jealous of my mom’s new handmade reindeer that she got for her garden. But there was only one white one, so I conceded.

The next day, we waited for the rain to pass, then spent the rest of the afternoon riding. Jessie has the perfect hair for ponytails. A ponytail is the least flattering thing that my hair will do!

My brother is the best fix-it man.

Some Mississippi landscapes:

Alex was telling me an in-depth story (he never leaves anything out!), and was oblivious to my camera. I have them trained to practically not even notice it. Score!

I spent most of the time doing one of my favorite things: tailgating.

But I got my feet dirty too. My advice: don’t wear flip-flops while riding 4-wheelers. I thought it was a smart choice due to the easy clean-ability, but the ants thought differently. Ouch.

Here’s to fall weekends. And inflatable bouncy slides. And mud-spattered shoes. Cheers!