Kids in Kansas

Posted on September 28, 2014 by azgilstrap

Traveling to Kansas this summer, as always, provided ample doses of photoremedy. In addition to connecting with some of my favorite rural areas and participating in the Shane Hoesli fund raiser that were featured in previous posts, I also had a chance to snap some pretty important toddler photos. Amanda and Stephen’s Isabella got to meet–and spend some quality time with–her Great Grandpa Bill (my Pop).

Great Grandpa and Isabella meet

Isabella and Stephen

Amanda, who has always loved the Sunflower State, got to let Isabella go for a run near a spectacular sunflower field.

Near Waterville, Kansas

I was finally able to take some pictures of Cecily – my niece Katy’s and her husband Chris’s precious daughter.

Cecily

Isabella got to spend quite a bit of time with Colton – Erin (another one of my nieces) and her husband Jason’s son. The two tiny tots were a little shy with each other at first, but eventually bonded and were especially adorable when they spent time with the animals at the Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead.

Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead

I got your back at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead

Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead

Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead

Meeting Cuz – the first time

Colton with Grandma Julie

We’ll wrap up our Kansas photoremedy in our next post by taking a look at a few more favorite pictures; we will also offer a step back in time with a photo from just across the border in a charming Missouri village.

Farley, Missouri

A Good Cause

Posted on September 22, 2014 by azgilstrap

One of the primary purposes for the Kansas trip that was featured in our previous photoremedy post was to join the families of Mary’s six brothers and sisters in participating in the 4th Annual Shane Hoesli Memorial Poker Run.

Clay Center, Kansas

The event raises scholarship money in Shane’s name. Shane–a tremendous bundle of energy that brought smiles and laughter to his family and large group of friends during his all too short life–was tragically taken from us in a 2010 construction accident.

Shane had a large group of close friends and admirers, and many of them continue to honor him in the Poker Run and in many other ways. The fund raiser participants came on motorcycles, a short bus, and in a few “chase” vehicles. It started and ended in Clyde (Shane’s hometown), and involved stops in four other Kansas communities (where participants received one card).

Clyde, Kansas

Those with the best “hands” at the end of the run received donated items, while the participation fees supported the scholarship fund. It was a ton of fun, and provided significant photoremedy opportunities of both the run and surrounding scenery.

Clyde, Kansas

Clay Center, Kansas

Clyde, Kansas

Linn, Kansas

Leonardville, Kansas

Hay field near Waterville, Kansas

Clyde, Kansas

Clyde, Kansas VFW

Home on the Range

Posted on September 16, 2014 by azgilstrap

It’s been more than two decades since Mary and I packed up the kids and headed west to the Phoenix metro area. We love the colorful Sonoran Desert and the southwestern roots we have planted here, but it is always nice to go “home” to Kansas where we were both raised.

Railroad tracks near Aurora, Kansas in Cloud County

I particularly love the photoremedy opportunities presented when we visit Mary’s hometown of Clyde. During the last few trips to the area, I rise well before sunrise and head out to capture the morning colors presented all around Cloud County. I even find myself returning to many of the same areas–both on the range and in resilient small communities–where I’ve snapped pictures previously. Different times of day, and different seasons, often put some of these favorite sites in surprisingly different light. Below is a sample of some of my favorite Cloud County and other rural Kansas pictures from this year.

Aurora, Kansas

Downtown Aurora, Kansas

St. Peter’s – Aurora, Kansas

Rice Stone Arch Bridge east of Concordia

Nazareth Convent and Academy in Concordia, Kansas

Our Lady of Perpetual Help – Concordia, Kansas

Downtown Clyde, Kansas

St. Joseph Cathedral – St. Joseph, Kansas

Historic St. Joe Store – St. Joseph, Kansas

Barn near St. Joseph, Kansas

Rural Cloud County, Kansas

Stone Barn near Zeandale, Kansas

Stone Home near Zeandale, Kansas (Riley County)

I’m working on a couple of additional Kansas photoremedy posts, including one which features our daughter Amanda introducing precious Isabella to her first Sunflower field experience.