Spring show season 2015 has begun and Oh my my, what a start! First off, our lil Polaris son, Maverick, took home his 7th color champion ribbon at Alpacapalooza.... Unbelievable! Accoyo America's Kaballah really stepped up and grew up over the last winter. He took home a beautiful blue ribbon and Judge Arturo Pena commented on the buttery softness and the consistency throughout. This male truly looks incredible! On day 2 at the end of this wonderful event, the animals lined up for Judges choice. As I looked over the males, 6 total and some of the finest that I have watched take home color champion after color champion, I thought, "holy cow, it's amazing to even have Maverick standing there among them" Some of the breeders included the finest in our industry. And then, Arturo Pena walked toward Maverick with the Judges Choice banner and awarded him this accomplished title. Maverick was the Judges Choice male out of 6 of the finest male alpacas at the show!!!!! Its day 1 after show weekend and we are still in shock. Ya see, Eric Stoneberg started this farm with nothing more than a vision and a small herd of 3. If you or I saw these 3 animals today, we wouldn't give them a second look. However, his dream pushed him forward. Eventually I (Leanne) came into the picture and learned all I could about these animals. And with a background in horses, goats, and sheep, it was fairly easy for me to adjust. We have been married nearly five years ago now. We both have full time jobs and currently are working in this alpaca industry to try and continue the dream we all have....to be independently owned, operated, and successful. We have a son who is a year old in April, which yes adds to the chaos at home. Being awarded Judges choice for a male, this male born on our farm.....That Eric and I made the decisions to breed one of our females to Accoyo America Polaris....That Eric didn't like the cria when born....that I had the highest of hopes for...That I cried when awarded our first color champion ribbon....WOW, it's all I can say...WOW! And yes, for those of you who weren't there, I cried the happiest of tears. This is more than an award for us. This is a blessed gift from God telling us we are on the right track and all I can say is Thank you.......