State Fair 2010

We've lived in North Texas for almost 5 years now, and going to the State Fair was on our goal list since. We finally made it happen this year. We took the train from Ft. Worth to Dallas, and the kids loved that almost as much as the fair. We decided that is the only way to travel to Dallas - no traffic!!!
Then the fair - we had fun, but it was so expensive. We actually prefer the Tri-State fair in the panhandle. $53 to walk in and most of the exhibits you had to pay for. The free ones were looking at cars! Rides were 10 tickets each on average. It was a mini vacation. I have to look at it that way - and not the fact that I could have a new dishwasher in my kitchen right now! The food was great. I could feel my arteries just walking by some of the booths. Fried pina coladas, fried beer, fried cheesecake (my fav), funnel cakes (Blaine's favorite), Cotton Candy (Emily's fav), Fletchers Corn Dogs, and Fried Frito Pies.... fried goodness heaven! I think I actually heard angels singing at one point.
But above all this, the greatest thing about the fair --- the people who dance to all the music at the rides..... people watching at the fair was the best!!!!!

Things I love:
1. Train rides to avoid traffic, and seeing celebrities on the rail!
2. Delight in the kids faces
3. Fried food goodness

No words, purest of love

Put me in coach!

We've started "laid back" fall baseball. Already encountered the crazy parents, and tempers flaring. I'm sure I'm the stuck up mom who doesn't interact with the other moms at practices and games. But I've heard enough that its best if I just keep my distance. The picture I wanted to post I don't have! It's the look on his face the first time he ran to the car after practice. If he could have been glowing he would have been. Hence, the reason we are doing this!!! So I will endure......

Emily Grace turns 8

Fashion party - that is what Emily wanted. How do you pull that off? Emily planned and told me what was needed and how she wanted it to go down. Easy enough! The girls had a great time. The whole birthday weekend started out with a surprise visit from cousins Peyton and Caitie!

4th Annual

Create a digital scrapbook

This year marks the 4th year we gather and have a family reunion. This isn't your average family or reunion! This year marks the first year Jamie and I lost our chilie champ reign. We came in runner up but in my opinion that's just the first loser!! Enjoy your victory Oakies!!! It will be your only year! We played Ladder Ball, played pool, sang, lied, ate so much food, laughed so hard I thought I was going to have to change my pants! Here is some of the pictures I was allowed to put on my blog...... the rest will remain in the blackmail vault!

Things I love;

1. Labor Day weekend
2. Good times with Family we never get to see until this weekend
3. A day of rest on Monday to re-coop!

A new start

My precious little girl is a 2nd grader. I could not be more proud of her! I don't know what I have done to deserve such a precious little gift, but I know I am blessed. Surprisingly she wanted her hair rolled in the dreaded foam rollers the night before so she could don some curls to school!! She was super excited the night before.
Then reality sets in.....
Morning of, she begins to say she is nervous. Talk, pray, she's fine......
Leaving her at the classroom door, she begins to break down, which in turn causes mom to break down. I turn and bolt ( sunglasses on, to hide my emotional state) to the nearest exit. Crying the whole way home, I turned to check on Blaine.... and he is crying. When I asked why? "I'm going to miss her so much!" We were a sight to be seen!!! I had great intentions on blogging about this - all day - but never could get the courage up to do so.
Some days I wish I could be one of those moms who look forward to school. But for today - I just missed that little ray of sunshine that was my constant all summer!
Here's praying for a great year - for all my friends, family, the teacher but most of all my little world, my family to have wonderful year.

Things I love?
a. Dark sunglasses
b. great friends who understand
c. the closeness, genuine love of my family

Individuality

I remember the days when Blaine had his own mind and opinion! I am just wondering if any other parents have this issue with the little brothers/sisters. At restaurant, when asked what Blaine wants his response "whatever Emily is having". He did AWESOME at swim lessons. After day one arm floaties were history!! Last day was fun day - but he didn't enjoy it because Emily stayed with Nanny and Papa instead of being there with him!!!! After only one time jumping from the diving board, he was done. Only a year ago, he was his own little person, now he is mini Emily! It very frustrating!!!

Things I love -
a. Blaine's ability to swim without arm floaties!!!
b. being your own person!
c. that he loves his sister so much he wants to be her, even if it does drive me insane!