rootin' tootin' Fun...

In early October, our family got to visit the Texas State Fair.  It was like a lot of other fairs that I have been too... there were rides, vendors, food, shows, new innovations, and livestock.  The main difference with this fair...it was TEXAS sized.  This had to be the biggest State Fair that I have ever seen.  I felt, as I walked it, that it went on for miles.  Most every fair I have ever been too could have fit into a small corner of this one, with room to spare.  The only downside to going to a fair is the cost.  Everything is run on tickets.  And try as we might, we spent more money than we intended too.

A very dear friend of ours, Phillip (or as I have affectionately nicknamed him, Phird) was vacationing in Dallas from Florida.  So, we made plans to meet him there.  This proved more challenging than any of us knew, due to the high volume of traffic and the sheer number of entrance gates into the fair.  But, all finally came together and we were united with Phil and the fun began!!

The kids started our adventure by riding some racing cars that were FREE!  We had no idea what a big deal this would turn out to be...

The kids each got enough tickets to ride 2 rides a piece.  There was much debate over what they would choose.  But Genevieve and Dawson both knew what one of their choices would be...the center piece of the fair...the Ferris Wheel.

I was a bit nervous about them riding such a HUGE ride, but they were excited and this picture says it all...they had the time of their life.  Carter chose to stay planted firmly on the ground and I made the "sacrifice" to stay with him.

Mr. Phil treated the boys to a ride on the haunted house.

The pinnacle of the fair for me was the Pee-Wee Stampede.  A rodeo made up entirely of kids.  Carter was the only one who "qualified" to participate, because of the age limits, and I thought that he would be too shy to join in.  But, he stepped right up, got a number pinned on his back and donned a pair of chaps and a cowboy hat.  He looked so cute!!

They had several events that the kids participated in:  bronco riding, steer roping, barrel racing, and bull riding.  Carter was part of the bull riding group and the last to have a turn.  They gave him a "stick bull" and put him in the holding pen.  When it was his turn, they opened the gate and I could hardly believe my eyes!  My shy little boy melted away and he rode that pretend bull like it was the real deal.  I've never seen anything like it!!  It's one of those moments, as a Mother, where you say, "Where did that come from?!"  He did an amazing job and won the event trophy, to boot!!

Here is a video of the grand and glorious event.  You will have to excuse the woman screaming in the video...that would be a mother who was overcome with awe and wonder for her tiny cowboy.

We ended our day by visiting with the firemen who were outside our exiting fair gate.  They kept the boys busy, while I tried to help David find me, after he came back from taking Phil to the airport.

It was a hot day and a more costly excursion than we anticipated...but it was full of smiles, friendship, new adventures, and surprises.  It was a great day at the Texas State Fair!

Majestic Oak Farms...

When we lived in Louisville, Kentucky, we got spoiled to living so close to Indiana farmland. We experienced our first pumpkin patch in October of 2001. One of my favorite pictures of Dawson is at that farm, next to a pumpkin that is almost as big as he is. When we moved to Virginia, we were blessed to have a church sponsored pumpkin patch that we went to every year. But when we moved to Florida...well, pumpkin patches are few and far between, unless you count the asphalt varieties.

So, I decided to google pumpkin patches and see what came up. Well, I found a wonderful farm called Majestic Oak Farms. It's located in Cottondale, FL...about an hour's drive from Panama City. It was a find!! We spent about 3 hours there. They have trikes and bikes for the kids to ride...hay rides...real Amish horse and cart rides...pumpkins...apple cider demonstrations...carmel apples...apple bobbing...fishing...swinging...chickens...horses... It was such a peaceful way to spend the day. If you're looking for a great place to spend a fall day...this is it!! The kids had a great time and we will be back (Lord willing) next year.

Our sweet family.

Our pumpkin load.

Fishing & enjoying the many photo ops.

Grandmommy & Grandaddy

Grandma & Grandpa

Family camp...

I am not what you would call an outdoor girl. Don't get me wrong...I enjoy being outside (evening on the porch or on a porch swing is the best!), but I do not like to be hot or to sweat. I was the little girl, who when sent outside to play, would stand at the sliding glass door with just my nose stuck inside so I could breathe the cold air.

As I am emerging from the baby making years, I am again open to trying and experiencing new things. I want my children not to be bound by their neuroses, or mine for that matter. It is with that heartfelt conviction that I went camping this weekend. We loaded up our 3 kids and headed off to Defuniak Springs and the Boy Scout Camp Family Weekend.

Overall, it was a fun weekend. The weather was perfect. Cool day...warm sun...even colder night. We all slept huddled together in our new tent...smelling like smoke and dirt...but blissfully together. The only draw back to the entire weekend was a visit from my special friend (not a good time to be without indoor plumbing). We came away better for having gone...more cemented as a family...and appreciative for our nice, warm beds.

Craft time...

Our new tent...it has 3 rooms!

Genevieve & Daddy at the bonfire.

Me & my boys.

family...

David arrived back home yesterday. It was a truly joyous day. The kids were absolutely beside themselves to have their Daddy back. Once we got home, they wanted to show him every toy they've ever owned and tell him every thought they've ever had. It was really sweet. I found myself feeling like I wanted to do the same thing. I had to remind myself that he is here to stay for awhile and that, Lord willing, there will be plenty of time to catch up.

As happy as I am to have him home, I find myself feeling nostalgic for the summer. I don't think I fully realized what the children and I had accomplished until he stepped back into the picture. We really survived a difficult time and I will never look at them or myself the same again. I think that we are better for the experience. I am so grateful for their warrior hearts!! We realized that we can survive without Daddy here, but that we don't want to be without him. Family is such a gift and a privilege and we should never take one moment with them for granted.

Please take a moment today and tell your family how special they are to you; or better yet, show them!