"We're going to the country, We're going to the fair!"

That's a little song that we used to sing as kids and it is only fitting for today's post. With all the planning that came along with my mom's 50th birthday, I forgot to post about Evan and I's  fair/birthday date night. I was so pumped about this for weeks. I know...I am easily entertained. But, the fair holds something special for Evan and I. Eight years ago, we went to this same fair as a "friendly" hangout, just the 2 of us right before we officially started dating.

 Let's be honest, we were crushing on each other pretty bad, but like a typical woman, I was giving the poor boy mixed signals left and right. I really liked him, but then would tell people he was like my brother. I wanted to hang out with him all the time, but then would talk about other guys to see if he would get jealous (hey, I was trying to see if the feeling was mutual). No, this wasn't junior high, but man looking back I am ashamed of my behavior and what I did to my poor husband back then. Luckily, he made it through the torture and here we are. Thanks for hanging on babe!

Anyway, on this particular night 8 years ago, we had soooo much fun at the fair. We joke about how when we rode the ferris wheel that night, he actually sat across from me instead of next to me. I guess since I said he was like a brother, he was only being a gentleman, but it's still funny to think about. We still have pictures that we took in an old school photo booth from that night and I love to look back at them and wonder what we were thinking.

So, the fair is special to us. We haven't been in about 4 years. It's too far away to take our kids and to be quite honest..way too expensive. They call it the world's biggest free fair. It is free to get in, but man if you want to do anything, you better have some dough on hand. The rides are insanely ridiculous, but the food isn't too pricey. Hence, why most of these pictures are of us eating. You may think it's silly for us to drive an hour away just to eat fair food, but honestly it's the highlight of our night, besides some alone time. Be prepared...you are about to realize what gluttons we are, but I have no shame when it comes to fair food.

The weather was perfect for the fair, cool and crisp. We ate lots, listened to some country music, rode the ferris wheel, played ski ball, ate some more, walked around hand in hand like high school kids, and ate some more. We had a blast just being together without any kids to chase after. Here are some pics from the night. Here is your final warning.....lots of food to come!


We left early so that we could avoid traffic, which we did, right up until the entrance. We passed all kinds of $10 close parking just to make it to the Free parking up ahead. Turns out we wasted 45 minutes in the car and still had to pay $5 for parking. A pregnant lady craving a corn dog & stuck in the car= not a happy lady! We learned our lesson for next time...pay the $10 and park!

Started off with an onion mum and some country music as soon as we got through the gate.

About 10 feet away we spotted the BBQ pulled pork sandwiches and couldn't resist (hey we split it!)

We strolled through the Pioneer village, which contained all kinds of cabins, a schoolhouse and church from the 1800's. It was really neat and totally my husband's dream world. He was born in the wrong time era, as this stuff is right up his alley...how we are married..I don't know. Like they say, opposites attract. I would never survive. Embarrassed as I am, I will tell you that I walked through one of the cabins and asked where the sink was. To which Evan had to remind me there was no running water. Like I said, I would have never survived!

Yea, I doubt the women back then were smiling as they washed their clothes like this. I don't even smile with my washing machine and dryer.

If Evan could have a horse and buggy, he would be a happy camper. And btw...man he's hot! I'm one lucky lady.

Oh yes, I had to have cotton candy..made me sick, but it's a once a year thing. Let's just say the baby was kicking in full force. Sweet goodness alive..look at that belly!

Entering the midway...oh the excitement!

The only ride we rode..the ferris wheel. It is essential, even though it cost us $8 to ride (insane), but hey Evan did sit next to me this time.

Nothing beats the view from up top.

A little ski ball for kicks..and yes, I beat him!

Such a glorious sight!

Oh imagine that, we're hungry again...corn dogs it is!

And why not just completely make ourselves ill with one final snack-shredded pork nachos, as we sit and listen to the history of the fair and the corniest coolest fair song ever. No lie, I have to find this song on Itunes. It's going to be our fair theme song from now on. Think: Blue Bell commercials just with words about a fair. I am still singing it in my head.

Stuffed and chilly it's time to head home. We were sad, but so thankful for a fun date night out, an extra 10 pounds (ok maybe not thankful for that), and a Happy 28th birthday for my man!

50 & Fabulous: Happy Birthday Ma'

My Mom turned 50 this past weekend! 50...that sounds so old (sorry if I offend you), but I don't look at my mom as being old at all. She looks young and still has a fun spunky side...not to say that most 50 year olds don't. People always think she is my friend though.

 I wanted to do something extra special for her birthday this year since 50 is a milestone. So, I decided to throw her a "Pink Party" since pink is her birthstone and what girl doesn't love PINK? I had so much fun planning it and decorating. We really enjoyed the party and it was a great way to celebrate 50 years of a very special lady. Love you Ma and happy 50th.

Here are a few highlights from the party. Most of you have probably already seen the pics on facebook.

The cake table. I loved the scrap banner. I took every piece of fabric remnants that had any pink in it and strung them up.  There was pink candy, cookies, lollipops and pink candy pretzels in addition to the cake.

The cake was made by my dear friend Stephanie. It was strawberry with cream cheese and real strawberry filling. If you are local, she does an awesome job and you can check out her facebook page: The Cake Crumb.

I bought a $5 frame from wal-mart and had my husband spray paint it pink and use chalkboard paint on the glass for the birthday sign. Unfortunately, we left it outside and it drizzled on it (hence the spots).

The pergola was hung with pink tulle, umbrellas, tissue paper balls and pink swirls.

These were my favorite decor piece. They were originally silver with red votives, from my sister's wedding. We just shot them with more pink spray paint and they turned out better than I imagined...super girly!!!

Everyone was asked to come in pink to honor the birthday girl. I found the shower curtain backdrop at Wal-mart for $10. It was great for a few people to stand in front of, but with large groups there just was not enough coverage.

Knox tries on the pink wig for fun. He's still adorable!

The kids played "Pin the crown on Nanny"

The older kids and adults did a balloon pop relay...on pink balloons of course.

Singing happy birthday to my beautiful mom.

The guys in their manly "pink" attire.

Here is a video of my favorite part of the night. I laughed so hard I almost peed myself (although that's not unusual for a pregnant lady). It is the balloon pop relay with the adults and then the kids. It was great fun. Since I am pregnant, I got to video:) I must warn you that my family doesn't listen well. It takes a minute into the video for them to figure out how to play. We are also loud! I LOVE MY FAMILY!

Creative Movement

No, I'm not talking about the dance/drama class that you may have taken at Youth camp (which I loved by the way). Oh the days of youth camp....anyway....back to the point......I'm refering to my children. My kids don't crawl!!! They refuse. They have both hated being on thier bellies and kick and scream the entire time, if we try. Knox will stay on his belly for about  a minute, but he only goes backwards, just like a crawfish and I can only imagine how frustrating that is.

 Dixie was a scooter. I had never seen a child move like this before, but here is a short video to show you how she got around, and man she was fast. She went straight from this to walking..NEVER crawling. Check out the first few seconds to see her creative move and get a laugh.

Knox is not quite this fast yet (give him another month), and his style is a little different so far. He doesn't push off with one leg, but kind of rocks himself back and forth on his knees and legs while he is sitting until he gets somewhere. But here is what he was doing yesterday that I found very interesting.....spinning (hands free). All that I know, is that my babies have super strong legs and I give them an A for creativity and not following the crowd. I used to be distressed and worried that my kids didn't crawl or walk in the same time frame as other kids. But, they turn out fine and it's neat to see how every kid is different and unique. 

 

Busy Weekend

This past weekend was a busy one. We had our 4th Neighborhood Outdoor Movie Night. This is one of those incarnational activities that I had mentioned before in a previous post. We switch from block parties to outdoor movie nights as the weather cools off a little. We showed Rio this time and had popcorn and drinks for the neighbors. Everyone brought their lawn chairs and blankets out. There were once again new neighbors that we got the chance to meet. Movie nights tend to draw more kids than adults, but I'm ok with that. They seem to have fun and it gives them something to do on a Friday night. Here are a few pics  from the evening.

It's hard to tell, but we had a big crowd!

Dixie and Knox were enjoying themselves too!

Nothing like freshly popped popcorn!

Evan and Jeremy (2 of our awesome guys aka 2 of the 3 husbands) that set up and tear down all of our block party and movie night stuff. 

My cousin, Jena and her daughter Brooke, snuggled up in their camping chair enjoying the movie.

The next morning, our church had set up at the Madisonville Wooden Boat Festival in the Children's Village. We had bounce houses, face painting, balloon animals, pictures and caricatures all for FREE! I love that our church LOVES being in and serving the community. It was a fun day. I have to give a shout out to my husband, as he and another friend Matt, made about 500 balloon animals that day between the boat fest and another event that morning. Yea..my man's got skills!!! I'm willing to hire him out for parties (just kidding).

Does it look like me?

 Knox enjoyed the boat fest for about 30 minutes

Dixie did not want her face painted, but her cousin Brooke did.

Jena, Brooke and Dixie getting their caricatures done. It was neat to see how they all turned out. I will have to take pics later of them and post them all.

With a busy weekend behind us, I look forward to a busy week ahead. Friday is Evan's birthday and we will celebrate with a date night at the fair (I CANNOT WAIT!) Then Saturday, I am throwing my mom a 50th birthday party with an all pink theme. I will be sure to post pictures. Have a great week!