state fair 2012

On Friday, the girls made their 3rd trip to the State Fair. With each year, we find ourselves staying longer, trying more foods, seeing more things and riding more rides. 

Their first year, we were there only a couple of hours, but the girls got their fill of milk and watching animals.

Their second year, we got more food and tried some rides; well Little Bird did. 

Before heading out this year, we took a look at photos and video from their first two years to jog their memories about the State Fair experience. The first thing Little Pie did was declare that she would try the rides this year.

Of course it was hot the day we chose to go; 90+ degrees. We brought the two single strollers this year as I was sure the girls would be too tired to walk the entire day. (Unfortunately Rob and I get sore backs pushing those cheap things that are far too short for us). 

The girls were so excited about the rides, but I told them that we would do them last in hopes that it would curb any whiny or crabby behavior before that. It worked! They were very well behaved. 

We started at the Little Farm Hands exhibit again and laughed at how much bigger they are this year. 

This year, they can pedal these things themselves!

Hey, Daddy is Farmer Brown!  Click Clack Moo!

Getting so big, the aprons fit!

Then it was time for mini donuts, my favorite (I think Little Bird may argue she likes them more).

Next, we visited the Miracle of Birth Center and some of the animal barns. We had decided ahead of time that we would skip the swine barn because of the H3N2 scare, and they actually had signs saying that the elderly, children under 5 and other susceptible people should stay away. We were all impressed with the horse barn this year because we actually got to catch a bunch of them getting ready for a show. They were all so beautiful!

After washing our hands multiple times, we stopped for all-you-can-drink milk (nobody spilled this year!) and some corn dogs. It was tough, but we found some shade to sit and take a break. BTW, the girls don't like corn dogs too much so Rob got to eat more than necessary. They did suck down their milk in about two big gulps.

Cheers to ice cold milk!

Little Pie had been asking several times up until this point, when we could go on the rides. She was getting a little impatient so we finally headed over to the Kidway. We told them they could pick 3 rides to go on so they started wandering around in awe of all the choices. I suggested they try the swings that Little Bird did last year and when they saw them they darted right over to them.

I was so happy that Little Pie actually did like the swings and was impressed that she was ready to try something else new. She immediately saw an airplane ride and declared that would be her next choice. I wasn't sure, but Rob thought it be fine and they'd love it.

She looks so little! Of course she chose the yellow plane.

So proud and excited!!

Their third choice was the merry-go round. I joined them on the ride, hence no pictures. It's so fun that both girls are so excited about rides now!

We just happen to finish at the Kidway right when the parade started passing by so we plopped down to watch. Little Pie got a huge kick out of the marching bands. I have a feeling she will choose to be a percussionist some day.

We had a very successful day at the fair. Everything (except bending over to push the strollers) went smoothly and everyone had a blast even though we were super sweaty and hot. The best part is that when we got home the girls played SO WELL together and gave Rob and I a chance to relax on the couch a bit. :)

photo shoot

This morning we had our family pictures taken. It was a gorgeous morning and I'm really looking forward to seeing the results!

When we got home I noticed the girls were posing a couple of their babies and pretending to take pictures. I fished out my old digital camera and handed it over to the two budding photographers.

Here is a selection of their work:

camp

The girls went to gymnastics camp today at our favorite gymnastics place, Mini-hops. We haven't been to Mini-hops since the spring, opting to take the summer off. But when H&M's mom suggested we have the kids attend a camp to get them back into "the routine" we jumped right on it.

The camp was from 9-1 and because the girls have been sleeping so late every morning, it was sort of a challenge to get up and out of the house by 8:30. But they were so ready to go, hoping to see some of their favorite coaches from last year.

And because the camp was 4 hours, I had to send a lunch with them. (I thought I had two little lunch bags, but couldn't find them this morning so they brought one big, and apparently heavy, cooler with both of their lunches). 

Both girls were anxious to get there, but not surprisingly, Little Bird held back a little bit. She held my hand the whole time we walked in, but Little Pie took off weaving her way to the front of the line to get in the door first. Little Pie sat right down at the table, told the teachers her name and got right down to business. Little Bird looked around for a while taking it all in, and then happily joined her sister and friends. They waved good bye and I left knowing they were going to have a ton of fun.

After the four hours FLEW by like it was nothing, I picked them up to find them both exhausted. Apparently they had had A LOT of fun. Unfortunately Little Bird had an accident and was wearing a pair of borrowed shorts, but she quietly handed me her plastic bag with her wet ones and both girls proclaimed in loud excited voices all the things they did. 

The camp runs all week, but we opted just to go one day. While I think they would enjoy going again, one day was probably good enough for these exhausted little girls.

We are looking forward to starting our regular gymnastics class this fall!

a day of softball

On Saturday we woke to a relatively cool morning. It felt so good to open the windows and throw a sweatshirt on. It was a perfect day for the girls to put on their new cozy Special Olympics Minnesota sweatshirts and head to our local junior high fields to cheer on Uncle Drew and his softball team.

I think I need a sweatshirt too.

The game is serious.

Snacks and snuggles.

Is that Joe Mauer?

A hit! Ended up being a double.

Uncle Drew and his team won their first game. That meant that they had a five hour break until their next one. We headed back to our house for lunch and rest.

We returned to the fields to play on the playground a bit and then the girls joined Uncle Drew as he lead his team in a warm up stretch before their next game.

The girls were delighted that Katie joined us in the stands!

Sunglasses exchange with Katie.

photo credit: Katie T.

photo credit: Katie T.

Papa is the pitcher. After pitching four games, I hope he's icing his arm today.

The team was in need of a first base coach, so Rob stepped in.

Uncle Drew got another base hit and a high five from Rob.

Heading home.

Little Pie is into calling everyone by various names. She calls Uncle Drew: Andy, Andrew, And, Uncle Drew. It was hilarious to hear her yell for Andrew as he ran home. (She also started calling Nana, Linda.).

The team was 2-0 for the day.                                                                                                                             photo credit: Nana

The girls enjoyed helping.                                                                       photo credit: Katie T.

It was a fun family filled day!