State Fair of Texas, 2014

 So, here in Texas, or at least in our metroplex, the kids get out of school for one day during the week to go to the Texas State Fair. They each get one ticket for admission too. It's pretty awesome! This year, Hubby wasn't feelin' it, so I took the kids to the fair solo. That's right. Solo. Who rocks? I rock.

Gage had fun on the Midway...Eliette only rode one ride and she could take it or leave it.

Eliette's favorite experience was clearly the little farm...

The Garden Center there on the fair grounds was sooooo neat. Gage and I loved it. Eliette....well, she didn't really care either way...

Part of the fun of the fair: eating! Junk food was all around. Gage enjoyed popcorn, snowcones, and cotton candy. I think there was a hot dog and corny dog in the mix too... Oh! And salt water taffy, of course. It's a fair staple... The closer was Dippin' Dots ice cream.

What else did we do? We visited some live farm animals...

See that little calf right there (above)? Right after that red cup was moved, Eliette walked straight over there and shoved her little finger right up that calf's nostril. Shocked that little calf, that's for sure. {The good news: hand sanitizer was everywhere.}

What else did we do? Well, we saw an Elvis impersonator, and Eliette danced for the crowd... that didn't last long.

We saw the cars.....Oh, the cars. I'll spare you the 50-million photos, but let me just say: Gage took over the photography task at that point, and I have a ton of car photos in case you missed any of the car pavilions at the fair this year.... A few of Gage, taken by Mommy:

Gage played the pay-to-play games and won himself and his sister stuffed animals. He ate until he couldn't eat any more. He rode all of the rides he wanted to...and before we knew it, it was starting to get dark. Did we really just stay at the State Fair ALL DAY? Yes. Yes, we did.

Gage will testify: we had a GREAT day! $30 for valet parking? TOTALLY WORTH IT when I was dead tired and dragging myself and two littles back to the entrance to head home.

We had a great day. I'm so glad we went!

"But you just GOT a new bike."

"Mom, I need a new bike," he said.
"But you just GOT a new bike."
He handed me a pedal off said bike.
Ugh.
"Can Daddy fix it?"

Ummm....for the $ I paid, it shouldn't fall apart. The pedal falling off was not the first issue we had with this Tony Hawk Fred bike. It was just the last straw for this mom.

Though I'd sworn off ToysRUs in the past, I found myself there YET AGAIN. This time was to return the freaking bike. Gage rolled into the store with his bike and headed straight to Customer Service. "My mom needs to return this." I was right behind him. I put the pedal on the counter, "and here's the rest of it." 

After that---ride a bike IN the store? No problem. Sure you can---until they come over and say that you can't.

He was thrilled. Found a bike he loved, which is so not what this mom had chosen for him---so it's great that he got to pick one out.

Sister had fun at the store too. I mean---it's a toy store. How can you NOT have a little fun, right!?

Just Like Mommy

So, a friend of mine has two little girls, and one day when we all went for snow-cones, she was detailing how her daughters  like to dress just like her, and have what she has. If she wears a black shirt, they both want to wear their black shirts...and there you go.

Well, Eliette's not quite there....but one day when we were taking soup to a neighbor who'd had surgery, she was insistent on carrying the little bag that matched my larger bag. They're just the Whole Foods reusable bags, but once she saw that one of the little ones in our pantry matched the big one---she HAD to have it.

Love it.

...and I'm sure this is just the first of many matching moments.

Party for Gage's 9th Birthday!

Gage told me that for his birthday party this year, he wanted an astronaut themed party at our local indoor trampoline park. Done & Done!

The table decor----thanks to Gage, Mommy, Megan & Susan! (Yes, Megan and Susan came to my house when we were in full on pre-party mode, and they helped out with the decor making while we all chatted and caught up. LOVED IT! ...and super grateful!)

 This cake? My HUSBAND made this moon cake. How freaking awesome is he???

The kids had a blast.

Little Sis had a blast there too. We weren't really sure what to expect in general because I'd never been to this place. Booked it over the phone and just waited to see.... really didn't expect Sister to love it like she did. It's a full time job to chase her around that place!

Before we knew it, it was time for pizza and cake...

After cake, Gage opened his gifts. There was a bit more bouncing and dodge ball, and then it was time to head home. Two of his party guests were spending the night that night because their mom was working late. It worked out perfectly for everyone. Gage had a great birthday party---that turned into a sleepover, AND the boys were worn out from jumping! Win-win!

He says it was a great party. I love that for him.