So Close - Yet Still No Number 1

Wow - this year we didn't have an escapee turtle, simply amazing, the last two years our turtles have escaped from a cardboard box sitting on our porch and run so quickly we couldn't even find them in our yard and we had to find replacements ASAP - this year we got to put our two original turtles in the race - awesome!!!

Riley was so excited this year, since they didn't escape we thought for sure that meant they were the big winners - we could taste the victory already. We were so close last year, but the silly turtle stopped just short of the line and started following it instead of crossing it

And they are off - see that one with the Strawberry Shortcake sticker on the right, that's one of ours (yes both Riley and Taylor entered the Terrapin Race - although I really don't think Taylor cared much).

Riley and Cousin Coltin watching and waiting and hoping their turtles will be the quickest.

Can you tell whether we won or lost by this face? Poor girl, she was very disappointed, but at least that meant we had more time for rides since we didn't have to stay around for the final round.

Cousin Coltin - well he didn't win either but it didn't hurt his feelings too bad I'm thinking, he's such a ham.

Guess What

Taylor may not have found her toes yet, but she's found her tongue. While you are talking, or cooing at her, she's co curious, you can tell she's trying to figure out how in the world you do whatever you are doing, it's so cute!

The Tractor Pull

So after a lot of deliberation, Riley did decide to do the tractor pull - I think it was seeing the shiny trophies with a golden tractor on top that really did the trick - we waited ever so patiently, or as patiently as a not quite four year old and a six week old can wait - and it was Riley's turn. Daddy had just made it and she walked over like a champion, ready to win it all - and she pedaled for.............2'5" - not quite trophy material, but she did it and we were proud. Thankfully I could quickly change the subject when she asked "Mama am I going to win a trophy" because I think it would have really broken her heart if they hadn't called her name, whew, if all of our near meltdowns can be avoided this easily over the years, we'll be good to go!

Chillin' with Cousin Cayman as she waits - loving that he totally avoided looking at the camera!
Yeah for best buds Hope, Riley & Cayman
Riley and Hope were pretty much inseparable this week!

Pile in some more cousins - isn't it nice to live near family!

And here is her big show - maybe next year we'll be more competitive - my guess is maybe not though because we were tip top of this weight category (weighing in at 40.5 lbs) so unless she really beefs up and daddy buys her one to practice on we'll probably be in it just for the fun next year too.

Taylor was pretty much not interested - yep, she slept thru most of it

It Starts Today :)

The Black Walnut Festival, the food, the rides, the fun, the silly traditions that we grow up with and would be so sad if we missed out on - it all starts today and we sure are excited at our house.

What - you don't think Taylor looks excited?

Schedule of events - and yes we realize we'll be totally worn out by the end of the week!!

Wednesday -

Tractor Pull

Riley did tell me she didn't think she would do this because "she'd probably wait until she was 4"

Edit - she did it and pulled 2'5"

Big Blow-up Slide

let's hope they have a try it for free so your kids get hooked hour or two like they did last year!

Edit - yeah not free and for $8 we could find some other entertainment - bummer

Thursday -

Terrapin Race

Yes we have two turtles and so far neither have escaped, unlike previous years, let's hope they are fast!

Edit - so we didn't win, but both girls got tickets, which is nice since rides are $3 each

Rides

Yeah for arm band night

Edit - Riley & Hope had a blast, Riley even rode a pony and went thru the petting zoo, she's not normally a hands on animal person by any means, they really freak her out and Mama has to hold her

Little Cedar Band performs

Wow - I work with a guy who has a new band and they'll be performing, how cool is that

Edit - they did great, Riley had fun dancing the night away

Friday -

Pet Parade

who doesn't love a kid dragging a cute little animal across the stage, especially when they are all dressed up in costume. We like to watch just to see what people will bring (seriously - iguanas & hedgehogs)

Edit - so my nomally fearful of animals girl not only walked with Hope and her puppy, but carried Hope's bunny named Splash - and the girls won 5th place - awesome (and another free ride ticket)!

Talent Show

Go Gabby, we hope you win!

Saturday -

Dance Performance

My baby performs with her dance class on the big stage

Edit - boy did she make us proud, she looked nervous, but she performed like a pro and loved the fact that so many people came to watch (thanks everyone!)

Parade

What better way to get a years worth of free candy then going to a parade

Dance/Tumbling Performance

Again - go Gabby go

Queen Contest

So we probably won't watch, but maybe we'll sneak a peek over there and say Go Stockton

Wordless Wednesday - Love that New Baby Smell

I just had my bath and wow do I smell fantastic, at least that's what everyone keeps telling me.

Check out more Wordless Wednesday posts here or here.

Neither snow nor rain nor dark of night

Wait, maybe I should say, neither rain nor thunder and lightning, nor dark of night will keep these two from fishing. Yep, they went again last night, and Riley caught another fish, and I hear rumors that they might be going again tonight

Long pants and shirt - check

Rain coat - check

Rubber boots - check

Fishing from the back of Mama's car when it's pouring down rain

and lightening like crazy which nearly gave Mama a heart attack- Priceless

Riley's First Fish

I remember the first time we took Riley fishing - it was windy and man did she loves the worms. It's also when Joey got slightly addicted to fishing, so much so that I thought about starting a worm farm - something I'm still considering, especially now that I have two, slightly addicted, fishermen in my house (or should I say fisherpersons since one is a boy and what is a girl).
Riley and Daddy went fishing last night and Riley was so excited that daddy let her put a real hook and worm on her pole...............and that she caught two fish, both of which were bigger than the one fish that Daddy caught.

See that big one on the left - that was my baby's first fish, how awesome is that!

It was pretty dark when they got home though so cute pics outside were out of the question, instead we opted for the great back drop of the dishwasher, and you can tell she was pretty much done with the pics at this point. (Oh, I must point out that yes she went fishing in dress-up clothes, I'm telling you she'd wear those everywhere if you'd let her!)