The Fair

No summer would be complete without a trip to the State Fair. 

Sofia and I pass by the fairgrounds every morning on our daily commute and she was gutted when they pulled it down and hauled it out of town last year. Trying to explain to a 3 1/2 year old that it will come back again, and just how long a year is, is no easy task. 

So, you can imagine her utter delight when the Ferris Wheel reappeared again this year.

There was no holding her back!!

Of course, Sof had to find the one little critter in the petting zoo who looked sad and lonely.  She had to fend off a hoard of hungry goats just to see if this little guy was hungry.  He wasn't.

And the monster bunny was a hit.

This was the closest we got to a pony ride this year.

Sofia played the carnival games. 

Not quite sure who had the brilliant idea to put a dart in the hands of a four year old.

But she did great, 

and won her pillow pet fair and square on her own.

This ride was a hit again this year.....

...but she also was a little more daring.

Lunch in the wine garden, of course.

Mama and Daddy have to get a treat too.

And what a difference a year makes.

Last year Sofia wouldn't have dreamed about petting sturgeon.

This year, she couldn't get enough of them.

And some classics just can't be missed.

The garden area was particularly beautiful this year.

And Sofia got to hold "Snowball".

We saved the best for last......the back seat in the Rollercoaster.

Bye Fair!

We'll see you again next year.

RP's BEWARE

This is a word of warning

to the humble Rolly Polly Bug....

BEWARE!!

If you choose to step your wee rolly polly body into our yard,

prepare to be poked, and prodded,

and kissed and loved.

Sofia thinks you are the coolest thing that ever rolled.

Beach Baby

I have been neglectful of this blog now for quite some time,

but intend to make good on all of the activities that have been keeping our summer days full.

Recently, that was a trip back down to Southern California

to visit with some very dear friends

We went to the beach.

Sofia is a girl after my own heart.

She loved the sand.

She loved the wind.

She loved the waves.

She loved the treasures she found along the way.

Then she dug herself a big old hole in the sand,

planted her behind,

and relaxed.

Triathlon....check!

1/2 mile swim

16 miles on the bike

and a 3 mile run

This weekend I became a triathlete

and it was a blast!

I got to train with some great people,

and under the guidance of the most amazing and inspirational woman.

This whole thing has been such a gift for me this summer.

I loved it so much that I have signed up for another.

With Nicole prior to the start.

The start of the swim.

Red caps are for the "old ducks".

We started last, but just as enthusiastically as the young kids up front.

Besides, red caps make you swim faster, right?

The end of the swim.

Glad to have that done and I only swallowed about 1/2 of the lake.

Off on the bike.

While I was out on the bike my cheerleeding team took a dip themselves.

And made me a sign.

Back again.......

.......and off on the run.

How can you not love a send off like this?

Coach Jamie finishing strong.



and me......#2102

crossing the finish line in 2 hours, 1 minute and 7 seconds.

Not too shabby for a first time.

Jamie and me, post race.

And some of my training buddies.

Can't wait to get out in the water, on the bike

and on foot with them again for the next race.

Beauty