State Fair Fun

We need to get used to the notion that we will be attending every Texas State Fair as long as Gavin has any say in the matter. We used to go every other year because it is pretty much the same stuff with the exception of a few new fried items every year. Gavin seemed to have a good time last year despite being only seven months old. We were accompanied this year by Matt, Lindsey, and Dean. We also got to make new friends with Lindsey's sister Lesley and her family.

We started out by giving the tractors a test drive. G wasn't real happy when I told him that we had to get out of the big tractor (backhoe).

G driving solo...he also had a tandem ride with Dean in the smaller tractor.

Next stop was the "On the Farm" experience. This exhibit was for kids to do some chores "on the farm" and in return they get paid one dollar which they were then allowed to spend in the farm store on a snack. Here is Gavin looking pretty cute in his apron while carrying his basket and watering can.

Feeding the (fake) chickens with corn that we got from the corn bin and harvesting an egg.

Driving the tractor with the feed for the cattle in the back. Gavin is making sure his load is secure before putting it in drive.

Gavin was paid handsomely for all his hard work and scored some Sun Chips in the farm store. We stopped to have some fun on the way out.

While all the playing is fun and good....the real attraction to the fair for most of the adults is the food. The Texas State fair is known for all the different strange fried foods that they offer. Travis was nice enough to share a piece of chicken fried bacon with me. It wasn't too bad...the tornado taters were pretty tasty, too. Other fried items indulged upon by our group included fried cheesecake and fried beer. It was reported that the fried beer was horrible...not a big surprise if you ask me.

Next on the list for the boys was the petting zoo. There were hundreds of animals in the petting zoo: everything from camels to zebras to emus. Gavin got to gaze in amazement at the animals and made his animal sounds when he saw an animal that he recognized. From an adult perspective it was a little sad to see all the big animals presumably sedated - just about all of the large animals were just laying there with their heads down or were asleep. Thankfully the kids didn't seem to care...the goats were a hit with everyone.

Piggie hinies...

This was our photo shoot attempt with Gavin, Dean and Emma. It was a gigantic failure. Herding cats would be easier in comparison.

We then went in search of some of the bigger animals. We found the sheep, cattle, and horse barns. All the kids enjoyed looking at the animals. Baa's, Neigh's and Moo's were common sounds coming from the little ones in our group.

Then it was time for lunch. Dean seemed to really enjoy his Flecher's Corny Dog.

Miranda and I always have to have at least one corny dog every year. I tried the jalapeno cheese corny dog this year - it was yummy.

Funnel cakes were the desert of choice after lunch. Yummy but very messy too...

All this fun might have had a something to do with a couple tired little boys.

We also got to see Big Tex again this year. He doesn't seem to age at all from year to year. Disregard the (insert word that Daddy is no longer allowed to say) in the background.

We also swung by the butter sculpture and some of the craft exhibits on the way out. Everyone had a great time, but by 2:00 it was way past time for naps. Gavin lasted for about 10 minutes in the car and then started his 2 hour afternoon nap.

Golden 2010

Our friends Matt and Rene extended an open invitation to come visit when they moved to Golden. Dave and I visited in 2008; last year, Dave went by himself. This year we decided to take Gavin for his first trip to the foothills of the Rockies.

Gavin was great on the flight up. He spent his time looking at books and playing with my iPod. About 30 minutes before we landed, he got a bit restless; but all in all it was a good flight. Matt met us at the airport, saving us the expense of a rental car for 3 days. Thank you, Matt! We met Rene for dinner at Blue Canyon in Golden before heading to their house to get Gavin down for the night.

Saturday morning, we all went for a nice walk with the dogs, Axis and Teela. We spent a lazy day watching football and wrestling with Gavin to get him to take a nap. Gavin 7-Nap 0. After admitting defeat, Dave and I played outside with Gavin, trying to burn some energy off. Gavin finally settled down on my lap to watch TV. He laid back on the pillow while eating his Goldfish.
The next thing we knew, he was asleep, cracker in hand and partially chewed crackers in mouth. After Gavin fell asleep, Matt prepared a great dinner of antelope steaks, grilled chicken, grill-roasted potatoes, and yummy deviled egg pototo salad. Then, the four of us played Sequence in front of the fire. It was great to visit and laugh with friends.

Sunday, we again headed out for a walk. Feeling a little guilty for being so lazy the day before, we planned to try a nap for Gavin and if it didn't take, we'd head out for a drive. If it did take, we'd go for a drive later. The nap failed. So, we all headed west to Georgetown for a drive.

Dave and I requested a scenic drive, and Matt and Rene delivered. The mountains in the area are beautiful. We could see snow already on some mountains. The temperature dropped about 10 degrees as we climbed higher. Gavin is the king of the backseat.

After driving through the quaint downtown area of Georgetown, the road turned to dirt.
Around the first turn, Dave spotted this deer about 20 feet from the road. He rolled down the window to snap these photos.

The deer must have been a local, as he was unphased by the car and the photos.

Higher we climbed, admiring the beauty of the golden leaves on the Aspens.

When we reached a pull-over and the end of the passable road (the pass was being redone), we let Gavin get to stretch his legs.

He was thrilled to see the rocks.

And, to throw the rocks.

The view from the overlook.

More rock throwing.

And, running to different rocks.

We did get a pretty good family picture.

We admired this waterfall on the drive back down.

A nice Aspen.

Back in Georgetown, we had lunch at Ed's; the burgers were great.

The one of the store fronts in Georgetown had this cool metal step stamped from the Denver Ironworks.

Gavin loved running around on the step.

On our hour drive back, Gavin was alert and chatting. Five minutes before arriving back at Matt and Rene's, Gavin fell asleep. So, Matt drove up a nearby peak that overlooks Golden and is home to the grave of Buffalo Bill.

That evening, Gavin walked around with the spray bottle that Matt and Rene were using to discipline Axis and Teela when they barked at Gavin. It was funny that when he saw the bottle he kept saying "dog." It was even funnier that he was trying to spray Teela. Axis and Teela were very good to Gavin. Axis gave him kisses. Teela let him pet her. Gavin really wanted to play with the dogs, but they sometimes ignored him.

After hotdogs roasted in the fireplace and covered in homemade chili, there was a bit of time to relax before bed.

Monday morning found Rene headed to work, and us packing up after another morning walk. Matt worked for a bit before we headed out for brunch and then to the airport.

At the airport, Gavin was tired and extra mischevious. Dave and I were exhausted. I began to pray that Gavin would sleep on the plane because I knew that Dave and I were at a breaking point. We were just counting down the hours until we'd be home. God answers prayers. As we taxied down the runway gaining speed for take off, Gavin rested his head on my shoulder. He fell asleep and rested for about an hour and twenty minutes. He roused up as we began our descent into DFW. He ate a cookie on the way down, which kept his ears from hurting.

We had a great trip. Maybe we didn't wear Matt and Rene out too much. I know I'm still tired.

And, hopefully, that invitation still stands. :)

Homecoming Parade

Thursday evening was the 15th annual Homecoming Parade for the high school where I work. Being an assistant principal, I get to ride in the parade. And, as any proud mama would do, I had Gavin ride along with me. Dave showed up to act as the papparazzi for Gavin.

The band marched and played.

The mayor rode in a Viper.

The boys King Court rode in a Ferrari. Yes. A Ferrari.

The assistant principals and principal in a Ford truck. I'm waiting for my convertible.

Don't worry, grandmas. The truck driver was going about 1 mph. And, when we had to make a turn, I sat in the bed of the truck, not on the edge.

Gavin enjoyed waving to the crowd and pointing out the things he knew the words for: dog, baby, hat, bike.

My boss's daughter, Taylor, brought her lab, Rio. Every time a fire engine sounded it's siren, Rio howled. (Taylor and Rio watched with Dave.)

Another shot of the Ferrari. In our parade, the cars go up the street, make a u-turn and drive back down the other side.

Following the parade, there is a big outdoor community pep rally followed by fireworks. We gathered back at the pep rally, but headed home before the fireworks. It was past Gavin's bedtime, and we had a big day on Friday with our flight to Denver.

Veggin'

Sometimes a boy just needs to unwind after a hard day at work. Not wanting Daddy to be alone, Gavin ran over to the sofa to join him. :)

"Whatchu lookin' at, Mama?"

Take Me Out to the Ballgame 2

Since the weather has been awesome lately, I decided that a Rangers game would be the perfect family outing. The weather did not disappoint. It was sunny today with temperatures in the upper 60's. Perfect weather for watching a baseball game with my favorite little buddy.
Gavin had such a great time during his first major league game, that we had high hopes for another fun day. I think that he had an even better time today. He was clapping and cheering when he saw the crowd cheering. During the player intro music he would dance a little bit. We watched the kids play wiffle ball in the outfield "fun zone". He oggled the food vendors as they came by our seats. There were just tons of things for a 19 month old to do.

We snacked on goldfish, peanuts, nachos and brownies from Granny Glenda. Here is G thoroughly enjoying a browine. (That is Mama's har on G's head...)

"Hey ump that was a strike! Get your glasses checked!!!"

Today was the last game of the regular season, and the Rangers clinched the American League West a couple weeks ago. So naturally, the Rangers started putting in the second and third string players in the bottom of the 4th innning. Needless to say, they didn't win the game. But a good time was had by all despite the loss. We returned home with a very tired and hungry (in spite of all the snacks) little boy. I'm sure that he will sleep well tonight.

New GavinTube Videos

Are up on my page. There is a few pop quiz sessions with Gavin and a very emotional scene right after Momma left home.

http://www.youtube.com/user/davidmclaren1977