The Fourth of 4 New Posts

In no particular order:

How handsome is this kid?!

Elena made this doughnut at the Children's Museum. Krispy Kreme had a little cart set up with a worker who had gloves for the kids to wear so that they could make (meaning: frost) their own. The icing is red because they were opening a new Clifford exhibit. She was so careful when she ate it and didn't get any frosting on her shirt.
My wonderful, hardworking, handsome husband turned 31 on October 5th. We enjoyed a nice evening at home. Dan was sick for the two days before and the two days after, but he emerged from the bedroom for an hour or two to open presents and let Elena blow out his candles (he was just pretending so that he wouldn't spread his germs around). Elena did a great job decorating the cake with a variety of sprinkles.
We had a girl's night at the movies recently. We (Mom, Bethany, and I) took Elena to see her very first movie in a movie theater: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.
We had a blast and she was on her very best behavior. The movie was really funny and cute. I was able to preview everything about it on this website which was great.
Check out the size of that popcorn bucket! I think that might have been her favorite part about going to the movie theater. Yes we ate it all, don't judge.

Family Vacation (part 1)

I had no idea that I had saved this post a month ago and never finished it. I hate when that happens!!!

We were so lucky to be able to take a trip as a family to Virginia (in August). Dan hadn't been able to go with us to visit my family since Christmas and that was only 4 days. Besides my high school reunion, we spent a week going to the beach, Busch Gardens, and visiting with Shelby (one of my best friends who just moved from here to VA).

Michael, Laurel, and Elena at the beach:

The boys chillin' on the boardwalk:

Kevin liked the beach, but he wasn't a fan of the water this year. We'll try again in the spring. :)

Granny, Grandad, and Kevin at Busch Gardens. It was the hottest day ever! At least it felt like it.

I love this picture of Elena and her Grandad.

Dan, Elena, and I happily getting soaked by standing next to 'Escape from Pompeii.'

On a mini Ferris wheel with my little girl:

She loved this ride when it first started to move forwards and backwards and then it began to move side to side as well. Dan was great though - he just scooted down in his seat and talked to her to calm her down until the ride was over.

We even got Granny to go on a ride. :)

Michael, Elena, and Laurel at Shelby's new house.

Family Vacation (part 2)

We also visited the Children's Museum in a neighboring city during Dan's vacation. It was very cute and Elena had a great time. We'll have to go back soon. This house was the playhouse at the museum. There was a full kitchen and everything!
One of these things is not like the other:I honestly didn't see it until I looked closer. Dan is tricky:

They had this costume in the theater room. I wish we could use it for Halloween!

The Fair 2009

We went to local fair again this year. It was a blast. We got there early and left at dinner time when it started to get crowded. The weather was perfect, the food was unhealthy and delicious, and Elena got rode a horse! It was a great day. It was a bummer that Dan had school all day is was on call that night, so he wasn't able to meet up with us at all. But: my mom and dad were good company.

This picture may be fuzzy, but it perfectly captures how much she loved feeding the animals at the petting zoo. She spent at least 30 minutes in there.What's this? Pig racing of course!

Two tickets paid for 3 trips down the slide, but Elena opted to only slide once. She had fun but she wasn't feeling very adventurous.

I love him!

Yummy, buttery corn!

Both kids on the carousel at once:

We finished off a long, napless day with a pony ride. She had been tired for a while, but some pink lemonade gave her some energy (and courage).
My super talented friend Summer, has super talented kids. They won first and second place in the fair's quilting contest (kids division). How cute is that???!!!