Fair 2008

Well, it's that time of year again. The fair opened yesterday, and we were some of the first people through the gate. It's not that we love the fair that much, we just love that it's free admission , which saves us $10, and $18 unlimited rides, which saves us God only knows how much! Mackenzie has been every year, and this year she absolutely loved everything. We started off in the petting zoo, and we had to go around to all the animals and say hi. We gave the cows hay to eat, and Mackenzie kept saying, "We have to give the cows more meat"--hmm, ever heard of canabalistic cows, anyone? Of course we had to indulge in nasty, greasy fair food. Mackenzie and Jon shared a funnel cake, and I shared my boiled peanuts with my dad. Mackenzie's first ride of the day. It was the first time she had every ridden anything without an adult, so we were a little anxious to see how she would do, but we shouldn't have worried at all.
Another ride, another smile.
This one sort of makes me feel like a bad mom. She wanted to ride the elephants, and understandably so--they're one of her favorite animals. Apparently the centrifugal (I googled the spelling) force was pushing her really hard to the right (which is why we put her on the right side anyway) and she did not care for that at all. Still, it's a cute picture.
Riding Nemo, a sequel to Finding Nemo.

Me and Mackenzie on the Ferris Wheel with Daddy. I look cool and calm for the picture, but if you look closely, my eyes are almost closed. I remembered halfway up that I don't really care for heights, especially when the machinery isn't put together by rocket scientists.

Jon and Mackenzie. Yep, I'm on there, I'm just not crazy (read: stupid) enough to want to look out!This had to be Mackenzie's favorite ride. I can't remember how many times she got back in line and rode again, but it was many. (No worries, Mom, I've got a hand stamp!) As you can see, she never let go of the rail. On every ride. Not just this one. Every ride. She did squeal at the top of her lungs on this one.

She's in the 3rd full car from the left. Still holding on.

Fourth car from the left. Still holding on. Cute kid.

We had to play Pick Up Ducks, it's a family tradition.

And what toy did she pick when she had 4 to pick from? A duck.

Jon really used his unlimited ride pass, and went on all the adult rides. You can see him on this one. The set of cars all the way to the left, the idiot towards the bottom, with blue and black sneakers on. Yeah, that's my husband.

I rode one adult ride, the Pirate Ship, and that was enough for me.

One of my dad's and Jon's friends from work was working the fast pitch booth, and let Mackenzie try her hand at a fastball. I think she almost made it to a double-digit mph.

Last but not least, we stopped by the alligator show on the way out. After 5 1/2 hours of rides, we were ready for a break. Mackenzie loves all animals, so she was enthralled by the gator. Her favorite part was when Kachunga, the alligator handler, pried the gator's mouth open, and I think, purposefully let the jaws snap shut. She has talked about the "alligator snapping" nonstop.This is a stock picture from the fair's website of Kachunga and an alligator. We saw this move, too. Mackenzie being such an animal lover, wanted to make sure that the gator wasn't being hurt. We headed home around 10pm, and Mackenzie fell asleep before we got halfway home. She stayed asleep through changing into pj's, and slept until 10am. Go Fair!

Labor Day (with some super early wedding planning)

We went to Charlotte for Labor Day weekend to spend time with Jon's family. It was a fun trip, with some wedding planning from Aunt Beth and AJ thrown in. On Sunday we went to the country club where they are having the reception. Here's half the female wedding party, we're missing 3 more girls.

Me, Kristen, Aunt Beth, Chrissy, Mackenzie, and Brooklyn

After we visited the reception site, we headed over to the dress shop to try on our dresses. We still have a year, but Aunt Beth is getting everything organized now. This is dress number one for me, and a maybe for Mackenzie. Jon is a groomsman, I'm a bridesmaid, and Mackenzie is the flowergirl. (He chickened out and went to play the Wii with AJ instead of coming to the shop!)

This is a maybe dress for me, and a definite for Mackenzie. Of course, we're leaving the final decision up to Aunt Beth!

Mackenzie and Brooklyn had so much fun trying on their dresses and being princesses. They made up a whole story about castles and kings.
Mackenzie was finally so worn out, she took a break on the floor. She tried out every position she thought she might need, and I have no worries about her being uncomfortable like some little girls in poofy dresses.:-) Mackenzie with her best pal, Ladybug. When we're in Charlotte, she only wants to play with Nanny and Papaw's dog. Thankfully, Ladybug feels the same way!Mackenzie and Daddy

Papaw, Mackenzie, Nanny, and Ladybug

Mommy's New Toy!

We finally did it! Jon and I have been wanting a van for over a year now, and we bit the bullet a couple of weeks ago. Enjoy--we sure are!

Mackenzie LOVES the van!

Strike a pose!

5,4,3,2,1...Happy Birthday, Mackenzie!

Saturday, August 16 was Mackenzie's 3rd birthday.

We had such a great time with Mackenzie's party this year. Since she loves parties too, she helped me plan and decorate for it. The last two weeks she talked of nothing other than the party. She was so happy to see everyone who was able to come. Thank you all for loving Mackenzie--she loves you too! (This is going to be a long post, I can just tell!)

We started out at 10 in the morning with a 3-generation pedicure party at the salon--Jon's mom, me, and Mackenzie. Then we headed to Johnny Carino's for lunch. We went there for dinner last year on her birthday, so now we're making it a tradition.

Birthday lunch wouldn't be the same without...The Birthday Sundae!

After lunch we headed over to PetSmart and picked up a couple of additions to the family. Mackenzie had asked for hamsters a few weeks ago, and we figured they'd be the perfect pets. She loves to watch them scurry around, and she calls them her little babies. She named them Leo and Quincy, the two boys from Little Einsteins. (Thanks Nanny and Papaw for the cage!)When we got home from our busy afternoon out, Mackenzie opened her gifts from us and Jon's parents. She received lots of clothes, a horse stable, books, Barbie dolls, and more!
Our main gift to Mackenzie was this mini bounce-house.

She has such a great time in these, so we couldn't pass it up.

The theme of the party was Little Einsteins...

Mackenzie, Emma, and Kristen had a great time in the new bouncy house. It was just the right size!

The girls also enjoyed blowing bubbles, and getting disgustingly wet. (It looks like Mackenzie is tattling on someone...)

Mackenzie and "Baby Claire".

Hanging out...

I found the best little bakery one town over. They did an awesome job on our Rocket cake. It tasted the best out of all the cakes we've had for Mackenzie.

Mackenzie had her embarrassed face on while we sang "Happy Birthday". She looks mad, but she's only being bashful (which is completely unlike her).

Getting ready to open gifts! Thank you all so much for your wonderful gifts! Mackenzie loves all of them. She received several DVDs, some cute outfits, a Barbie car, vanity set complete with working hairdryer:-), books, crafts, and much more than I can remember.A karoake machine from Nanny and Papaw! Jon's parents know how much Mackenzie loves to sing along with her music, and perform.

My parents found a really cute Little Einsteins Rocket bean bag chair/pillow. Mackenzie and Kristen loved it!

After the gift-opening, we let Leo or Quincy (I have no idea how to tell them apart) run around in his exercise ball.

We celebrated Mackenzie's birthday a few days early with my parents. They gave Mackenzie an adorable vanity dresser.

My shy girl. This is her new embarrassed face.

Mackenzie with her new vanity, and new talking baby doll.
My dad and Mackenzie--she just loves to cuddle!

Happy Birthday, Alan!

Our friend Alan celebrated a birthday last week. We had a birthday dinner at a Mexican restaurant close by, with lots of friends. Mackenzie loves to dance with Alan.

Here's Mackenzie with Jeff--how sweet!
Blowing out the candles...yes, there's a cake behind that gi-normous margarita:-)Mackenzie had to try on the birthday sombrero!

A Royal Tea Party!

Last week we celebrated Emma's 3rd birthday at a boutique with a tea room. Mackenzie had a great time--she loves tea parties! The girls were given a choice of princess costumes, and the boys dressed up as knights. Mackenzie of course chose Tinkerbell. Everyone had such a good time. These kids sure are party animals!

Mackenzie couldn't wait for the tea party to begin. She sat in her chair and said to Emma's mom, "Sara, I need some tea, please!"

Playing blindfolded "Stick the Shoe on Cinderella" sans blindfold!

Trying to get a group picture!