A Chapter Closed

Last fall Munchkin and I flew to MA and drove cross country with my mom to move her out here Washington.  She’s been living with us while her house has sat vacant, waiting for a buyer.  She’s had to drop the price of the house, a lot.  It’s much lower than she wanted but after several months she has a buyer.  She’s been patiently waiting for closing day so she no longer has to worry about and pay for the house.

2013

I’ve gone back and forth on writing this post for the past two days.  Instead of trying to remember everything that happened (or even look back to remember) I think I’ll share 13 of my favorite posts from this year (and I snuck a few more in too!)  They’re not in any special order. 

So, here are my favorites for 2013:

1.  Wordless Wednesday in January

I love these photos.  They are some of my favorite. Also, I can’t believe how much she’s changed in a year!

2. Me, 8 Months Later

I’m thankful to say that seventeen and half months later, I’ve worked through most of the issues I was having.  I’m still sad I had the c-section but I no longer think of it daily (or even weekly, YAY!) 

3. 4th Anniversary

We celebrated 4 years of marriage this year.  I love my husband and am so thankful we chose each other!

4. Wordless Wednesday, The Dog Park

We love trips to the dog park.  I got some very cute photos this day.

5. 10 Survival Tip for New Moms

Being a new mom is hard.  Some of these were told to me before Munchkin came along and others I wish people had told me.  I hope they are helpful and encouraging for others.

6. Goals for Motherhood

I enjoyed writing this post as it made me think about what kind of mom I want to be. 

7. Glacier Bay, Alaska

This was easily my favorite day on our Alaskan Cruise (though zip lining in Juneau was fun too!)  Glacier Bay is gorgeous and I’d love to go back some day!

8. 10 Reasons I Love Breastfeeding

I love breastfeeding, so much more that I thought I would.  This is a partial list of why.  I was also super excited to reach my goal of breastfeeding for 1  year.  I’m thankful that I was able to get some breastfeeding photos taken.  I know I will treasure these when Munchkin’s older and nursing is a thing of the distant past:)

 

9. Sobriety- 3 Years

We’ve come so far in three years by taking it one day at a time.  I don’t talk a lot about The Man’s alcoholism on my blog but it is a very real part of our lives.  Writing this post was good for me and allowed me to be encouraged by where we are now.

10. Building a Baby Library on Budget

Reading is so important and I think every child should have a library.  I know it can be hard to build one when funds are limited.  I wrote this to help give others ideas on how get books for their child.

11. Walking

My baby started walking!  I love that she’s mobile.  She’s so much fun.  This post also has the only personal video I posted this year (maybe ever on the blog?)

12. Munchkin’s first birthday

My baby turned one and was the first of many (I hope) birthdays.  I think she’ll enjoy cake a little more at her next birthday!

13. The House

It was hard saying goodbye to my childhood house.  Writing this post helped to find some closure. 

13.5  Swimming

We love taking Munchkin swimming!  She loves it, we love it and it’s great family time!

Happy New Year!

Victoria, BC

Our last port call on our Alaskan cruise was Victoria, BC.  I have to admit that I was not excited about this port call at all.  It happened on Friday and we arrived in the late afternoon and were there until 11:30.  I was really wanting to be home already. I was missing my baby and my husband and I was engorged and in pain. 

We decided, last minute, to book a tour called “Victoria at your Leisure.”  It was a tour on a double decker bus with time to shop downtown.  It was also cheap, which was nice.  We managed to snag a seat on the top deck.  The tour was short but we didn’t mind.   Once we were dropped off we went by the museum and looked at the totem poles that were scattered on the grounds.  I wasn’t aware that Victoria had such a large collection of totems but I’m not surprised.  After that we walked around The Empress Hotel.  We had talked about doing high tea there (it’s famous for it) but decided not too.  I took a lot of photos and hopefully we can go back and have tea there some time!  Victoria isn’t too far from Seattle.  Clipper vacations often has deals to Victoria and now that The Man has a passport, maybe we can make it happen!

Once we had our fill of walking around The Empress, we did a little shopping.  We didn’t want to buy a lot, but Munchkin needed something from Victoria!  Mom was super happy that we found a Starbucks.  It was her first one all week.  After Mom got her drink it was time to head back.  We were still in port for several hours but Mom and I were fine going back to the boat.  We were ready to head home to Seattle!

Juneau, Alaska

Our ship pulled into and docked in Juneau, Alaska at 6 am in the morning.  As the sun rose all you could see was fog.  We were a little nervous that it was going to be rainy like Ketchikan but after an hour or so the fog burned off.  The day was sunny and while I wouldn’t say warm it wasn’t too cold.

We were excited about Juneau because we were going ziplining!  We had been looking forward to this all week.  From the ship we took a 5 minute bus ride downtown.  Then we took a little express boat to Douglas Island.  The trip lasted all of 10 minutes.  Once we were at the location we got all suited up in our harnesses, helmets and gloves.  We rode an oversized ATV type thing into the Tongass National Forest.  It was gorgeous!  It’s a temperate rainforest and green was everywhere.  We had to climb a little way to get to the first platform.  We climbed beside a little creak and it was charming. 

At the platform we got our lesson.  It was pretty simple.  Keep your left arm up on the metal thingie, use your left wrist/arm to keep yourself straight, use your right hand to break by grabbing the lower cable and cross your legs.  Easy peasy, right?  It was, except I have short arms so reaching up and holding onto the metal thing wasn’t all the comfortable.  I also had a hard time not spinning around but it gave me a better view of the area so I wasn’t to worried.

There were 9 zip lines and two suspension bridges.  This part of the forest used to be Treadwell Mine and it produced about 70 million dollars worth of gold.  We zipped over some of the old mines and one of the glory holes.  It was spectacular! We also had amazing views of Mt. Roberts and the channel from the platforms.  The weather was perfect.

Our guides, Sara & Stewart were friendly and knowledgeable.  They shared about the area and did their best to make everyone comfortable.  We had 8 people, including ourselves, in our group.  There was some nice banter between us all that made it even more enjoyable.  Come to find out, it is a small world.  Stewart is originally from a town about 1o minutes from where I grew up and our high schools were in the same league for sports.  He graduated the year before I did.

It took us a little longer than normal as the group ahead of us and some older people (two of them had canes!) that had some difficulties.  They got stuck in the middle of the line and had to be pulled in more than once.  Other than having to wait around, the whole experience was amazing and I HIGHLY recommend this is you ever find yourself in Juneau.

Once we got back to town we had just enough time to do a little shopping.  We were afraid we wouldn’t have enough time but the shopping area is small.  Many of the shops were having end of season sales.  It worked in our favor as it was the last day of the cruise season.  Our ship and her sister ship, the Oosterdam were the last two ships in Juneau.  We found our deals and headed back to the ship.

I’d love to visit Juneau again someday.  The Mendenhall Glacier is not that far from town and I have yet to see it, even though I’ve been here twice.  The first time The Man & I went panning for gold and this time zip lining.  I’d love to see it by helicopter or float plane but those two options are very expensive, so I need to start saving my pennies. 

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Glacier Bay, Alaska

As I type this, I’m enjoying the scenery of Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska.  I’m nice and comfy in my stateroom, though I do make frequent trips outside to take in the scenery as well and the clean, crisp scent and the sound of water against the cruise ship.

The water is a gorgeous blue/green, reminding me of Caribbean waters.  It’s not the dark blue one might expect from cold water, often found in the northern oceans.  The color surprised me the first time I saw it.  I’m sure the ocean here is frigid but since I haven’t touched it, I’ll just go with my intuition.  Mountains rise up all around us.  As we’re in the lower part of the bay, the mountains are covered in trees, some two hundred years old.  There are clouds and haze, lingering where the sun’s rays haven’t yet reached. 

Since the view from my balcony was limited, I explored the ship.  I visited the back of the boat on the upper deck, where the scenery was just as gorgeous.  Mom & I walked around the promenade deck, visiting both the port and starboard sides of the boat.  We also ventured to the bow, where it was quite windy and cold.  We were served hot pea soup and it was very warming and hit the spot.  We eventually made it back to our room.  What was nice about being in the public, outside areas was the occasional commentary by a visiting park ranger.  Two boarded our ship to share their knowledge with us about the bay.

I moved to our balcony and by this time we had sailed into the upper part of the bay, right next to Marjorie Glacier.  We were so close and I feel like I could have reached out and touched it.  Parts of the glacier are dirty and remind me of the yucky snow on the side of the road after it’s been plowed.  Other parts are white, where I’m guessing the glacier has calved.  Parts of the glacier have a bluish hue.  The water is still green but has sediment mixed in so has a brownish color to it.  The glacier is noisy as it moves.  The Marjorie is moving 7 feet a year.  I was able to see some small pieces fall; it’s not a quiet process. 

Right next to the Marjorie Glacier is the Grand Pacific Glacier.  It does not look as large as the Marjorie but it is the glacier responsible for carving out most of Glacier Bay as it receded.  Glaciers, as they grow, remove everything that’s living, right down to the bed rock.  As it recedes, it leaves the bare bedrock behind.  Slowly things start to grow again.  Lichen and moss come first, preparing the way for small flowering plants, which prepare the way for the trees that eventually start growing again.  The trees closer to the glaciers are much smaller than those in the lower bay as they have had less time to grow.

We had a gorgeous day to be in Glacier Bay.  The sun was shining and was warm on my face as the boat turned around and we headed back the way we came.  We’ll head up another “arm” to see a few more glaciers.  They all tend to look alike.  They are stark but beautiful and they command your attention.  The seeming barrenness is also beautiful.  If you look closely you can see life.  There were a few harbor seals playing and eating near the base of the glacier.  There were lichen and small flowering plants and bushes and trees growing where there once was glacier.  Fresh water streams flow down, little streams of melted snow, making its way back to the ocean.  There are also mountain goats around as well as birds.  And who knows what kind of fish and mussels and other kinds of life are abundant underwater, hidden from view?  In Johns Hopkins Inlet we saw a Humpback whale surface twice for air. 

We visited Johns Hopkins Glacier, named after the university in Baltimore, MD.  It is one of the few glaciers that is growing.  It is a mile wide and the ice towers two hundred and fifty feet above sea level with another two hundred feet of ice below.  The glacier is an amazing blue color with towering snow covered mountains behind it.  The mountains that are ten thousand feet high and the snow from them feeds the glacier.  Right beside the glacier is Mt. Abbey, which is eight thousand feet.  In it’s shadow is Gilman Glacier, which is a tributary of the Johns Hopkins.  Johns Hopkins moves 10-15 feet a day and while we were there we were able to see some calving; the splash from the dropping ice was incredible.  It sounded like a freight train.  It amazes me that you can hear the glacier moving.  I found it fascinating that cruise ships are not allowed to this glacier until  after September first.  The harbor after Jaw Point is a Harbor Seal breeding area.  The number of Harbor Seals are in decline so they are doing what they can to protect them.  We were able to get extremely close to the glacier, something we were told that doesn’t happen very often.  It was incredible! 

My words really do not do this place justice.  It is a place that must be seen to be fully enjoyed. 

Ketchikan, Alaska

Due to bad weather our port call schedule changed and we stopped in Ketchikan, Alaska first.  It calls itself the shopping capital of Alaska.  The downtown area is right next to the piers and is lined with shops.  There are totem poles around and Creek Street is a short walk.  I’ve heard that it’s also one of the rainiest cities and I believe it.  I’ve been there twice now and it’s been pouring both times.  If you ever visit, make sure to bring your rain gear.

We had decided to do a Duck Tour in Ketchikan.  We’ve done the Boston Duck Tours more times and I can count and we love them.  The Duck Tour concept began in Boston and they do it well.  I didn’t realize that we had high expectations but did.  Mom & I DID NOT enjoy the Duck Tour at all.  At the end, I knew more about our tour guide (a 28 year old woman who was heading to Baja, Mexico to nanny for an American family and she grew up in Colorado & Kansas) than I did about Ketchikan.  She did give us some information on salmon and we did get to see the salmon elevator.  We also drove by the city park that used to be a salmon hatchery.  We drove right by Creek Street and the Totem poles while she was cracking corny jokes.  She did make sure to tell us about where Burger King used to be and why it went out of business.  I really don’t care about Burger King and would have preferred to learn more about the beginnings of the town. 

After driving around a little we headed to the water.  While in the water she told us about three kind of fishing boats and how they work.  It was interesting.  Then we “sailed” around for no reason.  I had the feeling that it was to waste time and fulfill the hour and half requirement of how long the tour was supposed to be.  Overall I was very disappointed in this tour.  If you find yourself in Ketchikan, do yourself a favor and skip this one. It’s not worth your money.

The good news is that Mom & I still had plenty of time to walk around.  We did some shopping (yay for end of season sales! I scored a warm Alaska sweatshirt for $10 and mom got a fleece jacket for the same price, both normally priced over $50).  Munchkin made out like a bandit!  I love buying stuff for my little girl.  Some of it will be for Christmas.  I had wanted to get her a stuffed puffin and after looking in several shops I finally found one.  Everything else was icing.  She got books, socks, pj’s,and t-shirts.

We walked Creek Street and did some shopping.  There were still a lot of salmon in the creek.  There were also a lot of dead salmon along the edges, spent from spawning.  In the creek lives a family of otters who like to feast on the salmon, as it’s easy pickings since there are so many.  We saw two, maybe three of them.  One was white and the other one or two I saw was black.  They were having a great time! 

We made our way through the downtown, see and taking photos of a couple of the totem poles.  I’m not big into totem poles (as in I don’t want to buy small replicas to bring home) but I do think they are cool looking.  I know they are culturally significant and I would love to know more.

Overall we had a great day in Ketchikan.  We were excited to get back on the ship though, to warm up and eat some lunch!

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone, the first national park in the United States, is as amazing today as it was when it was created (or so I would imagine.)  It’s huge and full of incredible nature.  It’s hard to use words to describe it.  The shear beauty of Yellowstone takes your breath away.

We arrived through the east entrance in the afternoon.  Last time I drove through this entrance it was midnight, so I enjoyed being able to see where we were going this time.  Munchkin was crying/screaming for most of it.  We stopped at the General Store at the Fishing Bridge to stretch, eat lunch and of course we browsed the merchandise for sale.  Munchkin was ok getting back in the car after and we headed up to the loop road.  It was slow going because there was bison everywhere.  I lost track of how many herds we saw after 6.  There were thousands of them, just about everywhere you looked.  People were stopping and taking pictures from the middle of the road.  It was kinda insane.

We took the loop road towards the West Entrance.  On the way we drove through the Virginia Cascade Loop.  It took a little but but we finally found the falls.  There was a river leading up to it and I had mom pull over at a turn off so I could go see the river.  Munchkin was asleep (thankfully!) so mom stayed in the car with her.  The air was cool but clean and crisp smelling.  It was quite and you could hear some birds and the river gurgling as it headed to the falls.  It was so peaceful.  I wish Munchkin had been awake because I would let her go wading, even though the water was cold. 

 

The next day we headed towards the geyser section of Yellowstone.  We stopped to walk along a path around some and we saw three go off.  It’s amazing to see water shooting out of the earth.  After that we headed to Old Faithful.  It was going off as we drove up so we waited around to see it again.  It was worth it.

After a quick lunch at the lodge we headed to the Continental Divide, where we left the crowds behind (thankfully!) It was nice and peaceful, perfect for a Munchkin nap.  There was a little lily pad covered pond and it smelled clean and pure.  It was heavenly.

After that we continued driving the loop road.  We ended up back at the fishing bridge where we had come in the day before.  We decided that we would drive the whole loop.  Munchkin was doing great and it really wouldn’t take that long, would it?  I should have known better cause that’s what The Man & I said when we were there.  Yes, it does take all afternoon.  You would think that I would have learned from last time but no.  So we drove around and while we enjoyed it we were exhausted by the end.  We did manage to stop at Mammoth Springs and walk around.  Munchkin was sleepy so I carried her in the Ergo.  While we were heading back to the car I saw a man carrying a baby in an infant car seat.  While I agree it’s totally your choice to use one, I really wanted to let them try my carrier.  Who wants to carry a heavy car seat around Yellowstone?  Baby wearing is the way to go…so much easier and so much better for your back!

We were super excited to get back to the hotel but the mule deer and line painting slowed us down.  We really need more time in Yellowstone.  I think we have to plan another visit…soon!                                     

The Badlands

After leaving Aberdeen, SD, we headed to Rapid City.  Along the way we took a detour and drove through The Badlands.  As you drive along I-90, you can start to see the Badlands on your left.

As you drive into the park via the northern entrance, there are canyons on one side and spires of stone ahead of you.  We pulled into the first viewing area to take in the sites.  Munchkin was not happy about it.  We tried to get her to walk but she threw a hissy fit so Nana carried her.  After nursing her a little she calmed down.  I don’t think she really enjoyed the beauty but Nana and I sure did!  I was reminded of the Grand Canyon, though not as deep or as wide spread.

We drove through the park, as we were on our way to Rapid City.  I think we spent maybe an hour there.  I would love to go back and spend some time there and really explore.  We stopped at a visitors center and then kept on driving.  Munchkin was not a happy camper and we didn’t want to keep taking her in and out.  The landscape is extreme but gorgeous. 

Rapid City, South Dakota

We didn’t have a full day in Rapid City, just a morning so we could see Mt. Rushmore.  I know it’s just faces carved into rock but I think it is pretty spectacular.  As we headed out of town towards the monument, Munchkin fell asleep.  She was so predictable. We had been hoping she would stay awake but no such luck.

On the way to Mt. Rushmore you pass all kinds of different attractions, trying to pull you in.  One of them is Bear Country USA.  Mom & I had seen billboards for it.  As we’re driving out one of us casually mentions how next time it would be cool to stop there and see some bears.  The other agrees and we realize both of us wanted to go but didn’t want to say anything cause we didn’t think we had the time.  Once we realized Munchkin was asleep, we decided to stop and see how long it would take and how much it was.  If you only do the driving part it’s about 45 minutes and we didn’t think it was to expensive so we decided to do it.  All in the name of letting Munchkin get in her morning nap so she would be less grumpy later on.  We didn’t mind the sacrifice at all!

Bear Country USA is a drive through wildlife park.  There are other animals though bears are the main attraction.  We saw Elk, Arctic Wolves, Big Horn Sheep, Mountain Lions, Bison and of course Bears.  Lots and Lots of bears!  It was awesome. If you’re ever out this way, take an hour or so out of your day and stop.  You’ll be glad you did!

Munchkin slept through the whole thing, she even slept through my mom running into the gift store to buy her a stuffed black bear.  We drove on out to Mt. Rushmore.  I think it’s amazing.  We did have to wake Munchkin up once we got there but I put her in the Ergo and she was good to go.  I had wanted to hike the area a little but mom’s foot was bothering her so we didn’t get a chance too.  We browsed the gift shop and then ate lunch there.  I had a bison burger and it was delicious. 

 

We snapped a few more photos and then got on the road to our next destination, Sheridan, Wyoming.  From there, we were headed to West Yellowstone in Montana.  Mom was super excited as we were heading to Yellowstone National Park.

The House

I was three when we moved into my childhood home.  I remember the first night in the house.  My parents put me to sleep on the hardwood floor in what would become the dining room.  I fell asleep as they carried in box after box, late into the night.

My bedroom was next to theirs so they could hear me if I cried.  There was only one window and really dark.  The room had an eve in it and my grandfather put in a skylight for us.  After that, my room was really bright, even in cloudy weather.  I loved it growing up.   Pink was my favorite color when I was three and of course I picked a pink rug for my room.  I really wanted all pink wall paper but my mother, in her wisdom, refused (she hates pink.)  I ended up with floral wallpaper that had pink in it but also had blue and some other colors.  As a teen I was very thankful my whole room was not pink and it was no longer my favorite color!

I played Barbies and talked on the phone with friends for hours in that room.  I had countless sleepovers talking about the things that girls talk about growing up: nail polish and fashion and boys.  I graduated high school and returned from college to that room.  I moved to Asia and moved back into that room for a year when I returned after three years. 

It’s hard to think that that house will no longer by my mom’s house. I hate that my daughter will not know that house, the house that I grew up in.  Practically I know the house, with close to two thousand square feet is too large for my mom.  I still wish there was some way we could keep it.  I know it’s just a house but it was home for so many years.  I know I will always be welcome in any house my mom has because it’s my mom and NOT the house that is welcoming.

The last night was spent similar to the first, sleeping on the floor.  We had air mattresses this time and it was my mom, Munchkin & I.  I didn’t sleep as well as that first night in the house, but Munchkin did.  The sleep of babes is sweet and deep.  She won’t remember that night in the house but I will.  It means a lot to me. I’ll cherish it as I look forward to making memories with my family in a new house.

Road Trip 2013: Aberdeen, SD

From Minnesota we headed to Aberdeen, South Dakota.  It’s a little city in northeastern South Dakota.  We headed there to see family that lives nearby.  We stayed in Aberdeen because the town they live in is tiny and only has a hunting lodge.  My mom isn’t a fan of hunting lodges so the bigger city was better for us.

Aberdeen is about six and half hours from the mall.  It might not take so long but it’s mostly back roads with lower speeds.  We spent the day enjoying corn and soybean fields broken up by the occasional small town.  And by small I mean tiny!  We went through one that had a population of 10.  I didn’t know you could have a town with only 10 people. 

I was very excited to see family.  We visited The Man’s oldest brother’s family.  They hadn’t met Munchkin yet and I hadn’t seen them since our wedding 4 years ago!  The visit was long overdue.  We had dinner the night we arrived and the next day we went to Storybook Land and than had dinner at their house. 

We had a great time!  Storybook Land was fun and Munchkin loved it!  It’s a free park and it has tons of slides and things to climb on, all themed from kid’s story books.  There was also a carousel that Munchkin got to go on (twice) with her cousin.   The write of the Wizard of Oz lived in Aberdeen for a few years so there was a section based on the book.  I’m not a huge fan of Oz but it was fun. 

After resting for a few hours Mom, Munchkin & I headed to my in-laws house for dinner.  We were able to talk and relax for a few hours.  An added bonus was that we go to watch the forth quarter of the Ducks game.  I also found out that my brother in law is cooks as well as his brothers.  I married into the right family as all four brothers can cook, and cook well.  We were treated to BBQ chicken, deviled egg potato salad and baked beans.  It was so nice to eat home cooked food after eating out so much.

After this we were venturing out into ideas of what and where we wanted to go and nothing set.  We decided our next stop would be Rapid City to see Mt. Rushmore!

Alaska

My parents had talked about taking an Alaskan cruise for their 35th wedding anniversary for YEARS.  This year is their 35th anniversary and my mom still wants to go to Alaska.  She doesn’t want to go by herself so I get to go with her.  We set sail today, on the second anniversary of daddy’s death.   We’ll remember and celebrate his life.  I wish he was still here to go with mom but since he isn’t, I’ll go.   We’re also looking forward to relaxing and recovering from our two week cross country drive!   The Man is taking time off work to take care of Munchkin and I’m glad they’ll get some quality daddy-daughter time.  I know, from experience, how important that father daughter bond is.  I want my daughter to have that with her daddy as it can make a world of difference.

Time has helped heal some of the pain but  I still miss my daddy everyday.  I know he would love his granddaughter.  I hate that she will never get to meet him.  I look forward to seeing him again someday.  So until then, I’ll miss him everyday.  Everyday. single. day.

 

 

The WA State Fair

Happy Monday Friends.  I hope you had a marvelous weekend!  We had a great one.  Saturday was a great day.  We relaxed at home in the morning and in the early afternoon we watched the Oregon Ducks demolish Tennessee (we are NOT SEC fans in this house).  The game was looking a little iffy at the beginning when we were down by 7 but the boys showed up and played a great game.  Yes, we’re teaching Munchkin young to love football and the Ducks.  She loves watching the game on her daddy’s lap and she knows to put her arms up for a touchdown. 

We left at the end of the third quarter to head to the Washington State Fair.  Every year we talk about going and end up not going because something comes up.  This year we missed our county fair because of the cross country drive so I was determined to get to the fair.  We knew Munchkin would love the animals. 

First up once we arrived was fair food.  I mean, that’s one of the best parts of the fair, right? Nana share her funnel cake with Munchkin and it was her first time having it…she liked it (what’s not to like?!?)  The Man got fried apple slices.  They were super yummy!

After that it was on to the animals!  We were right, Munchkin LOVED them!  We saw bunnies, chicks, cows, horses, pigs and dogs.  She really liked the bunnies.  I think she might be asking for one in the future, especially after a visit to the fair!  She was intrigued by the piglets.  There were some sleeping and then there were several who were playing.  One was quite aggressive and was nipping at a sibling’s ear.  He was cute.  Munchkin liked the horses but was a little intimidated by their size.  She liked looking at them but when the horse looked at her she would bury her head in her Daddy’s shoulder.  It was adorable!

After that we headed to see the vendors and the quilts.  We were there on a Saturday night and the vendor hall was packed.  Nana was had the stroller and The Man was carrying Munchkin and we were not far behind her.  Out of nowhere there was this loud sound, kind of like a yoga ball popping.  No one knew what it was.  About 5 minutes later my mom complained about the stroller and that it was wheeling funny.  One of the wheels was flat.  That loud noise was our tire popping!  I was so glad I had brought the Ergo cause we couldn’t use the stroller for Munchkin anymore!  After that we found the quilts and enjoyed the amazing work that people can do.  It was inspiring!  Maybe I’ll start quilting again soon…

After that it was FINALLY time for rides!  We bought our tickets and found a spot for Nana and Munchkin to hang out.  The lines were long and The Man & I felt bad leaving them alone for a long time so we didn’t do too many rides.  We did ride the wooden roller coaster and it was awesome.  We didn’t make it to the free fall or the other coaster but we did make it to two other rides.  It was fun to go on them with The Man, even if we were surround by teenagers!  A lot them needed more clothes on though.  Or does thinking that just make me old?  We also wanted to take Munchkin on at least the carousel but you have to be two so that was a no go.  There’s always next year!

We still had some tickets left so we played some games.  We finally managed to win something at Ski Ball.  The Man and I each one a small stuffed animal.  We needed one more to trade up to a medium but we couldn’t win another one before running out of tickets.  Turns out it’s fine cause when we gave Munchkin the two we won she lit up.  She LOVES them!  She was so excited! We think it’s because she saw them up displayed and then when we produced them and gave them to her she thought we were the best parents ever! Or maybe that’s just what I hope she thought!

Over all we had a great time!  I’m already looking forward to next year.  I think we’ll go during the week when it will hopefully be a little less crowded.  Munchkin should be able to go on a few rides and enjoy the animals more.  I’m pretty sure we just found a new fall family tradition!

 

 

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