The big pour

We live in the country.  Not like you-can't-see-your-neighbor country, but it is not the city or even the burbs.  On 10 beautiful acres filled with lots of grass, a forest, an orchard and a magical "jungle" there was very little city that made its way into our world.  One of the most unexpected "city" additions was an upgrade of our driveway.  A hard slab of concrete would replace our rock driveway.  I find it ironic that I was yearning for some concrete.  But, I was!  And let me say how much it has improved our house.  Not to mention it is so unbelievably awesome to see both kids running around and playing on this little piece of "city" in our life!

When the mixer pulled up, Devon's eyes lit up with excitement. So much so that he needed to adjust is diaper! Upon closer inspection, he was a bit nervous about the whole size of the truck.

We were really honored that so many of our friends cleared their schedule for us to help us out.

All of the little parts and tools really captured Devon and Isabelle's imagination. They both were excited to be in the mix of work. Well, for a while anyway.

Isabelle really had no use for any boundary I set up. She just needed to be there in the action.

Devon had to be pursuded with many donuts after the initial awesomeness wore off. I think he ate more donuts than our friends. Izzy on the other hand, went for an apple.

Scott grabbed the long pole thingy and helped put the seam in the slab. It was really cool to see how this very liquid material was transformed into a rock hard piece of concrete.

The shovel was a source of endless amusement for the kids.

So, it was not just donuts that kept Devon still and interested in the work. It was also juice. Lets just say it was a sugar filled day for the kids. But, heck...that is fun sometimes!

Tim "The Pro" did a great job! It was so much work!

We love the finished result. SO MUCH! All of the scratches, all of the head bounces, all of the scuffed shoes (sorry Kristin...your cute brown leather strap shoes will NEVER be the same!), all of the "motorcycle" rides, all of the running around like crazy banshees, all the cupcakes and dinosaurs that chalk created....we love it all! IT is so great to have our own chunk of heaven! It has really transformed our house.

Who knew that playing with trucks could get any more fun. But having a flat surface to roll those bad boys on...awesome!

Right now there is a small step that needs to be dealt with. But for now, it is a nice speed bump for Izzy. Well, actually she usually just sort of runs off the edge and hop she stays upright.

So, as much as the kids love the driveway, I think I love it more! It has really transformed our house. Not that I am a big Oprah fan, but she always says that your home should rise up to met you. Well, this is a good step in the right direction.

Oh, and I just took some overall photos tonight and was too lazy to upload them into the computer. So, this is it...

Fair was more than fare!!!!!

I know, I know...it is totally cliche to say that these days are going so fast seeing you child grow up. But, I need to jump on that band wagon. I just can't believe how fast the last 2 years have gone. I look at Devon and think that his leg is about as long as he was when he was born! Where did all of that time go? It really makes me savor every single moment we share together. Well, maybe not the whining or the poopy diaper moments.

We ventured out into the world and landed at the Washington State Fair in Puyallup. The day we set aside to go was supposed to be good...but the sky had other plans. While driving there I think I questioned the lack of umbrellas about 100 times.

Our first stop (to get out of the rain) was to look at the pigeon exhibit? I know, that is totally weird...right? Who raised pigeons and then shows them at fairs? Regardless, Devon was happy to be "free" and Izzy just loved seeing the birds.

Then it was off to the horses. It was too bad that all of the horses were in the stalls. It almost felt like jail for the poor animals. It was a bit hard to see anything. But, we tried...

The next stop was to the petting area of the barns. This was my most anticipated part. Devon left within 2 minutes and Izzy quickly followed. Oh well, maybe the crowds of so many people was a bit off putting.

Before we arrived at the fair, Scott and I had this long debate about why people go to the fair. I thought it was to see the animals and eat the "delicious" food. Scott totally disagreed. He said it was for the rides. Maybe I just don't remember that aspect too much. But, I can tell you that for us, on Wednesday, the rides were the bomb!

As we approached the rocket ride, my eyes started to fill up. I could not imagine my little guy being old, big, mature or ready enough to go onto a ride without his mama or daddy! So, as we stood outside the ride and watched it go round and round I noticed a sign that said you needed to be 36 inches to ride. Surely, my baby was not going to qualify this year. So, I encouraged Dad to take Devon to measure himself just so we could move on to other things. But, much to my surprise, he just made it! AHHHHHHHH! Oh no! Now the tears were flowing.

EEEEEKKKKKKK! What did I just agree too? So, with a quick trip to the ticket booth, we were back in line waiting our turn. My heart was pounding that he was going to scream bloody murder once the ride started and there would be nothing I could do to help my poor little defensiless baby. Scott and Devon walked over to the rocket and strapped in.

Once the bell rung and the ride started to whirl, the smile that beamed from Devon just melted my heart! He was in love! He was so excited and thrilled. You could see it in his eyes.

To watch the video of his first ride, click on this link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s751NTKN5eU

AFter it was over, the only words we heard for a while was "AGAIN! AGAIN!" IT was so great to see him do something on his own without my help, Scott's help or Izzy's support. It was great!

Then the rain stopped and it got a bit steamy.

Izzy just wanted to be set free and run! But, we stopped for some corn dogs and fries.

Then it was back to the carnival! Izzy was just happy to...well, I don't really know if she was happy!

It was off to the cars and then the helicopter.

Izzy spent almost the entire day on the edge of her seat.

Devon just itching to get on the last ride! It was either the horrible rain that started to fall, or the excitement for another ride.

Then, we had to go to a fishing game and Devon won a dolphin for Izzy!

And finally, our day was rounded out with some COWS!!!!!! MOOOO! Luckily, there was this very kind gal who walked up her heffer to our kids and let them pet the bovine. The excitement and terror were so great!

I love how the cow is giving Izzy "The Eye"!

Sorry, I know how lame I am...but it just made me laugh!

I just found these cows beautiful. I loved how when they were laying down their spines were so prominent.

Back to being lame...I gave the kids some MILK to drink while we were visiting the cows! HAHAHA!

Our wonderful day ended with an elephant ear! YUMMMM!

All in all, it was so much fun, rain and all! IT was great to see Devon so excited and IZzy so thrilled to be in the mix of the action with so many people. It was great! I love sharing these moments with the kids.