Gran and Big Daddy came to see you recently, and to check out our new house. We were so glad to have them visit, and you were in Gran's lap reading stories within minutes of their arrival. You may have the same name as your Big Daddy, but you and Gran look so much alike we call you "The Twins."
Thinking that six adults was just about the right number to corral you at a major crowd event, we met Oma and Opa at the Sonoma County State Fair for a fun filled day of animals, rides and general chaos.
I think everyone's favorite part of the day was watching you channel The Lone Ranger during your very first pony ride. They plopped you on a big horse, strapped you in to some crazy S&M type saddle and away you went. Surprising no one, you showed absolutely no fear, and after a few rounds of acclimating to the sway of the horsie, you began to wave and clap to all of your adoring fans. You even cried when Dada finally pulled you off of your new four legged friend.
Ride Em Cowboy!
Dada, I want a pony for my birthday!
A round of applause for the six people waving and shouting at me like total crazies.
After the horsie ride, we wandered over to the animal displays, where you promptly inserted you delicious fingers into the mouth of a hungry goat. At least she was a blue ribbon winner.
We checked out some cows and the three Clifton men braved the petting zoo, where scores of small children molested helpless animals. You petted a few furry things and then Mama attempted to douse you in soap and antibacterial gel, conjuring images of that scene in Silkwood where they scrub the radiation off Meryl Streep until she turns red.
You eat my fingers. I eat your goat cheese.
Not sure who was petting who in this zoo.
Suddenly thirsty for milk.
After we had our fill of farm animals, it was time to check out the super-safe-well-maintained county fair rides. We were dismayed to find out that you were not tall enough to ride any of the rides, but fluffed up your sun hat, looked confident and realized the ride operators didn't give a hoot anyway.
We suckered Gran into riding the first ride with you.
Kind of looks like she was having more fun than you were. Just saying.
After a discussion as to whether it was safe to put you on the truck ride, we rigged your baby-backpack-come-leash into the ride harness (I am sure this is safe and approved by the backpack people) so that you could feel like a real truck driver . Mama figured if you tried to escape she could hurtle the three foot rail like Flo Jo and be there before your foot hit the ground (don't snicker, people). I'm not sure all the build up was exactly worth it for this ride. Your sun hat kept falling over your face and you spent the majority of the ride completely blind and looking kind of bored. The very nice ride operator stopped the caravan of trucks twice to right your hat, but it slid right back down. It was so pathetic. And also cute.
The thrill of anticipation...
The agony of defeat....
The redemption of your first corn dog.....
Before we called it a day we stopped by the music stage to do a little dancing. You were quickly approached by a little girl who wanted to be friends. Good friends.
Personally, I think it was the bonding over the backpacks that created the chemistry.
You played it cool while she checked you out.
Then you pulled her in by bustin a signature booty shakin move.
She countered with some arm flapping and wiggling.
You both boogied down for a few minutes.
And then the music stopped; there was an awkward pause, and you toddled off to drink out of a sippie cup that did not belong to you.
Before Gran and Big Daddy left we made time for some lovely family photos. And you totally cooperated for the picture taking. Totally.
It was an awesome visit! We hope they aren't afraid to come back!
