First Day of School -- The Better Late Than Never edition

I like a trend to really take hold and sort of be on the way out before I latch on. I don't know why but it's always been my way. I first realized it when Pogs (remember those) hit my school. I scoffed at the stupid new game and proudly held to my non-pog playing position. And then I realized I was kind of missing out and I humbly asked my mom to take me to the drugstore to buy my first set. Henceforth a full-fledged pogger I became. 

So much like my pogging story, I like to arrive late to the party and so I present you with my 3 week late First Day of School post.  


Kindergarten and 3rd grade. WTF dude? I have a third grader! And my baby is in full-day kindergarten. [Insert mind exploding here]

I wasn't scheduled to have the kids that morning and I frantically and pathetically begged their father to let me have them for the night so I could get the ready for their first day and do our traditional first day of school activities like freak out that Bud's pants don't fit him because he grew 7 feet overnight and scream at Babe to find out where she put her damned lunch box that I told her not to play with. Thankfully he took pity on me (since he leaves for work so early he wouldn't be the one to get them ready anyway) and I was able to salvage one of the few traditions I've established over the course of their short lives. First Day of School pictures at grandma's house! You'd think "grandma's house" would be my mom, but no, it's my ex's mom. We still have a fabulous relationship, and possibly an even stronger relationship now, and we are still very much a part of each others lives. I don't know what I would do without them! But enough of that. It's picture time!!

Do I have beautiful children or what?

Bud says: "Let's be lions!" Babe says: "I'm too cute to be a lion!"

Still a lion. Still a cutie.

I told them to get excited! Bud's more worried about not looking into the sun.

"Seriously mom, I can't look into the sun anymore!"

Babe says sun is no excuse to hold back on the sass! 

My non-baby-OMG-when-did-you-even-become-real-kids kids

He's finally coming around to the whole posing for the camera thing. 

(It's because he secretly hopes I'll post stuff to Facebook)

Kindergarten. Just...kindergarten. Whoa.

I am so proud of these kids! They've had to deal (and are still dealing) with a lot over the past year and a half, but they are both amazing individuals. Bud is so smart it's scary. He understands things that he has no business understanding at 8 years old and he just craves knowledge like no child I have ever met before. He's funny and silly and so compassionate. Babe brings vibrancy to every dark corner. Her personality and exuberance for life and fun is unrivaled. She is sassy and smart and thoughtful. They both make me laugh and make me strive to be a better person and a better mother. I couldn't ask for more. I think it's going to be a good year.


Lily

The Great New York State Fair - A Review!

We spent Saturday at The Great New York State Fair! It was awesome, as usual! I chose to spend my birthday there and it did not disappoint! We bought the bracelets (for rides) and it was totally worth it! We waited on one really long line so we didn't get as many rides in as I had hoped, but thankfully the ride we waited for was a good one and we got to all the ones I was hoping to get on! 

We started by walking around and checking out the butter sculpture and the sand castle. Two of my favorites! 

I'm always amazed at what they can sculpt in butter!

This year they did a tribute to Dr. Seuss and it was awesome! The detail is unreal!

Then we headed for the rides. The kids had an absolute blast! Before we even got to the Fair, it was determined that we would be going on the trampolines. I cannot say no to that request! I think I'm more of a kid when it comes to trampolines then they are! LOVE THEM! They cost a little extra but they were so worth it!

Bud was doing double flips on each jump! He was amazing!

Babe was flipping too! She's so light that it was hard for her to get around...but she didn't give up and was a pro by the time she was done!

And, of course, I couldn't be left out! Who doesn't love to flip?! 

Bud also brought some of his own money to spend and decided to do the rock wall too. No surprise, he was amazing at it! He kept going up and down and switching lines and generally having a blast the whole time! 

My little monkey up at the top!

Babe had to take advantage too! She's a little dare devil as much as he is!

Bud also couldn't resist the hammer/bell ringing thing. You know what I mean, the strong man thing. I'm sure there is a name for it but I have no idea what it is. It's where you use the heavy hammer to hit the thing and ring the bell. He got it on his second try and came away with a new toy...

Don't mess with this guy

And Babe got in on the action too. 

We really had a blast on all the rides and with the games, but my all-time favorite thing to do is see the State Trooper K-9 and Repelling demonstrations. The. Best. We cut our time at the rides short so we could make it to these shows. It wouldn't be the Fair without them. 

Waiting is for the dogs!

We were lucky to get a spot in the shade!

And here are a few more fun shots...

Let the excitement begin!

Babe insisted on going on the merry-go-round

Wish I had gotten this closer up

This one too. Oh well!

So as you can see, another GREAT time at the State Fair! If you are ever in the Syracuse area in late August, you should definitely check it out!!

I received free tickets to the Fair for my preview and review posts. I'd have done it for free because I love the fair so much, but getting tickets makes it even better! 

Lily