4-H Fair 2016

As usual, the excitement started for the 4H fair in our home as soon as they turned their calendars to August and saw it noted.  Random requests to drive by the fairgrounds were made to see the tents going up; I often obliged because it is such an easy way to bring them joy. This year's fair took place under very hot and muggy conditions. It rained almost every day at some point during the fair, whether in the morning or evening. 

These photos are a mixture from all 3 days, rather than chronological.

We did start each morning at the excavators before the lines formed. Austin had behaved as though he wasn't going to take a turn since he couldn't sit in my lap (I was wearing Colleen in the Moby). But he surprised me by bounding up the stairs.

One morning we got in line with our friends for a 5 minute turn on this dinosaur bounce house.

They require multiple reminders of the remaining time to play in the corn box. Otherwise, meltdowns commence.

This photo shows why everyone says that George and Austin could be brothers!

Our friend Gwen brought her bunny out when we arrived and let the kids hold him. Later, we were told that holding bunnies weren't allowed, just petting. We were grateful for the special treatment.

Look, Mommy! Granddaddy's Snoopy!

Ran into our friend Tyler while petting the cow

I have had a young lady, Natalie, come over one morning a week during this summer to help with the big kids. I've been able to tackle stuff around the house or just give Colleen some individual attention. Natalie came with us to the fair on her morning; I was grateful for the help!

Amelia's memory never ceases to amaze me. Just minutes after being at the fair on the first morning, she asked if we could go to the cat/alpaca tent to get their faces painted. The 4-H kids were smart this year and were only painting cat faces - simple and easy.

Watching the magic show with some other friends. You can see that the heat and humidity were brutal! My van thermometer showed 101deg after moving and cooling down.

Colleen was the main attraction when we ate our lunch. Our sweating on each other in the Moby made her cranky, so Colleen was all smiles when Cameron asked if she could hold Colleen.

Then David and Taylor insisted on sitting next to Colleen.

Watching robots with Daddy

Touring the ambulance

Watching the Drill Team

So grateful for these three days when our life revolves around the free fun!

Four Months - Colleen

We slid Colleen's 4 month photos in a busy, but sweet time of day - just after she wakes up. She is so happy and giddy at seeing her sister and brother. And they fawn over her at that hour each day.

Too many good photos! I had to include them all.

The entertainers are always present.

One without a bow for her month-by-month photo frame

Colleen continues to be the most easy going baby. She's on a predictable routine that flexes for our morning outings and evening activities. Her favorite things include her sister talking, being outside, being warm, having her hands clapped, being tickled & snuggling on Mommy's chest. She does not like delayed feedings, her carseat and being put to bed by anyone but Mommy. She remains the best sleeper ever - still going strong with around 8 hours each night. Her acid reflux remains an issue; we can tell that the medication is less effective with her weight gain (see those rolls finally appearing!) so we're getting that taken care of this week.  She settles right into the baby carrier and sleeps great on-the-go there. She fits right into this family and it's hard for me to remember what our days looked like without her.

Hanks 5 + Gabi Take on NYC

Gabi came down to visit us for the weekend and we trekked into the city for the day.

Subway ride!

Making our way to the museum

Pre-museum snack

I had heard about a Mo Willems exhibit at the NY Historical Society Museum. We had received one of his kids' books a few years ago and are big fans. Amelia & Austin were excited to go into the city for it; we loaded up on many of his books during the prior week and read them on our drive in.

Mom! The PIGEON!

It was perfectly done for kids of Amelia's age - she loved listening to the short clips, narrated by Mo, about his work. She pointed out the different pages from books we had read or even had in the van at that moment. The novelty of the headsets wore off for Austin quickly, but he did park himself in front of the few screens.

A bus you could drive and read books on!

A place to draw your own Pigeon, Piggie or Gerald before you left.

There was a children's section in the basement of the NY Historical Museum that the kids played in with Patrick while I fed Colleen.  Otherwise, the museum was not very kid-appropriate. But Amelia did like that there was a rocking horse.

The museum was highlighting "Hamilton" and the craze surrounding that time period. So there were two period-dressed performers, singing and playing instruments. The kids were engrossed, and these performers were kind enough to talk with us about the different instruments and play tunes that the kids would recognize (Yankee Doodle, the Muffin Man, etc). They were very talented and kind!

The museum was located right next to Central Park so we headed over and ate our picnic lake-side.

Knowing that little legs get tired after a bit, we let them double up in the stroller while we walked to the Shakespeare Gardens for a bathroom stop and a little playground.

How we got out of the city. 

Is there any other more efficient way to do this? If so, let me know.

Thanks Gabi for carrying our lunch in and out of the city!

Austin was so tired that he slept on the ride home and on Daddy for a long time that evening. 

He doesn't do this anymore.

Gabi played Guess Who and Spot It with the kids.

On Sunday, we had our church picnic. The hosts set up a slip-n-slide and the kids had a great time. Austin usually avoids sprinklers, so it was fun to see him enjoy it so much!

And then after a little rest, we headed out to the free blues concert in the park and a dinner picnic.

Amelia instructing Austin on how to dance

Thanks for being so flexible and visiting the city with us Gabi!

Another Zoo Visit

More girl time before we left for a zoo outing

I didn't get many photos during this visit, but we did let the kids purchase the bird feeding sticks. Amelia had all the luck this time; she was attracting the birds frequently.

She started sharing with the boys.

Sharing with Henry & George

Lunch stop

Amelia's favorite time to hold Colleen is right after Colleen wakes up. We get the best smiles then!

A whole park full of playground equipment and yet he's content digging in a small dusty dirt spot on the side of the trail. Filthy doesn't begin to cover it, but he was so happy!

(This might be a semi-normal occurrence.)

Tummy time is more fun with someone to talk to!

There is a lot of Guess Who going on in this house right now.

Colleen & Scarlett hanging out while their big sisters/brother play. 

I wasn't able to capture the gut-giggles Patrick received when he started doing "Patty Cake" with Colleen. But the smiles and coos here are still delightful!