Checking in

I was sorting some pictures this afternoon and realized I had not blogged about our annual trip to the County Fair. How could I have a complete yearbook without the County Fair? We look forward to it all summer. Tom grew up on a farm. He was in 4H and spent many weeks of his life sleeping at the County Fair to keep watch over their prize animals stabled for show. When we started dating and attending together I realized this event was a big deal. Tom knew everybody. It was the one time a year farm families meeted and greeted, it was alumni week. Once the kids were born it was even more fun for Tom. Not only showing them the sights and sounds of the fair but sharing memories, giving them a glimpse of the boy and man he was before he was their Dad. First we toured the animals. Nate felt it was his duty to run right up to the pens and yell at each animal what sound they were supposed to make. “MOO!” “BAA” “OINK”. Sometimes he was rewarded with a Moo or Baa back but mostly blank stares. Annabelle judged each pen by their decorations and the name given to the animal. It was the first time we had ever let both of them out in public just holding hands and not strapped in the stroller. A kind man took his bunny out of the cage for them to pet after hearing me instruct them once again to keep their hands out. Nice was impressed with the giant “ice-a-cream” cone walking around which would have been more appetizing if the wearer didn’t have ape hairy legs. Of course his favorite part was when we redeemed the coupon given by the ape-cone and got some real ice-a-cream. Annabelle wanted to ride the slides. She marched right up to the biggest one only to be disappointed that the height requirement was 46”. She told the man she would be back next year. She goes to her growth chart in her room about once a week since to see how close she is now. At almost 41” it is entirely possible she will make it by next August, although we may have to boost her up with a pair of platforms or something. We did go down the other side that had just been waxed. Needless to say I was holding on to her for dear life as we flew over the bumps. As soon as we landed in a heap at the bottom Annabelle declared “That was fun, let’s do it again”. And we did. A great evening was had by all. Next year we are going to arrange for Cousin Zachary to come with us, he’ll be a little over a year and ready to help Nate instruct the animals on their proper sounds.

Annabelle’s school has a bulletin board titled “My house” and all the children are asked to bring in a photo of their family to share. It is used both as an opportunity for the kids to public speak while introducing their family and for anytime they feeling wistful for home.

Annabelle started dance last night. After a whole summer of looking forward, practicing and asking “when will fall be here so I can start dance class?” the big night arrived.

There are about a dozen girls and 2 boys in her 45 minute ½ ballet, ½ tap class that all look so adorable in their little leotard & tights combo. (Boys in white t-shirts, black pants and black shoes look right out of West Side Story)

She stated on the way home “I really need to go back to dance class soon so I can practice to be a real ballerina”. Oh we are going honey, I’m sure for many years to come, we are going. Anything that makes you this happy is worth it.

When Tom is on daylight he usually plays the piano with the kids after dinner.

On this night he was working so they decided to practice on their own while Nana & I cleaned up.

About 90 seconds after this picture was taken Nate was on the floor. When I asked Annabelle what happened she replied "He must have gotten bumped. I think he was done anyway".

Judging from his shrieks I'm gonna say that probably wasn't the case.

I’m documenting this today because it makes me smile. I hope when my future self reads it again I will remember the pride I felt when Annabelle gave a very concise answer to a question asked.

My daughter is funny, and smart. For as much as she looks like her Dad, more and more I see a “mini-me” emerging. One trait my sister & I share is answering a short question with a long answer. Me more when I am writing, Karen more spoken.

Annabelle is shy by nature. We have been working on when someone greets her she looks at their face and says Hello followed by their name, instead of hiding behind my legs.

On Tuesday we came up to my work after school. The managers were in the lunchroom working on a project as we passed through. I introduced her to someone she had never met, hoping she would not feel too bashful.

Me: Annabelle, this is Doug. Say Hello to Doug.
Annabelle: Hi Doug
Doug: Hi Annabelle, are you 5?
Annabelle: Actually I’m 3. (Pause). In fact on my next birthday I’ll be 4. Then on my second birthday I’ll be 5.
Doug: Oh wow, I thought you looked 5.
Annabelle: I can see why you would think that. I’m tall. But I’m 3, and I will be for awhile. I’ll be 5 after 2 birthdays. (Another pause). OK then, well, see you later, I have to go spin in Mom’s chair.

	Friday was our wrap up and travel day. After a morning of packing up the van we headed over to Uncle Frank & Aunt Charlotte’s for lunch. Annabelle was distressed at leaving our lovely hotel. Considering she was leaving a queen size bed, her own walk in closet and private bathroom I understood her tantrum. The reminder of her upcoming “Tap Recital” allowed us to get out of the hotel. After lunch we convened to the front porch for the performance. Tom sang “Puttin on the Ritz”, Uncle Frank held the flashlight for a spotlight (AV crew). Annabelle tapped and tapped and tapped. Nate was patient until she was done, and then had to get in on the act himself. The next Sammy Davis Jr. for sure. We then took some family pictures and headed out. Nate fell asleep as soon as the van started moving and slept over 2.5 hours while we drove. Annabelle watched DVD’s and I finally got to read my Real Simple Magazine cover to cover. Once home everyone was glad to see Nana, their own things (especially Nate with all his trains) and for sure our own beds. Family vacation twenty-ten completed. We sure had fun. Next year though, something relaxing!