The Missouri State Fair

Part of living in Sedalia is attending the Missouri State Fair and for 13 years, each and every year, we went to the fair.

I've been back in Kansas City since 2001 and haven't been back to the fair until this year. And let me tell you after almost 20 years, it hasn't changed a bit.

Trish and I went with the idea of tasting everything you could possibly want from the fair. Corndogs were our first item on the list. If I had to guess, I'd say these weren't the hand dipped corndogs of the 90's but a more pre-frozen commercial brand. They didn't taste quite as good as I remember.

It doesn't matter what day you choose to go to the fair. It's always the hottest day of the year. I used more napkins to wipe the sweat off my face than I did to wipe off the sweetness from the cotton candy.

Walking around the barnyard was especially fragrant. I felt so sorry for all the animals. There wasn't a bit of a breeze flowing through this enclosure. There was one pen that held a turkey who was lucky enough to have a fan.

I forgot I'd told Teresa I was going to the fair so I was surprised when she found me sitting in the Roadhouse eating pulled pork nachos (best thing we had). I told you I went for the food. We also did the midway so Violet and Lincoln could play a few games. The rule at the fair is we play games but no rides. I have to admit that the rides looked exactly like the ones from years ago so I was happy to comply with that rule.

As always, leaving the fair is the best part. You finally get to sit in the air conditioned car and complain about how hot it was for an hour and a half before you get home. I can hardly wait to go back next year. As a side note, I think I have been back to the fair once right after Violet was born. Couldn't have been that great since I don't remember anything being much different than this time!

Working the Polls

For some reason after the last election, I thought it might be fun to work the polls. So I decided to sign up.

A few days before the election, you have to attend a training class. Most of the people at the class had already worked a prior election, so everything went fairly fast. I was listed as a "standby judge" which meant I would only work in case someone didn't show up.

After the training class, I met Teresa for lunch. A little update, being a standby judge means you have to be ready at 5:00 in the morning just in case you get a phone call and be ready at any time during the day to go to a polling place. Even though I was up at 4:00 am and stayed near my phone the entire day, I never got called. Was this worth the $100 I'll get paid? I don't think so. I believe my days as a standby judge are over. Now if they assign me a definite job, I may reconsider!

Top Golf

Instead of the usual get together for lunch for a friend's birthday...

Robin, Regina and I decided to go to Top Golf.

Top Golf provides everything you could ask for when it comes to celebrating a birthday. It's just like being at the driving range only cooler with food and drinks.

We even had complimentary donut holes to celebrate the birthday girl. Happy Birthday Regina!

After golf, I went shopping with Melissa and the kids and Violet got some new pj's. I'm not sure if they were her favorite but they sure were mine. We got the pajamas at Justice. Violet saw this store while surfing the internet and insisted on going. While it may not have the best in clothing, if you need to get stocking stuffers for young girls, this is the place to go. At least it's on my list for Christmas shopping!

Hazel's First Shots

I'm so glad Melissa isn't one of those mothers who doesn't like to get their babies immunized. I know it's a very controversial issue and I'm glad not many people see my blog.

While Hazel may look pretty happy to be at the pediatrician, her attitude changed once that needle went into her leg. But she survived and was back to laughing soon after. By the way, I still cry when I get shots!

Tree Trimming and Popsicles

As Violet and Lincoln get older, it's a little easier to get them to help me with things around the house...and a little surprising.

There were a few weeds in my landscaping so we walked around the house to pull the intruding weeds. Violet and Lincoln even got under the deck for those pesky plants.

Then Violet went around the yard and watered all my plants while Lincoln and I sprayed a little weed killer.

Meanwhile, Jamie was trimming low hanging branches on the front and back yard trees.

I'm not the only one dragging limbs to the front yard. Violet pitched in and we had those few branches to the front in no time.

We had to take a couple of breaks...

But the best break was popsicles at the end. If anyone is looking for a hard working landscaper, just contact me and I'll give you Violet's number. She's a real champ when it comes to helping Ma!

4 Month Old Hazel

It's hard to believe this little girl turned 4 months old.

She's such a happy baby and I don't think she cries very often.

She's discovered her feet and putting them in her mouth takes up most of her free activity time.

Violet and Lincoln still enjoy her. That's probably because she's still too little to mess with their toys. I'll be surprised if Hazel doesn't develop a little shudder as she gets older. Violet and Lincoln get so close to her face and sneak up on her that she tends to jump a bit. But what a beautiful family. I'm so lucky!

Activity Center

Hazel loves her new activity center.

I think her favorite is finding herself in the mirror. With so many things to choose from, it's hard to decide which one to focus on. Man, she's growing up fast!