Shop Til Ya Drop

We had our annual girls outing again this year to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. I've blogged about it before. I LOVE IT! New fall and winter stuff on sale while the summer stuff is on sale too. We had such a grand time. We did miss out on the Ann Arbor Art Fair this year, but we headed to Chicago for two nights to take in the city and take our time with the sales. Really, what isn't on sale these days? We did some damage, and had a great time. My sister is missing from the pic (she's taking it).

Back on the home front, I am so pleased to report that we have had a number of not just tolerable, but really enjoyable short trips to the mall. My son is a trooper, and at least for now will put his smile on and hop into the stroller. He waves and says "Hi" to folks in whatever store we're in. We took a break and tried out the play area at Woodland Mall this week (a first for him), and he was a hoot. On the way home, we realized we were pushing him a bit much as lunch and nap time were a bit too close for comfort. It was grandma's idea to stop for some french fries. I must say as new parents, we quickly discovered (Bright too) the addictive qualities of french fries while we were on vacation as there are just so many kid meal options and lots of them come with fries. He loves knawing on those things, and this day was no different. The kid was in his glory. As we approached home, with greasy hands and greasy face his eye lids started to get heavy, but he didn't want to let go. For at least two minutes, his eyes were shut while he was chewing and tightly gripping the french fries. So wish I had a picture to share. I guess it was my son's first "Shop Til Ya Drop" experience.

Fun at the Fair

It has been a lot of years since I've attended a county fair. I used to love them as a kid and teenager. I remember loving when a mom would ask me to babysit and take her kids to the fair; I really thought that was the sweetest deal ever. I also vividly remember being barfed on at the fair by a classmate whom shall remain nameless, and that same ride is still there.

After our trip this week, I must say that county fairs are such an interesting phenomenon. First, I had no clue what any of us should wear, and I had no clue what to take. I didn't know how to pack and prepare for the fair. What clothes do you want to see tons of people you know and traipse around barns in dusty fields?

We did it all. We spent $3 to ride the carousel, but Bright couldn't really ride anything else anyway. Maybe next year. We also watched some horse racing, and were very close witnesses to the harness racing crash. That was super freaky. We headed out for ice-cream after just because we didn't want to end the night that way. I don't care to see horses and jockeys crash that close to me again ever in my life, but I will gladly take my son to the fair next year although I probably won't know what to wear then either.

First Jet-Ski Ride

Great time in "The Great Land"

Alaska that is. We're home! So many stories, so many picutres, so much to share....here are a few pics to start.