The County Fair...

Always the same. Year after year. But we love it! Cory has gone to the fair his whole life. We have been going together since we were dating. Now we take our kids. Calla has been to the fair for all five of the summers she has been alive. We've taken a picture of her in a tractor tire every year. It has been fun to watch her slowly stop fitting all the way inside. Amelia's picture was a challenge this year. She loved climbing in and out of the tire, but wouldn't pause long enough for a picture. The wonders of the fair are so awesome through their eyes. They LOVED the animals. A very overly kind lady scooped up Amelia and took Calla's hand and lead them into the calf stall for "better" pictures! They did turn out better. The cows were Amelia's favorite. The same lady popped up in the pig barn and shuffled the girls right into her pig stall! Oh yippee! We had a thorough hand washing after that encounter. She was impressed with the girls "not being freaked out at any animals." She obviously didn't catch my look of fear when the gate to the swine opened! Last year we went all five days on and off. We decided one full day of excitement was enough for this year. There are a few "have to's". The animals. The tents. A 4-H mint shake for Cory. The ferris wheel for Calla. Granpa Cratchet. We added in a variety show and some kiddie rides and we were all spent. Now we just have to wait for next year and do it all over again!

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Girlfriends...

I had my two closest girlfriends and their kids come over for lunch today. It was so nice to just sit and chat. The kids were fairly well occupied. Minimal spats. Lunch went smoothly, too. I love that God has always blessed me with wonderful friends. Anywhere I have lived, I can point to a few dear friends that, to this day, hold a part of my heart. Friends are a special comodity. They are there to lift you up and keep you grounded at the same time. The Lord always knows just which type of friend I need at the season of life I am in. Sometimes, that friend even changes their season, too, and remains a dear friend through the years. I am truly thankful for all my great friends. Bosom friends. Kindred Spirits. (As Anne so aptyly named them.)

Amelia Bedelia strikes again...

Who knew when we named her Amelia, how much she would take after the zany character in those beloved children's books? She is always in mischief, especially messy mischief.

She loves anything creamy.

Lotion. Shampoo. Diaper cream. Yogurt. Soap. Lip gloss.

Or anything with lots of small pieces.

Popping corn kernels. Cornmeal. Penny jars. Hair clip baskets. Wallets.

But her very favorite thing is emptying the wipes out of the container and strategically placing them around the room. All the while, using one hand to continually wipe her face and arm. Lately, she has taken a liking to getting dressed. She loves to put on multiple shirts, even though she can't get the armholes quite figured out yet. Socks are also a favorite.

Any size. Dirty or clean.

Well. Monday night we heard her crying out in her crib. When I came into focus, I noticed she had gotten her nightgown AND diaper completely off and was mad cause she couldn't get them back on. We took the opportunity to snap a picture, but she was so mad until her clothes were back on. Calla, Cory, and I, on the other hand, laughed heartily.

Midnight Menagerie...

We had an all-nighter for the teens at our church last Friday. Bowling. Pizza. A movie. Games. Breakfast at 6 a.m. It was a lot of fun.

I just had to spend all-day Saturday catching up on sleep! It reminds my of how young I am not. That's better than saying I'm old, right? Not old, just not young.

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Amelia's Hospital Trip...

We had a trip to the emergency room with Amelia on Tuesday night. After waking up with croup on Monday, she never really bounced back. She was lathargic and wanted to sleep constantly. On Tuesday, we went to the walk-in clinic. She ended up with pneumonia. In the ER, she had an IV to get her re-hydrated and spent the night on antibiotics. Thankfully, she is a trooper and came home Wednesday afternoon. She is slowly recovering at home.

Calla was so concerned for her little sister. The night in the ER she asked a bazillion questions. She spent lots of time next to Amelia holding her hand. She wanted to be as near to her as possible. Calla loves her sister.
On a positive note, Amelia got to eat several popsicles. She didn't have to worry about being neat either. She made a mess of herself and the sheets. She was such a trooper. She and I had quite a night. She would wkae up so afraid and we'd take a walk through the halls, IV cart in hand, and she'd calm right down. Things could have been a lot worse, but God is always in control. He is so good.