Yes, I do exist

Usually Mom is relgated to being the camera, which is exactly where I like it. But when a pro like my friend Tom Dunn is around, I can be coaxed into posing with my little Cat in the Hat ballerina.

These pictures were snapped at Grace's 10th birthday party, Cat in the Hat themed, obviously.

Oh, and thanks Tom, for PhotoShopping the dark circles under my eyes and most of my wrinkles. I owe you a tall one.

First day of Preschool

Which was also the last day of summer, was a full, fun day.

First, the obligatory photos on the steps.

And in the cubbies. 

She went from "I've decided to quit preschool," to loving it. Clearly. 

After school, it was time to enjoy the last few moments of heat. Coco and Elliot came over to frolick in the Huth Family Water Park. 

Here are a couple of pics from Sunday's watery fun. First with Eve and Graham at Como Town, then later in the afternoon with Coco and Elliot at our house. 

And finally, I just have to add this picture of our crazy kids at Tilia. Ok, mine's clearly the craziest. 

Last Day

I wrote this long, elaborate post, detailing all the wonderful things we did on our last day at the fair, but then modern technology failed me and I lost everthing.

So, in short, we had a lovely last day, just the three of us and a bunch of baby animals. We saw it all, we smelled it all, we ate it all. And now we count the days until the next fair. Back to reality.

She looked at me! 

Clearly, she has her dad's impeccable sense of style. 

Days five and six

I decided that Millie and I needed the day off from the fair Wednesday. We spent doing the day doing close to nothing, and by Thursday morning we were eager to get back. Even the projected 100 degree plus heat index didn't deter us.

We got to the fair bright and early and had a lovely time with Alissa and crew. We bumped into Sarah, Eve, and Graham, which made the morning that much more fun. By Noon the heat had caught up with us so we bid farewell to the fair for the moment and I took Millie swimming at the Roseville  pool. After Tony got home I went back and met Alissa and Sarah for a girls' night. It was a lovely evening and we indulged in all kinds of yumminess, like sweet corn ice cream and honey lemonade. And the calorie count continues to mount...

Ready!

At the horse barn. Clearly. 

Judging by the look on her face, Millie is going to opt not to nurse. 

When you're two, sheep are freakin' hilarious. 

And when you're four, Sarah is even funnier. 

Once he got sneezed on, Graham was pretty much done with the sheep. 

Farm animals make me so emotional!

Do these feathers make my butt look big? 

Happy fair-goers unite. 

Heritage Square. It wasn't as empty as it looks. 

Onward to the Newspaper Museum! Hurry, before they run out of those cool hats! 

Whew, made it. 

DAY SIX

Day six started once again with Alissa, Zach, and G-Jo, and later we met up with Angela and Grace. After Millie and I got a quick break at home, we returned to the fair with Tony, and met up with Jackie, Dave, Josie, Gus, and Levi. Best night of the fair ever. We had a blast! 

Tiny Al Franken. You tell 'em Al!

Making a boat at the Home Depot Kids Area. She got her own apron to take home. Very cool. 

Grace and Millie showing off their boats. Which, by the way, do float. 

"My first blue ribbon!" for matching words found around the fair to the alphabet card from Alphabet Forest, the single coolest exhibit at the fair. 

Sharkey, what are you doing at the fair? At the Jack F.M. station non-the-less.

Telling secrets. Girls will be girls. 

Vroom vroom. 

Back for dinner. Green Mill pizza, yum. 

Rocking Purple Rain with Daddy and Hello Kitty. 

Hitting the kiddy midway with Levi and Gus. 

The bumper boats are now the only ride Millie will go on. Going through a fearful stage, I guess. 

She bailed half way through the Fun House, even though Gus and Josie went with her. The nice man at the door handed me the tickets back. I'm guessing he sees a lot of terrified four year olds.

I think firemen are supposed to take their jobs more seriously. 

You know your kid is tired when they can fall asleep in the middle of the midway at 9:00 on a Friday night. 

Today we parked cars, which is always a nice excuse to just sit outside and relax with my girl in the cool morning breeze.

Mmmm, fresh fruit. Nice change of pace.