My Dear Princess

Dear Keira.
I love this fantastical stage that you are in right now! You are truly a princess - all the time. Tonight we had a little program at your preschool. We got to go to your classroom and experience your daily routine and meet all your dear friends that you love so very much. You were "as fast as lightning" while eating your dinner. You told us that you needed to be fast so that you could get ready for tonight. When you came down from your room I had to hold back a little giggle and dad couldn't help but let his mouth drop open just a little. Little did we know that this was just the beginning . . . you were not yet finished.

You've loved this pink dress for two years now. Last winter we had a near fatal encounter with this beloved dress. Despite my own fear of riding escalators dad taught you and Bently how to ride them with ease in the airport. Since then, both you and Bently insist that we ride the escalator when available. On this particular day we were at "Meet the Animals" in the Science Museum when you sat down on the escalator. I had Tessa in the Baby Bjorn and didn't see you until the last second. I hurriedly asked you to stand up as I bent down to lift you but it was too late! Your dress had already been sucked into the escalator and was trying to take you with it! The man in back of us had the nerve to tell us to "look-out" and then "move on". The whole time I was frantically pulling yards of pink tulle out of the escalator. So I pushed the emergency stop button gathered myself together (you see, even as an adult I am still a little nervous of these contraptions). I then had to yank and rip the bottom half of the dress out of the jammed escalator. The whole time being overly concerned for you dress - not your life. Since then your dress has never really looked the same. The bottom is worn ripped everywhere, and starting to fray. Nevertheless . . . it is your favorite.

But back to tonight. Not only did you insist that you had to wear this pink dress (of all your pink dresses). You also had to do your hair and lipstick before leaving the house. In vain I suggested "a barrette, how about a ponytail, maybe even a braid". But none of those were quite stately enough. Only this jeweled crown would do. It matched your over sized jeweled ring perfectly! You looked exquisite to say the least. And now, only now, you were ready to go!

Yes, you were a bit overdressed for the event. But you are a princess and princessess always wear their crowns, jewels and best dresses! So you looked perfect.

And we were so proud to see your classroom and to meet your friends! You are happy at school and proud of your independence. I love you Keira, and we are so proud to be your parents and stand by your side. Thank you my dear!

Love Always,

Mom

(your painting that you entitled "Picture of a Waterfall")

State Fair 2009

One of my favorite times of year in North Carolina is October. The month of the State Fair! Having been advertised since the early spring I look forward to taking the kids to the fair all

summer long! I don't really even know why, honestly . . .

But from the very second that I hear the first whisperings about the State Fair - I start to get excited! This year I was lucky enough to have Aimee and her kids (who we adore) come with us.

Adults = 2

Children under 5 = 4

For the kids one of the best parts of the entire afternoon was riding the city bus!

We parked in a parking lot a few miles from the fairgrounds and then caught the bus so we didn't have to bother with parking.

Each of the kids were able to pick 4 rides each to go on.

Let me say that the decision making is brutal when your little heart wants nothing more than all the rides.

And then my all time favorite part of the fair!

From the time of that first announcement I begin to feel their weightlessness in my hands and the downy of their sweet little feathers.

I look forward to this part from that day on!

(this little chick was fascinated with the polk-a-dots on Keira's dress and pecked at them the whole time!)

Poor little chicks - thanks for being so patient with so many little hands!

All in all it was quite a success!

I am still dreaming about fried oreos.

The wagon was essential. (All 4 kids rode in the 1 wagon most of the time.)

The kids were perfect.

Here's to State Fair 2010!