Fun At The Fair

Last night, Ryan, myself, and Charley ventured out to the Ozark Empire Fair. Ryan and I have been going to the fair ever since I can remember. In fact, my parents took me to the fair every year as a child. The fair is a tradition. The only thing about the fair is that it seems to get a little more "scary" each year. I'm not sure if "scary" is the word, but I am trying to describe it in the nicest way I know how. We ate dinner at Rudy's BBQ. Rudy's is another tradition of ours. I always vow I will not eat there the next year, but that is never the case. Rudy's does have great BBQ, but I have had better. I would rather eat the traditional fair food.

It was a beautiful evening and Charley LOVED looking at all the animals. Bless her heart, she really thought she was big enough to ride all the rides and it was all Ryan and I could do to keep her from hopping on one. After making several loops around, we ended our night by once again looking at the goats and watching some baby chicks hatch. On our way out, I asked Ryan if he wanted to make one more walk through and his comment to me was that it's just not the same now that he has a daughter, meaning that the "carnies" scared him and he didn't like subjecting his little girl to their "Hey Sweetie" comments. I agreed. It's funny how things change when you have a kid. Despite being kind of creeped out, we had a great time and Charley really enjoyed herself. I'm sure we'll return next year for another night of creepiness and Rudy's BBQ.

Fun At The Fair

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A Day At The Lake

Yesterday, Ryan, Charley, and myself headed down to the lake. We were so happy to have the opportunity to go and enjoy ourselves. We had only been to the lake once since Ryan purchased a boat for our family. Soon after, I was diagnosed with cancer and the past month has been so busy that we just haven't had the time to enjoy it. However, since my surgery was post-poned this week, Friday ended up being the perfect day for us to enjoy a day at the lake. My Aunt Brenda and Uncle Waymon have a cabin down at the lake and they were kind enough to let us stay there last night. Thank you so much! We really needed that time away and the cabin was great! When we first arrived, we grilled some hot dogs and Charley took a quick catnap. Their cabin is so cozy. While Charley napped, I read a magazine and Ryan relaxed as well. Mid-afternoon we headed out on the boat. Charley was so great. She loved being out on the boat with her mom and dad. She even enjoyed getting in the water for a quick cool down. We enjoyed tubing, fishing, and just boating around. I prepared sloppy joes for dinner and then we headed back out for an evening cruise. The rest of the night was spent lounging around the cabin. I felt so blessed to be spending time with Ryan and Charley. We were able to forget about everything going on in our lives and enjoy some peace and quiet. This morning we were up early enjoying one last outing on the boat before returning home. I am looking forward to more lake days in the near future.

Fun At The Lake

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Happy 2nd Birthday Charley!

This past weekend Charley celebrated her second birthday. It is so hard to believe that just two years ago we were welcoming Charley into the world. She is such a blessing to Ryan and I and we are amazed everyday by her spunk. Just like last year we planned a big birthday party at our house. Charley's very best friends were in attendance. However, just like last year, it rained, and rained, and rained. The "outdoor party" that we had been planning for, became an "indoor party." Thank goodness for my giant living room! The theme was Abby Cadabby. Charley would have probably preferred Elmo (again) but I wanted to go with something a little bit more girly. Charley's cake was adorable and delicious. The catering from Bandana's was also awesome.

This was year was extra special because as many of you know I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. I am so incredibly thankful that Charley doesn't know that I am sick and that she will never remember how cancer took so much of my time and energy. Being able to celebrate her birthday before beginning the long journey was incredible and a birthday I will NEVER forget. I love her so much and am so thankful for the time I have been able to spend at home with her since she was born.

Happy Birthday Charley! Mommy and Daddy love you!

Happy Birthday Charley!

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