Update and Random Pictures

In the last little while there have been a few changes that wouldn't seem big to anyone else but have changed life as we know it here at the Gonzalez home. The first and most exciting is that Addie is potty trained! She has done so well and I am very proud of her and impressed with how quickly she has become a pro! I'm even more impressed that the week after we started, she got very sick and she still did very well despite the . . . umm. . . difficulties (let's just say it's the kind of sick that has adults running to the bathroom just in time). The only bad news with this is that none of the cute clothes I bought her for fall fit because her bum is so much smaller without a diaper. Luckily, all the clothes from last year still fit for the most part (some of the pants are a bit short, but she's 2 and doesn't seem to mind).

The second and not so exciting is that Addie has also decided that she does not need a nap anymore. No, that's not true. She has decided not to let me put her down for a nap anymore. I know those might sound like the same thing, but they're not. Most days she's still tired in the afternoon and sometimes will even fall asleep in the car if we're out. But where she used to let me lay her down and sleep for a few hours, she now will not sleep or wake up when I lay her down. The first couple of days were rough because she would be tired and want to go to sleep, but I can't 'help' her get to sleep for an hour when Andres is awake. So, I do not try anymore because it doesn't work. SO, she either just continues to do her thing for the rest of the day or sometimes she ends up falling asleep on the couch around 4 or 5 (not my favorite) and then wakes up cranky. But, I've gotten used to it and actually have found some good. She will usually sit quietly for awhile and then I can really get things done because I don't have to worry about waking anybody up. We'll see how long this lasts.

Andres still is not any closer to crawling and shows no interest. I know he'll get there, he's just so content doing what he's doing. He is getting quite a personality and makes the funniest faces. He has the best smile that just warms your heart. He will eat anything we give him and will not stop eating until it's gone.

Iowa State Fair

We are lucky enough to live within a 2 hour drive of the state fair that is considered one of the "1000 Things to do Before You Die". We had to go, and the drive was actually not too bad. The heat was absolutely oppressive, though, and it was super crowded since we went on the last saturday. An adventure such as this demanded a camera, and luckily one of Jason's friends was willing to lend us his camera for the day.


Just chillin' in the shade for a bit with our friends Kim and Treagan. These are some of Addie's favorite people.


We're not really sure what Andres was doing or why, but he really enjoyed this position for several minutes. Goofy kid.




The snake house was the best deal of the day. $5 for the whole family to see lots of big snakes, a turtle and Addie even got to touch one of the snakes and the whole thing was AIR CONDITIONED!! (we took our time in there and definitely got our money's worth (as opposed to the lemonade for $4)).





Addie liked the really big horses. We also saw a huge rabbit and some swans, geese, etc.




The pony ride. It was a must. The only part Addie didn't like: having to get off.



Andres was pretty content most of the day. We just tried to keep him cool and out of the sun (not easy to do).


The petting zoo was also a must for us. Addie could have spent all day there. Someone even gave us their little cup of feed that they paid for and didn't use. The only problem came when I was trying to help Addie feed some to a goat and it jumped up on the fence and grabbed the whole cup. At that point in the afternoon, I almost decked the little girl (about 9) who said in all seriousness and rather snotty to Addie (who was already upset) "You don't feed them the cup!". Instead I was just snotty right back and said "Oh really? Thank you." Yes, I know getting in a tiff with a 9 year old at a petting zoo is quite pathetic. But I was quite DONE.


So, all in all, it was a good experience. But Jason and I both agree that it would have been more fun if it was just us (no kids). So I think our next State Fair experience will be in about 20 years. Oh, and just for the record, it was good but I've been to better (maybe I have a different idea of fun than most, though).