Happy Anniversary...Don't Step in the Cowpie.

Saturday was our sixth wedding anniversary. Six years ago we stood in a field surrounded by family and friends juggling congratulatory hellos and cake cutting. Saturday we stood in a field transformed into a carnival/fair juggling four boys with attentions split four ways.

Their first...and last ride (this year.) Jake enjoyed the ride very much and would have ridden many more. We, on the other hand, did not want to spend all of our money on overpriced rides. Calculating it out, this ride would cost 90-120 dollars per hour! (for ONE person)

Of course, when you can't ride, you can always watch.

A game which got them spider man inflatable hammers. Perfect for bopping one another on the head. (Yes, with boys, there is a time for bopping one another on the head.)

Believe it or not, Max had no idea this horse was there until he looked up and almost flew off the hay step.

We took advantage of the free events of the fair. This one was a hit: a fire safety course. It inevitably got turned into a game by Jake...the hose was some sort of person who needed to be pulled up from the sharks. His imagination usually surpasses the original intent of whatever he is playing with and Max usually follows right along.

The boys...happy at the moment. However, much of our time was spent pushing around an empty stroller while they rode happily in our arms.

Max liked the livestock...until a sheep "baaa'ed" at him. He jumped and gave the sheep the nastiest glare you could imagine. He wasn't even impressed when I suggested that the sheep could say his name.

Jake, in true five year old fashion, is saying "goodbye" to old fears and trying new things every day.

Stroller straps make wonderful handles.

Jake's favorite: the snake exhibit.

Max's favorite: baby "picks." He was very amused by them following him to whatever side of the cage he was on. I was proud of him for obeying the sign; however, putting his hand a mm from the cage so they could touch him...does that count?

The joint favorite of the boys: shaking hands with a soldier. Of course, I was too busy coaxing them to do this to take a picture. There is something between a five year old and a soldier which cannot be described as anything but fearful awe. As though a toy or a masculine fairy tale has come to life and is towering over you.

Goodbye Fair. Hello Bedtime!

Thank you, babe, for being who you are: a wonderful, hardworking, kind man whose love for his children (and especially for me) is shown to us every day. I love you and can not imagine this life with anyone else. I had a wonderful day and look forward to the rest of my life with you. Thank you, also for the bottle of my favorite wine. Even I did not remember what that was.