You go to school to learn, not for a fashion show

Thanks for letting me get that out.  It's been stuck in my head since I signed the girls up to participate a couple of weeks ago in a small, informal fashion show.  Sponsored by a local baby boutique called Green Pea Baby, I saw their call for models on Facebook and thought it might be fun.  I don't usually shop there since we're on the upper end of their sizes, and I don't know many folks with wee ones anymore.

The clothes fit great.  If we needed anything more this season, and they carried anything higher than a 7, I would have bought something.



I was surprised at how confident Lily seemed.  They really enjoyed themselves.



After it was their turn, they hung out in the tent some and talked to the adult models.  I managed to snap a few more pictures in there.



But *this* is my hands-down favorite.

Fall Goings On

October is always a busy month - first with the birthday and then the Halloween-related activities.

Instead of going to our old standby pumpkin farm that we've been going to for years, we went to Green Acres in Cary.  It's more about the corn maze and less about the pumpkins.  But what I was really there for was the horse rides.  It was only $10 a rider for a fairly decent ride around their trail, so Lily, Maddie and I all went for a ride.

Here's Lily's horse.  She "named" her Midnight.  I have no idea what her name really was.



Then on Sunday we hit up the North Carolina State Fair.  It was CRAZY crowded, but I wanted to make sure Lily got to see her photograph hung up for display.  She only got a participation ribbon, but I still think it's a great picture.


I spent the same amount on ride tickets that I usually do, but since I bought them online before the fair, I had a lot more tickets this year.  Combined with the long lines, the girls tired of rides before we could use all the tickets.

So Eric took the last slide with the girls.

Today you are EIGHT!

I know we parents say it every year, but THIS year you are both so grown up.  When I help you get dressed, I can't sit on the floor anymore.  You're too tall.  You have distinct ideas about how you want to dress.  The picture above is the ONLY time you will dress alike this year.  You get frustrated with me when I forget to "sign and return" the things marked "sign and return" by your teacher.  You have had BOYS call the house and ask for you.

We had some new things this year - you really liked our Myrtle Beach trip in April.  You had your first grown up concert, even if it was Barry Manilow.  You went to summer camp at the Y instead of a day care setting.  You have adjusted to a lot of changes at school this year remarkably well.

Things you love right now:

• Gymnastics
• Rubber band bracelets
• Any kind of art
• The "cups song" from Pitch Perfect

Favorite foods:

• Tacos
• Burgers (but not fries?)
• Ice cream
• Buttered noodles

Looking forward to fun times this year,

Your mom