Fair Night-Jousting

Things like the county fair are typically super overstimulating for Brandt.  He usually starts out having a ton of fun going back and forth trying to take everything in as fast as he can, but it quickly turns to him getting into trouble constantly because he isn't listening to us and is being unsafe and then he has huge meltdowns.  This year the only thing we planned on attending was the jousting, so we really hoped it would go well so that we could just have an enjoyable night.  Earlier this week Bryce took the kids and me to "meet" the jousting horses and we also met one of the jousters.  The horses are HUGE and BEAUTIFUL and the jouster was so kind to us.  When it came time for the event both kids were so excited and buddy was unusually calm-I think maybe in part because he had already seen jousting on TV and kind of knew what to expect.  We all LOVED it!!!  Afterward the jousters talked to the kids and buddy got a sword that each of them signed for him.  Kylie got a horse but she was too shy to get her picture taken with them.  Buddy then went on some of the rides-Kylie is still spooked from the experience at the Preston carnival so she hung out with us and watched.  Brandt LOVED the rides again even though some of them were faster than what I would have liked.  It is so nice to see him overcome his fears and be able to have so much fun in a safe way.  Before we went home we watched a small band from Star Valley play on the free stage.  The kids and I especially enjoyed it and danced behind the audience.  It was an enjoyable night for all of us. :)

Willow Park

I did the unthinkable and took the kids to Logan BY MYSELF.  First stop was Dr. Doug's for their check-ups.  Good news-no cavities (other than a crown buddy lost, but that tooth is loose anyway).  Better news-both kids went back by themselves and did great for their appointments.  This is especially huge for Brandt as it's the first time it's happened.  Next stop-the mall for a little shopping.  Buddy found this "old man fancy dancing hat" first thing and fell in love with it.  Of course, he had to find a bow-tie to go with it, so that was our goal for the day. Best news-we only had one big behavior problem while we were shopping, and that's when buddy decided he wanted to go into the arcade in the mall and then HAD to stay and methodically touch every game in there even though Kylie desperately needed to find a potty.  As a reward for all of us surviving our dental and shopping experience, we went to Willow Park.  We love that place!  It's not huge and fancy, but that's perfect for us.  We enjoy the peace and quiet that we find there and we enjoy seeing the animals and feeding the ducks.  It's not as overstimulating for Brandt as bigger more exciting places are, so we always end up having a great time.  This time we had a couple experiences that were new for us.  One of the turkeys was out and the kids tried to get up the nerve to get close to it.  It was funny to watch them get a little close and then get scared and run away.  Brandt was very chivalrous in letting his sister go ahead of him in their quest to get a better look of the turkey.  The funnest part was that one of the park employees was doing something in the turtle exhibit and she invited us in to pet the huge turtles.  Kylie was pretty shy about it, but buddy thought it was awesome.   Before we could head home we of course had to make a stop at Gossner's.  We love that place, too!  They have the best cheese and G-milk and it always reminds me of our family parties on my mom's side when Alan and Delores would bring it for their contribution to the meals.  For me one of the best parts of coming home from Logan is the view of the lake as we are coming out of the canyon.  It gives me a peaceful, happy feeling to be approaching my beautiful home.