Neighborhood night out

Another event marking our first year here was going to the block party at Jolene's parents house. Last year, it was the day after we arrived in Simi Valley and I was in an exhausted daze! This year it was smaller, but still fun! Donald was with us! He and the kids rode their bikes over and I drove over with the food and stuff. It was really hot and humid and on the way home it started to rain! That is rain for us twice in the middle of summer and the middle of the drought! It wasn't enough to make a difference, but it was still fun! This is the kids out front, at sunset, while it is sprinkling!

Ventura County Fair and one year anniversary

Last week we went to the fair with my mom, just like last year. Just like last year means we have been here one whole year. Donald was still in Chico at this time, but the kids and I came down the last few days of July and by August 1, we were official residents. It makes me both happy and sad!
Last year the fair was overcast and cold! It is right next to the beach and it was fun to be wearing sweatshirts and long pants. This year, it was hot! I didn't bring sunblock, or hats and we could feel how hot it was after just a few minutes. Luckily, there was a booth handing out sunblock and one giving away plastic visors! It really saved us!

Elizabeth was thrilled with the sheep and misunderstood about the sheep judging.  She thought it was a show, like at Sea World, where the animals do tricks, and she insisted that we go!  She was pretty disappointed when she figured out it was just a guy walking around looking at the sheep!

We got corn dogs for lunch.  Elizabeth got a hot dog and then cried because the ends of the casing were twisted.  Joshua remembered that he doesn't like the corn part of the corn dog and we had to peel all the breading off.  We removed the ends of the hot dog and she ate it, but Joshua only ate two bites of the corn dog!  We went to the fair on dollar day, but the food is so very expensive!  Donald tells me to just not think about it and enjoy the time with them, but buying stuff there just about gives me a heart attack!  

Joshua loved the bunnies!  He reasoned since we don't have Maggie anymore, we should get a pet bunny!  Not happening.  I already have squirrels eating my garden, I certainly don't need a bunny!  He took it in stride, I'm guessing he knew it was a long shot!

Joshua was still hungry after lunch, so I decided we should get something he would eat to fill up his tummy and prevent a break down.  I opted for ice cream.  We sat and watched the sheep show and everyone finished their whole cone!

I don't have a picture of it, but the best part was waiting in line at the wood carving club booth while they each got a hand made wooden top.  Joshua got one last year and still loves it so this year all three kids waited patiently to get their own.  

I guess going to the fair with my mom is a new tradition!