It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Mommy Says:

It's become abundantly clear to me in the past few weeks that Christmas really is more magical with kids (or in our case a singular kid) around. I've always looked forward to Christmas, but sometimes (ok most of the time) dreaded the preparation for it. The shopping, the cooking, the wrapping, the decorating-oh my! It's all a bit exhausting and overwhelming.

But, this year? This year was different.

This year as I was decorating the tree while Tyson was napping, I couldn't wait to see what his reaction would be to this bright sparkly thing in our living room. I still smile when he stares at it while I get dinner ready. When he waves bye to it before bed, I die of the cuteness.

This year when I went shopping, I couldn't wait to find him the perfect gift. When I wrapped each present, I loved writing "From: Mommy and Daddy."

This year we made ornaments that have his hand print on them and we baked cookies with frosting and sprinkles. We made a mess and I loved every minute of it.

This year Daddy dressed up in a Santa suit for all of the nieces and nephews.

This year we'll take Tyson to church and sing Christmas carols together as a family.

This year we started traditions that will last Tyson's lifetime.

This year Christmas really is magical.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Stinkin Cute Fam!

Cue the Jaws Music

Mommy Says:

It's happened.

My worst nightmare. Ok, my second worst nightmare-shortly behind being attacked by birds who want to peck my eyes out-Tyson's toys have overtaken our house. They are EVERYWHERE. We have toys on the main level and toys in the basement. We have toys in his bedroom and toys in our bedroom. We have toys in the garage and toys in the car.

It's possible they may be multiplying. Like rabbits. I believe they may start a coup at any time. We are preparing ourselves for battle with rations and ammunition.

Please send help.

Second Time? Twas Not a Charm.

Mommy Says:

Daddy dressed up as Santa yesterday at his family's Christmas party. Apparently his familiar eyes and friendly smile did not fool Tyson for a second.

Chaos ensued. Rapidly.

Tyson cried-hard. Mommy laughed so hard she cried. And the end result? This picture:

I'm tempted to send it out next year as our Christmas card.

An Open Letter To Mickey Mouse

Mommy Says:

Dear Mickey,

I can call you Mickey, right? I'm under the impression that we're on a first name basis considering the overwhelming amount of time we spend together on a weekly basis. I see you every morning, you sing to me every day on the way home from work, and we say goodnight to each other each night. You are in our books, on our TV, on my son's socks, and in my son's bed.

Let me start by saying-I think you're cute and amusing. Really, I do. Actually, when we were first re-introduced a few months ago you were easily my favorite cartoon. Your music was catchy and even I found myself humming along to "Hot Dog" once and awhile. You are cute and I liked the idea of my son watching the same cartoon character I did when I was little.

But, Mickey? It's possible you may have over stayed your welcome. Your CD is beginning to get on my nerves. I'm desperately searching for new ways to make Daddy read the "Go Mickey!" book each night instead of Mommy. And, I'm pretty sure I've seen every episode of "Mickey's
Clubhouse" at least twice.

So here's the deal, we're in this together for at least another year or two, right? I'll continue to watch my son's face light up each time he sees you if you can put a little into this relationship too. Try making some more episodes of "Mickey's Clubhouse." You could even throw in a little adult humor if you want. Maybe a new CD? Something besides "Hot Dog" for us to dance to every single day would be great. I'm not asking for much here....

If you keep up your end of the bargain, we may even bring Tyson to meet you one day. The way I see it, things could be worse-you could be Special Agent Oso or (gasp) Barney.

Love,

Mommy

PS-Special Agent Oso is ok ( I know he's probably your friend), I just totally don't get what would happen if his special assignment takes more than 3 steps. That bear would be royally screwed.

He Sees You When You're Sleeping

Mommy Says:

We FINALLY took Tyson to meet Santa. It went pretty much how I imagined it would.

I'm pretty sure we scarred him for life.

13 Months Is Not Too Old For a Letter

Mommy Says:

Dear Tyson:

Today you turned 13 months old. What? You really didn't think I could just stop with the monthly letters at 12 months cold turkey, did you? Haven't you learned anything in the last year?

We celebrated your 13 month birthday yesterday with our first trip to the Children's Museum. You loved it-exploring, climbing, sliding, playing, running. Needless to say, our 3 hour trip resulted in one very exhausted baby-ahem-toddler and two very, very exhausted parents. Chasing you around is tough work. We purchased an annual membership and I'm pretty sure I'll lose at least 15 pounds in the next year if we frequent the museum.

You were obviously the cutest kid there. We took nine hundred and ninety pictures to prove it. I'll just post a few.

Mooommm! Could you cut the picture stuff out and come play with me in this cold bath tub?

I'm totally not going to let you guys get a picture of my face. I'm waaay to busy running away from you.

It's not a vacuum, but it'll do.

Watching you cruise around the Children's Museum really helped solidify the fact that you're running full speed into toddlerville-whether we like it or not. Even Daddy turned to me at one point and said, "Our baby isn't a baby anymore." I told him to shove it. I'm not giving up the baby part until at least 3. Or 30. We'll see.

I love you more and more each day buddy.

Happy 13 months!

Love,

Mommy

Family Pictures

Mommy Says:

Did you notice the picture of Tyson screaming is gone? While that picture has served as excellent birth control for us for the past year, I felt it was time to spruce up things up a bit.

A few months ago our awesome friend took family pictures for us. It was freezing and Tyson cried nearly the whole time. I was certain we would end up with several shots of me looking frustrated and Tyson looking like we were putting him through some sort of severe torture ritual.

Then I got the pictures. They are AMAZING. Like I would risk my life trying to save these pictures in a fire amazing. Somehow, in between tears and screams, our friend managed to capture Tyson's entire personality in 60 pictures.

We adore the pictures and have pretty much plastered our walls with them at home. In fact, I can't believe I haven't posted them on here sooner. My apologies, but at least you didn't know what you were missing until now.

He's Definitely His Father's Son

Mommy Says:

When I met Daddy I was under the impression that he was perfect. Then I discovered his vacuum obsession. We have 7. At one point the count was in the double digits. I had to convince him that we had no need for the sweeper vacuum that they use at movie theaters. Also, 4 shop vacs are not necessary no matter how many cars you have.

We frequent the vacuum aisle at Target and Walmart looking for the next best vacuum to add to his collection. We got a Swiffer Sweeper vac for our wedding and I'm pretty sure he was happier about this than he was when I said, "I do."

I've come to grips with his vacuum obsession. I've possibly even gained a fond affection for it. I'm not, however, ok with him passing along this obsession to Tyson.

But, he has.

Our child is OBSESSED with vacuums. He knows the closet where most of them are kept and he will stand there banging on it yelling "VA!" When we indulge his obsession and open the closet door he can sit on the floor for nearly 30 minutes staring at it in a trance.

When I vacuum the house, he follows me around smiling and clapping.

We take him to the vacuum aisle at Target and Walmart and his mouth drops open in awe.

Our child is OBSESSED with vacuums. I'm worried, but at least I know he's his father's son.

Walking In A Winter Wonderland

Mommy Says:

The first big snowfall of the season came yesterday and we embraced it. Heck, we welcomed it with open arms.

This better be good. I've got 6 layers on and you look ridiculous Mommy.

All 3 of us bundled up to reintroduce Tyson to the snow.

This was the hype? As soon as I get out on my own, I'm moving to Florida.

We even broke in the new sled.

Really? We spent more time getting dressed to go outside than we actually spent outside.

Welcome back, Winter. We missed you.

He's OLD.

Mommy Says:

Did you know that my baby has been a year old for one week? I'll try not to be melodramatic or anything, but seriously? I have a ONE YEAR OLD. It seems that everyone else in the family has come to grips with this, but me. Ask Tyson how old he is and he'll show you ( really, he will). Ask me and I'll probably cry.

I'm pretty sure that one is a sure sign that sixteen is right around the corner. When I was sixteen it wasn't pretty. At all.

The birthday itself was a big deal, but it's the little things that are marking the sure significance of having a one year old. A few weeks ago we finished our last container of formula. While it's a welcome relief to not have to shell out $20 a week on baby milk, it's tough to know that we mixed Tyson his last bottle of milk. Speaking of bottles? Those are gone too. We went straight to sippy cups. Tyson's adjusting fine. I'm not.

We also bought this cute little kid table for his birthday.

I'm pretty sure that a table means snacks and dinner in the highchair will soon be a thing of the past.

His car seat faces forward. This is totally awesome as we can check each other out at stoplights now. It's also totally sad because it's concrete proof that he's OLD.

We brush his teeth now. We usually sing the Grease song, "brusha, brusha, brusha: while doing it. Actually I sing. Tyson can't. And to be honest, I'm not sure that song is from Grease, I just like it. It might even be made up. It's probably made up.

Promise me you won't put this picture on the blog. And stop singing that stupid song you made up.

We read books. Like he really sits and listens to us while we're reading books. Like he brings the books to US and says, "book." He even turns the pages.

Last week he pushed the shopping cart at Target.

Next week he'll probably be out buying me groceries while I'm at home incapacitated and waiting for him to change MY diaper. I know year 2 will be amazing, I just hope it doesn't go by as fast as year 1.

Have My (cup)Cake and Eat it Too

Tyson Says:

Did you know it was my one year birthday last week? Mommy told you, right? She's been whining about it all month.

Did Mommy tell you my party was awesome? The best part? Easily the cupcakes.

No, seriously. They were good.

Like, really, really, REALLY GOOD.

Like so good that people might eat them, take a bath in the sink and then party in their diaper good. Not that I did that or anything.

First Year Letter From Daddy

Daddy Says: Hey Dude (I call you "dude" most of the time. Or "duder" or "dudarino" or "duderpants" for that matter), I can't believe it's been a year. A YEAR!!! It seems like just last week when mommy called and told me her water broke and we were off to the hospital. It seems like last week when I drove like hell to get to us to the hospital and a week ago that I drove us home from the hospital as cautiously as Jerry sneaking away from Tom with some stolen cheese (you'll learn). It seems like just last week that we used to swaddle (you likely won't know what that term is until you have your own offspring..so, hopefully not for many a year) you up like a little psychopath in a restraining jacket. Except we didn't swaddle you because you were a psychopath, we swaddled you because that's how 0-3 month old babies like to live. Reminds them of being in their mommy's tummy. It seems like a week ago that we were cheering when you'd drink 2 ounces of milk (and trust me, we all know how you eat now!!!). It seems like just last week when you'd wake up every two hours screaming for more milk. It seems like a week ago that we used to spy on you after you'd finally go to sleep at night. It seems like a week ago that you first smiled (although it was a drunken milk smile). It seems like a week ago that you started eating real food. It seems like a week ago that you first said, "ball". It seems like a week ago when you first learned to wave "hello" and "bye-bye". It seems like a week ago when you learned how to do the "touchdown" sign. Seriously, you learned that sign before you learned how to do the "so big" thing that most kids learn. Nope, you didn't learn "so big" you learned "touchdown". Daddy loves you for that!!! Hey, your initials are T.D afterall. It seems like a week ago when you first rolled over. It seems like a week ago when you first learned to crawl. It seems like a week ago when you first learned to walk. Oh yeah, it was about a week ago when you learned to walk. It's hillarious, because you walk with your hands way up in the air - again, like you're doing the touchdown sign. Dude, this year has gone by so fast for me and mommy. It's been such a joy and I can honestly say that because people will tell you how much joy children bring to your lives and you have no idea until you actually have one. You have made me laugh more than I've ever laughed and cry more than I've ever cried. You've made me love mommy more. You've made me think of me less, not less of me, just me less. Your smile puts an even bigger smile on my face and your laugh makes me laugh out loud every time. What a year it's been, buddy. Thank you for all the joy you've brought to my life. I can only hope that I bring that much back to you. Love you buddy! Happy 1st birthday!!! Daddy.

One Year Letter

Mommy Says:

Dear Tyson,

Today you are (gasp-hold me up so I don't fall over) one. I've sat down to write your one year letter at least 15 times, but for some reason I keep getting stuck at that first line. My baby is one year old. I know you won't understand the significance of that statement until you have your own baby-but it's kind of a big deal. Trust me.

Just over a year ago today Daddy and I were immersed in preparing for your big arrival. We were a bundle of nerves, fear, and excitement, but we had no idea what we were in store for. No really. We had NO IDEA. You really should have come with a handbook or something. That would have been right up my alley.

We didn't know the overwhelming feeling of joy we would experience at seeing your face for the first time. We had no idea that you would get that handsome little butt chin like Daddy. Nor did we expect the piles of dark and curly hair. We didn't know you would bite your bottom lip and we never could have imagined how lucky we would be that your cry was so quiet.

We didn't know that some nights you would keep us up all night long. Really, we didn't. Both Daddy and I swear that no one ever told us how hard the first few weeks would be. Some day we plan on paying you back for those weeks.

We didn't know that teaching you things would be so rewarding. I'm continually amazed when you do something one day that you couldn't do the day before. I'm convinced you're the smartest baby ever, but I could be biased or something.

We didn't know YOU would teach US so many things. Every day with you has brought a new lesson-Unconditional love, simple pleasures, not to sweat the small stuff, and not to cry over spilled milk (literally), just to name a few. .

Words cannot do the past year justice. It's been an emotional rollercoaster ride of ups and downs mostly ups). I've cried and laughed hysterically. I've wished for moments to never end and prayed for nights that didn't last so long. You have without a doubt succeeded in turning our lives upside down. And we love it.

Happy Birthday my amazing little man. I love you with all of my being.

Love,

Mommy

Happy Halloween!

Tyson Says:

TRICK OR TREAT!

Daddy Says:

SMELL MY FEET!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

My Little Pumpkin

Mommy Says:

Let's just get this out in the open-I'm a neat freak. I vacuum religiously at least once a week. Our bathrooms get a vinegar and water rub down twice a week and our countertops are scrubbed at least ten times a day. Seriously.

That's why pumpkin carving makes my heart race.

To talk me down from the ledge, Daddy lined the countertops with paper bags, we put on old clothes, turned on scary music and dug in.

Know what? It was worth the grimy fingernails and slimy countertops.

Now if I can just remember this lesson come Easter egg dying time.

Dancing, Walking and Breathing-oh my!

Mommy Says:

Book schmook-the video is too cute not to post. Note the heavy concentrated breathing as he walks to Daddy-such a sense of accomplishment. And don't let the walking overshadow his awesome dance moves at the beginning.

One Small Step for Tyson...One Giant Leap for Mommy and Daddy

Mommy Says:

It's official. We have a walker.

At 11.5 months Tyson has finally figured it out. And it's true-it really does happen overnight. Last week-he wouldn't walk unless we forced him. This week he's taking off and going 15-20 steps on his own. Still a little unsteady, but it's walking. Next week he'll be running. On his first birthday he'll probably ask to borrow the car. Someone save me now.

I'd post a video, but Daddy and I decided to give Tyson a hard copy of the blog for his first birthday party and video doesn't translate into a book so well. Instead-a picture!!

Free at last, free at last. Thank God Almighty, I'm free at last!


He's stinkin cute, huh?

If anyone has suggestions as to how to keep your baby a baby longer, please let me know. In the meantime, we'll be chasing Tyson.

An Ode to Our Toddler

Mommy Says:

There once was a baby named Tyson

He was cute, immobile, and really quite handsome

Until one day,

Much to Mommy and Daddy's dismay,

He discovered how to walk, crawl, and then some.

Now he climbs up the stairs

And up on to chairs

He goes into his toy chest

And leaves the house in a mess.

He's lucky he's still cute and handsome.

PS: Miraculously, Tyson was not hurt in the making of this blog post.

11 Months

Mommy Says:

Dear Tyson,

As a result of my failed attempts at turning back time, you actually turned 11 months old today. I'm really going to have to step up my efforts if I want to stop the whole turning one thing.

It's funny that while I'm trying so desperately to hold onto your babyhood you're doing everything you can to become a full blown toddler. It's amazing all of the new things you've learned this month alone.

You're walking alone now. Just a few steps at a time, but walking. WALKING! That means running away from Mommy is coming soon. I'll just go cry in my room now.

You climb stairs. Fast. This might be dangerous. Daddy and I are reconsidering our decision to not put a gate at the bottom of the stairs. We wanted you to be able to explore the stairs and understand that you can go up and down them safely with help. You have other ideas. Ideas that involve racing to and up the stairs whenever Mommy and Daddy turn their back for a minute.

You're getting into everything. We finally had to put parental locks on our cupboards. If only we could find a parental lock for Lola's food.

You've learned how to throw a fit. Which is really not awesome, but proves you've got a good little attitude I'll have to contend with. If you don't want to do something you arch your back and kick your feet like a two year old temper tantrum. If it's starting now, I can't wait to see what your terrible twos will be like. Somebody send Mommy lots of wine.

To offset the fit throwing, you're really into sharing. You love to give us your bottle, feed us your food, and bring us your toys.

You point, you wave, you tell us all done (with your hands) and you do the "Touchdown!" Just tonight you clapped for the first time ever. We're working on blowing kisses and signing "more."

You have a verbal vocabulary of about 10 understandable words now. You finally say "Mommy" but usually only when you're really upset and whining. You're favorite word is probably "Lala" (Lola). You love to yell at her and give her bones.

I know I've said it a thousand times, but you really are an amazing and smart little guy. I knew I would love being a Mommy, but I had no idea just how awesome being your Mommy would be. Thank you for making my life happier and my heart fuller (if fuller is a word).

I love you buddy. Happy 11 months.

Love,

Mommy

First Step

Mommy Says:

Remember how Tyson is pretty much amazing? If you don't remember, please see the previous ten months of posts.

Yesterday, at the ripe age of just under 11 months, Tyson took his first several steps alone. Three of them to be exact. Several times.


It. was. ah-mazing.

We're certain this will be followed up by his first marathon run at the age of 5. Please stay tuned for details as to where you can cheer him on.

Oktoberfest

Mommy Says:

September was busy. Too busy.

First, Daddy was out of town. Tyson saw Daddy's absence as an opportune time to test out the whole pooping in the bathtub thing. If you've never experienced it, poop in a bathtub is worse than you're imagining. Way worse. I'll spare you the details, but they do involve sanitizing at least 7 rubber duckies.

Then, Mommy was out of town. Tyson was perfect.

Finally, Daddy went out of town again. Tyson caught a cold. One that had him up screaming in pain half the night. We were tired. Very, very tired. Daddy was in Vegas and he was less tired than us. Poop in the bathtub for the second time might have better than a cold.

Needless to say, we're glad it's October. Mommy is really, really glad. Let the hay rides, pumpkin picking, football watching, and hot dish making begin. No really....let it begin. Bring it on October.

We did all of the above this weekend alone. Whew. Hopefully that means we can spend the rest of our October resting on the couch. I'm exhausted.

We think it's going to be a good month.

Growing Up

Mommy Says:

We've been super busy at watching our baby boy become a big boy. And while I have many, many things to update about (including stairs, climbing, new toys, whole milk and pooping in the bathtub) I just can't find the time to do it right now. Soon, I promise. In the meantime, I did find this song on another Mommy's blog and I cried. Big fat ugly tears. And then I had to post it IMMEDIATELY here. It's Brad Paisley's "Anything Like Me" and speaking of watching Tyson becoming a big boy...


I remember saying I don't care either way
Just as long as he or she is healthy I'm ok
Then the doctor pointed to the corner of the screen
And said "You see that thing right there well you know what that means"

And I started wondering who he was going to be
And I thought heaven help us if he's anything like me
He'll probably climb a tree too tall and ride his bike to fast
End up every summer wearing something in a cast

He's gonna throw a ball and break some glass in a window down the street
He's gonna get in trouble oh he's gonna get in fights
I'm gonna lose my temper and some sleep
It's safe to say that I'm gonna get my payback if he's anything like me

I can see him right now knees all skinned up
With a magnifying glass trying to melt a Tonka truck
Won't he be a sight with his football helmet on
That'll be his first love til his first love comes along
He'll get his heart broke by the time he's in his teens
And heaven help him if he's anything like me

He'll probably stay out too late and drive his car too fast
Get a speeding ticket he'll pay for mowing grass
He's gonna get caught skipping class and be grounded for a week
He's gonna get in trouble we're gonna get in fights
I'm gonna lose my temper and some sleep

It's safe to say that I'm gonna get my payback if he's anything like me

He's gonna love me and hate me along the way
Years are gonna fly by I already dread the day
He's gonna hug his momma, he's gonna shake my hand
He's gonna act like he cant wait to leave

But as he drives out he'll cry his eyes out
If he's anything like me there's worse folks to be like
Aw he'll be alright if he's anything like me

Touchdown!

Mommy Says:

Remember how Daddy wanted the doctor to yell, "Touchdown!" when Tyson (ahem) came out? And then the Doctor obliged. And I died.

In some sort of strange karma's a bitch moment, Tyson has learned how to throw his arms up to signal a touchdown when Daddy yells "Touchdown!"

I die. Again. This time of cuteness, not of embarrassment.

Rico Suave

Mommy Says:




We had one handsome devil on our hands last weekend at Auntie Katie's wedding. Check this dude out.

Complete with a faux hawk and Nike socks. This kid knows style.

Who Said it Was Easy to Be This Cute?

Mommy Says:

Dear Tyson,

I'm sorry I let your hair look like a mullet before I took you to get your first haircut. I promise that in the future I won't let it get that out of hand again. I also promise that the pictures of you with a mullet may be more traumatizing than the actual haircut was. It's the mullet that will cause you years of tears. The haircut only caused you a few minutes of them.

The haircut actually started out fairly well. I remember thinking what a calm little boy you were. I was that proud parent talking about how nothing phases you.

Then all hell broke loose.

And it wasn't pretty.

But, honey, it's hard work to look that good. Lesson learned?

Love,

Mommy

Summer Bucket List

Mommy Says:

Apparently Summer decided to call it quits early this year. I'd curse it, but we're trying to lay off the curse words these days. At least until we buy Tyson a pair of ear muffs.

Tyson had a few things we needed to check off his first summer bucket list still. It's a good thing we got them in over Labor Day weekend.

First, a Twins game. He'd always wanted to go see the new stadium. He'd heard great things about it from Mommy and Daddy. Last Saturday we packed up a 50 pound diaper bag (no joke) and hauled him off for his first Twins game.

Please ignore the obnoxious Mommy face. Tyson is just as embarrassed for me as you are.

He loved it and proceeded to take studious notes while we were there. I'm fairly certain we'll be coming back in a few years to watch him play for the Twins.

Next on the agenda, his first bonfire. Again-he's heard Mommy and Daddy talk about bonfires quite a bit, but never been able to stay up late enough to see one. With it getting dark earlier (sad) we had the perfect opportunity.

I know, totally framable, huh?

He liked the fire, but quickly became more interested in having Lola chase him around the yard. At least we know we're currently not raising a pyromaniac. I can cross fear #3987 off my list.

No wonder Lola loves him so much.

Alright summer-you lazy b word-bring on fall. We're ready for it.

10 Months

Mommy Says:

Dear Tyson,

Today you are 10 months old. I've decided it's my favorite age so far. I know I'll probably have a hundred favorite ages, but seriously-right now you are just plain awesome. I wish I could bottle this age and save it for when your 16 and most likely not awesome.

You've had a busy month learning lots of fun things like how to open drawers and pull things out of cabinets. You love remotes, cell phones, and Lola's bones. You dance a lot. You move all the time. You're fast. You run away from me when I say I'm going to get you. You laugh when we put you in your swing. You throw balls. You can stand on your own for 5-10 seconds. You pull off our glasses if we attempt to wear them around you. You hit Lola away if she's bothering you too much. You do the same thing to Mommy and Daddy. You say, "yeah" all the time. You climb up stairs. You now drink your snack bottles in a sippy cup. You love to drink from a straw. You stand up in your crib when you don't want to go to sleep. You burrow your head when you're tired. You lift your arms up when you want to be picked up. You cuddle-but only when you're sick.

I love you with every fiber of my being buddy. I am constantly amazed by you and your awesomeness and still not sure how Daddy and I made something as great as you (I know, gross-huh?). Thank you for making my life better every day. Happy 10 month birthday little guy.

Love,

Mommy

Snot and Drool and Puke, Oh my!

Mommy Says:

Last night I laid with a 20 pound ten month old draped across my body for most of the night. Notice I said laid-not slept. He snored louder than Daddy. If he wasn't snoring he was crying. When he woke up the pile of drool and snot on my shoulder was monumental.

This morning I've cleaned two poopy diapers. They were impressive. It's only 9 AM. Then I got puked on. Projectile style.

Being a Mommy is hard.

Being a sick baby is even harder.

Being a Mommy watching her sick baby is perhaps the hardest of all.

Here's to hoping this winter cold & flu season takes it easy on all of us.

Great MN Get Together

Mommy Says:

Did you know that MN has the 2nd largest state fair in the Nation? Texas has us beat. Some say we could have the lead, but the Texas fair lasts longer which somehow makes it bigger. I'm not sure I get the logic, but whatever...

In true MN fashion we couldn't wait to get Tyson to the fair this year. The manure scented barns, the greasy people eating greasy food, the hot and dusty fairgrounds..it's a right of passage and something we hope he'll look forward to every year.

The little guy was a trooper. We thought we'd do a quick 4 hour early morning trip. 4 hours turned into 8, but we all went home a few pounds heavier- a guaranteed sign of a successful fair trip.

The day was busy.

We took in the view from Daddy's shoulders.

This is great and all, but let's get me some food on a stick!

We rode the giant slide.

That's me--way up at the top. I'm totally not crying because I'm scared to death.

We took pictures next to GIANT tractor.

Am I shrinking?

We met up with Grandmas and Grandpas and Aunts and Uncles and Cousins galore.

Again, totally not crying.

We even managed to sneak Tyson onto a local news broadcast where the weather guy interviewed him and Daddy. We're hoping to get a copy of the video to post here soon. Daddy really wants to expand his 15 seconds of fame into 15 minutes.