Birthdays, Drive- Ins and Fairs - Oh My!!!

Another busy weekend for the Callahan Trio...Friday night was something new, Samantha babysat for the first time - well other than hanging out at the house while David & Jessi went down to the Booth's. She did great - got Liam off to bed and knew just when to call. Where o where were Mom & Dad off to? A night at the Drive-In for a double feature that Jessi couldn't miss of Talladega Nights and Miami Vice.

Saturday morning - we were off and running. The Callahans and the Larsens were joining forces again to attend the Northwest Washington Fair in Lynden. It was wonderful - the crowds were completely managable and we got to see the largest bull ever - the darn thing weighed over 3000 pounds...that is a mighty big slab of beef. We also got the see a calf that was only hours old. Amazing! Liam was much more brave this year and asked some of the FFA girls if he could touch a cow. He also wooed the 4H seeing eye dog gals and gave each of the puppies in training hugs good bye. Nolan was kicking back in his favorite place to be - the backpack and eventually fell asleep. Samantha was a trooper and hung out with us even though we had to cut the day short and she didn't get to go on any rides. We all decided that we like the fair and will attend next year as well, but will hopefully bring a friend for Samantha.

After the fair we headed up for a dose of Callahan kin. We visited with David's sister Amanda, husband Dave and their kiddos. Despite the busy schedules - we got to see all of the kids which was wonderful. Liam and Aaron really hit it off, I think Aaron liked being the older boy - since he is the baby. Liam enjoyed taking turns on the tramp and driving a big tractor with his Uncle Dave. Samantha got to hang out with her two older girl cousins which is always a treat.

Sunday was Torrae's first birthday party. Ivan and Jen held it at Hovander Park in Ferndale. We had a wonderful spot in the shade and a great view of the play area. Torrae did a wonderful job of eating her first bit of cake and got it all over. Happy happy birthday my sweet niece. http://share.shutterfly.com/action/pictures?a=67b0de21b33d6b59c465&sid=8IcMmzVqycveA Some photos of Jen, Christian and Torrae's birthday - Go August!!!!

Mmm lunch time....
Liam & Connor kicking back....
Fun with the ball pit!!
Starbucks sized for toddlers
Samantha, Liam and Connor driving away....

What a great weekend!!!! If life was like the movie Groundhog Day, I would want this past weekend to be the one to repeat.

Saturday the trio and Mom joined Meri, Connor and Adrienne (who was in town from Washington DC) at the Taste of Edmonds. The weather was perfect and with the kiddos covered in sun screen and Nolan trying out the backpack for the first time we ventured to find some fun for teens, toddlers and moms. The Taste fit the bill. I will have photos soon...I didn't bring my camera but Miss Meri did and will be providing me with some photos. Liam and Connor tried out the bouncy house ball pit and had a great time together. Samantha and Adrienne went down a huge slide and thru the obstacle course. We entertained the fireman who had an ambulance on display and Nolan and I took a trip down memory lane looking inside it.

Sunday the Liam, Nolan and Mom & Dad joined the Larsen Clan at the Woodland Park Zoo. This was Owen's first trip to the zoo and he spent a good portion of the time awake, much to Pauli & Mike's excitement, still waiting to hear if that caused a restful night sleep for all. Austin & Liam were once again a force to be reckoned with and greatly enjoyed the new Zoomazium that opened ealier this summer. Thinking that the Callahan Clan may need to ask Santa for a membership this year. Nolan was a champ spending the better portion of two days in the backpack and I think he really enjoyed the experience and point of view. Highly recomend this way of transporting over the front pack. Here are some photos courtesy of Mike & Pauli. Enjoy!!! http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=1AZtWrhi1ZsXFA

Ness Cranes Family Picnic
The annual Ness Cranes Family Picnic was held on Sunday and while the weather looked a little iffy in the morning the day turned out terrific. We had the camera with us, but didn't know it and missed some incredible photo ops. Liam and David began the day by sliding down the HUGE inflatable slide. Seriously where was the camera. David played in the softball game while I hung out with the boys, Liam loved the slide and was quite the trooper hanging with the big kids. Later he attempted to climb up the climbing wall, but I had to hold onto him as the hydrolic system wouldn't recognize weight under 40 pounds. What we would have done had he climbed to the top we don't know. Then it was off to the pony rides, Liam was somewhat skeptical at first but decided to have a go at it and loved it. Looked quite at home atop the pony when they came back up the trail. Liam gave a go at the family games as well. He tried to do the potato sack race, but only ended up falling and then the water balloon toss with mom. We need to work on throwing a bit. He made quite an impression by turning out for nearly everything. Nolan was quite happy just taking in the sites and napping in the front pack. The Callahan family also won a little something in the drawing and we are looking forward to letting Liam go on a shopping trip to Toys R Us. Wahoo!
Soooo soooo bummed I have no photos to post.