State Fair 2013

So I feel like a broken record every time I blog. I have been a total slacker this summer. But we have been having a good time and that's what counts right? Nathan randomly had a Monday off of school so we took advantage and took the girls to the WV State Fair. 

With all the rain and weird weather we have been having this summer i figured our trip would be cut short from rain, but it was a beautiful day and actually pretty hot. 

Daddy and the girls rode a couple rides which included the Ferris and Lily called it. It was the first they saw when we drove into the fair grounds and all they talked about until we finally got over to the carnival part. 

The girls absolutely loved the ferris wheel and I wasn't a bit worried that one of them would go toppling out of the car (sarcasm). 

We broke out the double stroller which we haven't used forever, but I really didn't want to end up carrying a kid all over the fair. They were pretty good about staying in too. I think they were hot and tired. 

The girls loved the tractor area and all the animals that were on display. I think my favorite was the bunnies. There were some pretty cute ones. We gorged ourselves on fair food. I had ribbon fries and a chicken philly sandwich and the girls had pizza before we headed out. 

And we picked up one of these to go as well. The best cinnamon roll I have ever eaten, and it was huge! Lily and I shared this for two days. It was heavenly. I don't even care how much sugar and fat was in this thing. It was so delicious. I would eat another one right now. 

Ave was out in the car before we left the parking lot. They had such a blast and I'm glad the weather held out for us!

Exploring West Virginia --Nuttallburg

We live in such a beautiful state. I take it for granted more often than I should. We are surrounded by a National Park and there are so many areas that I haven't seen or explored. We plan to change this really soon. Recently we packed up the girls and headed to check out a old mining town called  Nuttallburg. 

I will admit I thought Nathan had no idea where he was going when we drove out to Nuttallburg. It was farther out than I expected. Over the past couple years I have come to realize that I really like history, especially local history. 

So this was an old mining town and the old buildings and equipment were still there, along with signs including the history and what the old buildings/foundations were. 

A lot of the old mining equipment is still on the site. 

The girls really love exploring and checking out all the cool stuff they can find. I'm pretty sure Ave was looking at a bug. 

Even Henry Ford had a hand in this little community. 

We saw a ton of butterflies and the girls loved them. 

These are the old Coke ovens. 

and some coal that was just hanging out on the path. 

a train came by while we were exploring. The girls really loved this. The train stopped for some reason and when it started back up it made a really loud noise and startled us all. I'm pretty sure I said something like "that scared the bejeesus out of me". Lily piped up and said "that scared the coal outta me". Oh man, what a funny girl. 

I'm sure we will have many more fun adventures in our beautiful state this summer! 

Best Mountaineer Fan

This child is awesome and way to go Mountaineers!

Exploring the World Around Us

We are fortunate enough to live in one of the most beautiful parts of the country. I really don't think I appreciate it enough. There are lots of outdoorsy things to do and we really don't take advantage like we should. So yesterday the weather was mild but rainy so we headed out to the New River Gorge Bridge Visitors Center and Overlook. Go here to find out more about the area. 

Heading inside the Visitors Center

The view from indoors

Lily really enjoys the Visitors Center. There is a little museum about he History of the area and a gift shop. But best of all is the view!

Then we took a walk to one of the overlooks. 

There are two, and this one is just a flat walk that overlooks the bridge. There is also one that has a ton of steps down to an overlook. 

Lily and Daddy were getting cars to honk for them.

The view. It is so gorgeous in the summer and fall. 

Go here for the history of the bridge which is the the longest steel arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere.

I really enjoy getting out of the house, especially in the winter to enjoy some family time. This is an easy and FREE way to do that!

What do you like to do with your family?

Pinterest Picture Project

So in attempt to add some color and get some more family pictures hung in our house I made these .  I found the inspiration where else, but Pinterest. The link didn't really give instructions on how to make these, but I found it pretty easy. 

I just bought the wood plaques at Hobby Lobby. You could probably sand them, but I didn't and they have a couple rough edges. But that doesn't bother me. I painted them with paint I already had. 

I then chose some of my favorite pictures I have been wanting to frame. You basically just apply a little mod podge to get the picture to stick to the wood. Then cover the whole front with the mod podge. I also put it around the edges because it dries shiny and I like that look. I still need to add a hanger to the back. I have seen pop tabs used and that would be super easy. 

It goes on white, like glue but dries clear.

Little lady got in on the action, she loves to paint stuff. 

I plan to hang them in our living room and will post a pic when I get them hung up. 

I must add a congrats to my West Virginia Mountaineers who beat Clemson 70-33 in the Orange Bowl 

Source

I am a super proud fan and loved watching that awesome game!