Bradford Pumpkin Show

Last week, we visited some children's activities at the Pumpkin Show in Bradford.  On Tuesday afternoon, we went to the tricycle races.  There were only 2 four year olds signed up, and when it was their turn, Aubrey was the only one who would go to the tricycle.  She won a trophy!

On Thursday, we went back to the Kiddie Tractor pull.  Aubrey made a full pull the first time, and was one of 9 who pulled again, but she didn't make it whole way the second time.  She was disappointed that she didn't get another trophy, but I think she had fun.

This weekend we went to the swap meet at Lucasville.  We haven't been for over 2 years and Aubrey didn't really remember going before.  She was amazed at all the animals that were there for sale.  She found some toys and candy!

-A

Why I Love Being a Mom

It has always been one of my dreams to be a mom and I really do love the job.  There are things that I don't like about it, but here's why I love it.  Aubrey is calling for me at 2:00 this morning (that's not the part I love).  I get up and go to her room and she tells me she dropped Lily (her doll).  Lily is right beside her bed; I'm sure she could see her.  Instead of getting out of her bed and picking her up, she called me.  I was a bit grumpy but didn't say anything to her.  I handed her Lily and covered her back up and gave her a kiss and she looked at me and said, "I love you mommy" and rolled over, stuck her thumb in her mouth, and was back to sleep.  That's all I needed to make getting up at 2:00 worth it!

-A

Going to Preschool

Aubrey's baby-sitter decided at the beginning of August that she'd like to go to work at a full-time job.  That left us searching for a baby-sitter with just a few weeks before I had to return to work.  I am very happy for Sandy and I believe she did the right thing for her family.  I had been struggling with whether Aubrey would go to preschool because I wasn't sure where she'd go or how I would get her there, so I was taking that into consideration as I was thinking about Aubrey's next baby-sitter.  

We visited the YMCA here in Versailles and Aubrey seemed to like the visit.  There were lots of opportunities for her to do things during the day while I was at work, which would help in protecting our time together in the evenings.

I finally decided that the Y would be the best place for her to go, and that it would take care of the preschool issue in the future.  What I didn't realize was that basically, I was signing her up for preschool right now.  I am sitting in the office, finishing up something while she is in the bathtub playing.  I can hear her talking to herself and realize that she is doing her best to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.  She clearly says United States of America, indivisible, and for all.  Many of the words in between are jumbled up, but she's learning it!  Earlier this weekend, she was telling me the months of the year.  Something else she has learned in 1 week of preschool.  Way to go preschool!

Ever since Aubrey could say the word school, she has informed anyone in the car when we go by Versailles School, that it is her school.  She loves to walk over to the playground, but has always been concerned that there aren't any swings.  Right before school started, the playground got swings.  Aubrey has been very excited about this fact, but we haven't had time to walk over there and swing.  I told her that after her nap today, we could walk over there.  It was sprinkling after her nap, but she didn't care, she wanted to try out those swings.  We walked over to the playground in the rain, and she gave those swings a good test.  I think she approves.

-A

The Great Darke County Fair

Growing up, we went to the fair to ride rides and walk around.  I remember having enough chances to go, if I wanted to.  When I got to high school and college age, I could have cared less about going to the fair - it just wasn't my thing.  Then I met Ryan - Ryan loved the fair.  He wanted to be there every day if possible.  I remember the first summer we were dating and he made me by a pass; I couldn't understand why I would need to buy that . . . we got our money's worth.

Most of you know that Aubrey was born about 2 1/2 weeks before the fair started.  Silly me thought we wouldn't go near as much that year.  I think I stayed home a few extra days than normal, but Ryan still managed to go most days.

Two years ago today, on Monday of the fair, Ryan went home to be with our Lord.  If there ever was a time that we'd definitely remember him, I think the fair is a good one.

I'd like to say I don't go to the fair as much now, but loving it must be in the Wulber blood.  (I do enjoy going as well).

We have been to the fair every day but Tuesday so far!  We watched 2 of Grandpa Wulber's horses get first place in their races - Friday night and Saturday.  Aubrey got to be in the race photos and was so excited.

On Sunday, we walked around a bit and rode rides - the big ferris wheel was the excitement of the day.

On Monday, Aubrey participated in the Little Miss Darke County Pageant.  She was disappointed that she didn't receive a trophy, but I thought she looked cute anyway :)

Also on Monday night, Aubrey and I rode the big viking ship at the fair.  Yesterday afternoon, we rode rides with Camryn and Kaitlyn, and part of the time with a little girl from church.  Aubrey ride the viking ship several more times, even once without me.

I took the day off work today, so we will go back to the fair.  Tomorrow evening, Aubrey will be in the kiddle tractor pull.

-A

Aubrey turns 4!

 I cannot believe that Aubrey is 4 already!  She had her birthday party last Sunday afternoon.  We had a carnival in our back yard; it was a lot of fun.  We played ring toss and basketball.  We also had a can game where you threw a beanbag and tried to knock down the cans.  The wind helped with that.  Aubrey wanted snow cones, so I bought a snow cone machine; they were a big hit.

Aubrey got a big girl bike for her birthday.  She also got a pair of skates.  On Monday, we went to Jumpy's with our friends Curtis, Karen, Conner, Caden, and Carson.  The kids had a good time, but Aubrey was worn out by the afternoon!  She is now looking forward to the fair.

Congratulations Class of 1998

I read in the paper today that the Versailles Class of 1998 won the alumni softball tournament.  I'm sure that Ryan was with you in spirit and Aubrey and I say congratulations!!

-A

Enjoying Mother Nature

We went on Aubrey's first ever camping trip this week.  She thought it was pretty neat and we'll probably have to go again sometime!  My parents went along, they did most of the work :)  We also took Kaitlyn and Camryn along - their first camping trip as well.  We went to Lake Loramie and stayed in one of their Rent-a-Camp's so that we didn't have to pitch our own tent.

We made s'mores around the campfire, went fishing, swam at the beach, played putt-putt golf, rode bikes around the campground, and played at the playground.  I think the bikes might have been one of the favorite activities.