Everybody Loves a Kid Fest

These days, we need to make sure that our weekend time is mapped out with fun activities to keep a certain someone occupied and happy.  This past weekend, we hit up Fall for Fairfax Kid Fest at the Fairfax County Government Center and even though it was a Fall event, the weather didn't get the message and served up hot temps for our day at the fair.

The main driver for our participation in this event was the petting zoo.  James is an animal lover so whenever there is an opportunity for him to get up close and personal, we take advantage.  The best part - the Petting Zoo was a free attraction so yippee for us!  The Llama Llamas in Pajamas scared him a little bit, but he was in love with the bunnies (as usual).  He even got to see some ducks and put the word "duck" in action - one of the many words on his ever growing list.

After we said bye-bye to all the animals, we made our way through the many vendor tents, and came upon another favorite - Firetrucks!! The local squad was there giving tours of the different rigs and letting the kiddos sit in the Fireman's seat.  Ever since a Fireman visited James' school, he has been a fan - what boy isn't!  We actually read a book about Firemen every night before bed.  James was very excited to see one up so close - but not excited enough to sit in it.  I have to give the Fireman credit for keeping his cool as he hoisted a screaming James into the seat. :)

The best part was watching the reaction on James' face when he was looking up at the ladder extended into the sky.  I'm pretty sure that was the first time he saw it which, as a parent, is always amazing to witness.

All in all, it was a fun couple of hours and served as some entertainment for the little man.  If you live in Northern VA and have kiddos, this festival is a great one.  There are a ton of carnival rides and games as well as bounce houses, craft areas, a scarecrow building competition and pony rides.  James was a little young to take advantage of everything, but we definitely head back when he is a little older.  

For those of you who don't have kiddos, Kid Fest is the best form of birth control out there.  :)

It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

I love Fall. It is, hands down, the BEST season there is. The smells...the colors...the crisp air. It's awesome! And what I love best are the awesome Fall activities. This weekend, we partook (word?!) in 2 of my most favorite Fall activities ~ Apple Picking and Fall Street Festival.


After spending a week in Dallas, the hubby and I needed more than just a date night so we decided to spend Saturday frolicking in the Fall air. :) First stop was Crooked Run Orchard for some apple picking and pumpkin gathering. It was a GORGEOUS day so the setting was perfect. We trekked from suburbia to uber-suburbia and found ourselves at a beautiful orchard filled with suncrisps, red and gold delicious, matsus, cortlands and braeburns. We made our way through the colorful apple trees and gathered our loot ~ just enough for an apple crisp and some daily snacking. The pumpkin patch was not quite what we thought (instead of a field of pumpkins we had 4 large bins to choose from!) ~ but we had a great time. :)


It was time for lunch and really the best food on a Fall day is from a cart wielding the sign "Chicken on Stick". We headed back into civilization and hit the Fairfax City Fall Festival. First stop - FOOD VENDORS!!! In addition to our chicken on a stick, we inhaled on some pad thai and spicy lo mein. Not bad for street food. :)


We made our way through the many vendors and headed to the car show where Ed fell in love with yet another vintage Mustang. This one was black with white interior ~ pretty awesome.


Then it was time for the main event - The Legwarmers!!!!!!!!!! I think I have spoken of them before, but The Legwarmers are THE best 80's cover band in the WORLD!!! They were playing on the main stage and they totally rocked! The crowd was going wild - it was awesome. Definitely made our day.


After some quick doggie purchases (new collar, treats and a fun toy), some soft serve and a giant bag of kettle cooked popcorn we headed home to spend the rest of the beautiful Fall afternoon with Lucy. We rounded out the night with a movie ~ "The Social Network". Good flick. Great day. I LOVE FALL!!!

Take a look at our full Fall day here!