Our State Fair is a Great State Fair...

Don't miss it! Don't even be late!
It's dollars to donuts that our State Fair is the best State Fair in our state!

Okay, so if you're not into musicals, you think I have gone crazy. That song is from the musical "State Fair." Though they are actually talking about a state fair in Des Moines, Iowa; I think it is really about the Great State Fair of Texas. I may be biased, but Dallas, Texas has the absolute BEST State Fair out there in all of it's fried goodness.

So, I've talked about the Fair a lot and Danny & I actually made a quick trip out there last week. Now, when you're 7 months pregnant, it's not so much fun to walk around for too long. I was on a mission. I wanted my annual cinnamon roll and I wanted to try the fried autumn pie. Check and check!

So, here is my trip to the State Fair of Texas in pictures...

Big Tex says a hearty, "HOWDY FOLKS!"

That is the unsuspecting entrance to the Coca-Cola Food Court...where you can find the BEST cinnamon rolls ever! This year you can also find the tallest stack of mattresses! You never know what you're going to see at the Fair.

I took this picture so you would know what to look for when searching out the famous cinnamon roll! It is right between Fried Green Tomatoes and I think Tornado Taters.

This one doesn't really need explaining, but it is THE cinnamon roll. I order the one with "the works." 10 tickets gets you the cinnamon roll with cream cheese icing and crushed pecans. So gooey and delicious. I definitely recommend using the knife and fork. You can wash it down with their delicious fresh-brewed iced tea. If you keep the cup they give you, you can go back for 2 ticket refills!

Next I was on the hunt for the Fried Autumn Pie...one of the new creations of 2011. I had already looked it up so I knew where to go. It is just down from the pig races and dog show. They have fried s'mores at the same booth as well as some tasty frozen lemonade.

It may not look that great, but Danny & I both give our seal of approval on this treat! It was so delicious. If they weren't so proud of it, we might have had seconds!

Close to the main entrance, you will find some metal stands with a square of bricks in between them. There is a show that takes place there each year. The bricks have various names on them. Well, one of those names happens to be the name of my grandpa. I like to look for it every year, so this year Danny found it and I took a picture of it! He has been gone since I was just 6 years old, but I still picture him in his coveralls teaching me how to play pool. I love you PawPaw!

This is the last picture of our journey as we sat waiting for our DART train to take us home. Another successful trip to the State Fair of Texas even if it was a quick one. Perhaps next year, we could stroll around Lyla (weather permitting).

Another update about the weekend and my final baby shower is coming soon. I am just waiting for more pictures. When it is your shower, you can't be the one taking the pictures. Here is just a quick sneak preview...

My best friend Erin came in town. Her little girl Harper is due January 19 and we had a great time talking about all things baby!

More to come!

Just Cruzin' Along!

Before you correct me on my spelling in the title, I did that on purpose. For those of you who don't know, I am a life-long Texas Rangers fan. I am not one of those people who only cheers on a team when they are winning. That makes it all the more enjoyable when the team you have loved your whole life could be headed to the World Series for the 2nd year in a row! So, this title goes out to Nelson Cruz for saving the day with his bottom of the 11th inning grand slam to help the Rangers win ALCS Game 2 7-3. That also means that we get 50% off of Papa John's for dinner tonight! Wahoo!

In the midst of all the baseball playoffs, of course we are still in full on baby mode. We are less than 8 weeks from Lyla's due date. Before updating you on all things Lyla, I did get to attend a baby shower for my sweet friend Meredith. She is due 2 weeks before me with a mystery baby (meaning we don't know whether it is a boy or girl).

I also need to let everyone know that I became an Aunt again on September 29. My beautiful sister-in-law Beth gave birth to 2 perfect twins. Ashlynn & Kinsey are so precious and I just can't wait to meet them. I know that Big Sister Avery loves them.

Ashlynn is on the bottom & Kinsey is up top!

Okay, now we are moving into the Patyrak updates!

First of all, I went to Abilene this past weekend to make an appearance at McMurry University's Homecoming. I am on the Alumni Board and had a couple of commitments, but mostly spent time shopping around Abilene with my mom. I have to tell you that I did a terrible job taking pictures. What that means is that I didn't take any pictures while I was there. What I can tell you is that it was SO SO windy! Due to the high winds and anticipated rain, there was no bonfire. McMurry used to be the Indians and so homecoming each year includes Tipi Village. Well also because of the weather, some tipis weren't able to be put up, some fell down and others were taken down to prevent further damage. The game that was supposed to start at 2 started about 5ish hours later due to rain and lightning. McMurry pulled off a win agains Sul Ross and has having a great year so far! I was in the choir while at McMurry (known as the Chanters). Well, the church that hosts the concert each year is undergoing renovations. For the first 15 minutes of the concert, there were roofers hammering. Their beat didn't really match with the song, but the director did a great job of adding humor amidst his frustration. So, it was a weird McMurry Homecoming, but I did so enjoy getting to visit with the folks that I saw there. I did pick up a little something for Lyla and her best friend Harper though...

McMurry has a new mascot...they are now the War Hawks, so it is time to build up the War Hawk gear. There was the most adorable pink War Hawks football jersey, but the sizes were all well above the baby size. Maybe later!

I suppose the final update is on Operation-Convert-the-Office-to-a-Nursery!

Here is where the office went (thanks to a Craigs List purchase)

We have a room that is right off the kitchen and the main living area that has pretty much been empty. It will likely now serve as a play room/hang out room/office area, so the hutch has been a great addition.

I am SO excited that Lyla's room is finally coming along in the furniture department. Danny did such a fantastic job with the pain and bead board and it was just ready for some furniture, so without further adieu...

My mom has been working on re-covering the cushions for this beauty and so I'll have some updated pictures soon!

Lyla's crib is adorable! Yes, I know the bumpers have to come out when she actually starts sleeping in it so that we don't risk suffocation, but I wanted to see what it looked like all put together. I also know that the mobile will have to go once she figures out how to grab it. I did get something out of that Prep for Childbirth Class!

Just a close-up of the mobile because it is cute!

The dresser I have been waiting for is finally here! I put it together (with a little help from Danny) on Sunday. That was quite a project. I attached the changing table to the top though I don't have any cute covers for that yet.

I bought some fabulous drawer organizers from Lowe's (their price beat out Sears and Target) to help organize all of those little tiny baby clothes!

Now, in the decoration department, I have been slow to pick things out because I don't want to go overboard. I did however pick up a couple of things while I was in Abilene. We went around to all of these little boutique stores and I did find one picture at a great place in Downtown Abilene called Under One Roof...

But, we had the most luck at Hobby Lobby. We picked out fabric for the glider cushions and valance. We also found some plain white wall letters that I then took colored sharpies and decorated to hang on the wall. I plan to hang those this week with some ribbon that my mom picked out.

I saw a plain white canvas with the lyrics to the first verse of "You Are My Sunshine" when I was in Downtown McKinney one day years ago and thought at that time it would be adorable in a baby room. However, it cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $300 which is totally insane! I have also tried pricing out custom wall decals with the lyrics and it is also pricey. I really want something with those words in Lyla's room. You see, when I was little, I watched the movie Beaches over and over and over again! I LOVE that movie! They sing that song altogether in the movie at one point and so that is what I find myself singing to sooth babies at work and want to do the same with Lyla. Anyone have any suggestions that won't break the bank???


I promise that soon there will be an update on the Great State Fair of Texas! I will even take a picture of the famous cinnamon roll that I keep talking about. Also, look for a recap of my final baby shower! My best friend Erin is coming in from Kentucky...if you remember from an earlier post, she is having a baby girl too. Harper Elizabeth Samson is due on January 19 (one day after my 30th birthday)!

This picture is a couple weeks old, but I intend to get an updated pic this weekend!


That's all I've got for today, but I'll leave you with a couple more pictures...

Bevo was NOT super excited about having to go outside when I left for work. The look on his face is saying, "Please mommy, don't go. But if you have to, please let me stay right here on this chair. I promise I will stay right here and won't destroy anything." Well, mommy knows better and besides the weather is much more enjoyable outside, so that's where he went. He'll be okay.

And last, but not least...I took a picture of myself before I walked out the door for work, so yet another picture through the mirror.

30 weeks and 3 days! Less than 8 weeks until Lyla's due date! We can't wait to meet her!



Blessings to all!