Only in Augusta

So over Labor Day weekend the kids and I drove "home" to Augusta. Nick got overtime for the WEBN fireworks so it was the perfect excuse to go. But we try to go home anyway every year during Labor Day. Each year Augusta has Heritage Days hosted by the Rotary Club. It is one of the longest running festivals we have. There are Vendors, Food Booths, Petting Zoo, Children's Activities, History Tours, Car Show and a Frog Derby!! Ya'll growing up during Heritage Days you would find me sweating my butt off with a frilly dress and panty hose on during the House tours. It was horrible. No really. We didn't have central air in some of those houses we lived in....only rinky dink window units in SOME of the rooms. But my daddy had us posted at the front door or the top of the steps to greet the many people who walked through our home. While I had a smile plastered on my face, I just wanted to cry. All my friends were running the streets having fun. But no. Not me or my sister or brother. We were the official welcome committee at the Habermehl residence and we were going to tell you all about our daddy's antiques!! Okay. Maybe it wasn't that bad. Because as I sit here and type this I am laughing. Oh, and maybe wishing for one more year where I could do this over. Maybe only for an hour though. haha.I can laugh now. But I tell ya, back then, I thought I was being punished. The good ole days people!! Something else they still do ....the FROG DERBY....yes, only in Augusta. But my kids love, love, love doing this each year. I was never in the frog derby when I was a kid. There was no way in h e double l I was touching one. For my kiddos though, I touch the yucky things. This year was no different. Leaping Louie (because how could we not name a frog after my dad and the former mayor of Augusta) and Mr. Hops were the kids frogs.

Football time in the Bluegrass. We will just pretend our football team rocks. Because of all the super cute Kentucky shirts!!

                                                My nephew won 1st place in the baby show.

Best Buds/cousins

Getting ready for the Frog Derby. It is in the middle of a 4 way intersection!

Yes... only in August. But that's why I love it so!

My family!!

Max and Mr. Hops

Mere and Leaping Louie

The Habermehl Grandchildren

Yep, we don't wear shoes but we will wear our monogram!

After the Frog Derby , my aunt had us all out to her house for a cook out and to let the kids swim. Some of the family had been out there all day. I won't mention names, but by the time we got there this aunt was cracking us all up!! My aunt Christy even made a blackberry cake. And it was delicious. I may or may not have had 2 pieces!! Oh and my sister made my Dad's bourbon slushes. Who needs real food when you have cake and bourbon slush!!?? The kids were wore out so while all the adults sat by the fire I took my two back to my mom's so they get hit the hay.

On Monday we lounged around my mom's until after lunch. I wanted to soak up the last bit of the holiday weekend that I could with the kids. So I took them to Smale Park over in Cincy and met my friend Holly and her little boy Mason. Nick was working so we weren't in a rush to be at the house. I am glad we went. I needed some adult conversation and the kids had a blast playing. It's hard to believe Summer is officially over. While this week is a "short" week, it sure hasn't felt like it. Maybe because I work the weekend. I just need to make it to next Tuesday and then I am off for 6 days. Nick and I celebrate our 10 yr wedding anniversary in exactly a week. We have a little trip planned....with NO kids!!! I am officially excited to head out of town and relax! Leave the stress behind for a few
days!!

If anyone is interested in taking a ride to Augusta check out their tourism website here. Lots of fun things coming up. It is such a beautiful drive up Rt. 8 along the Ohio River. Fall is a great time to take in the beauty of Augusta. Lots of antique stores to get lost in as well. Happy Weekend ya'll!!