Catching up - Part Uno

It's been a while. I know and I'm sorry. I wish I had some super excuse that could explain my absence in posting but apart from the lack of the laptop (and having to use this gargantuan thingey) there is no excuse.

Sorry. I'll do better.

So I'll start where I left off last post. The Blue Ridge BBQ and Music Festival in Tryon, NC.

It was a warm day and from the past few outings we figured out what we did and didn't need to take to these events and packed the big stroller accordingly. On the bright side it was easy to find and at only just an hour away it was a really easy drive for the kids. Parking was a breeze and not a lot of traffic considering the amount of people there. On the not so bright side (meaning us) we had to change the tire inner tube on the stroller out of the back of the volvo with two children anxious to get going and people staring at us. It took at least 20 minutes (note: even though the tire says 16 inches it truly isn't so just shove it in and hope for the best - you'll waste time trying to play nice-nice with it) to get going but once we did it was a short walk to the event gates.

 We came through the gate near the BBQ competitors. It was interesting seeing all the set-ups that everyone had and the smells were very cool. I began to think that it was going to be an average event when we turned the corner and crossed a bridge and a field just opened up to show everything that was there and a whole bunch of people. 

  There was actually quite a lot happening at the event which was a nice change to some of the events we've gone to in the past. There was a classic car display, a huge area of rides and sideshow alley, a craft area, the food vendor area, a small kiddie play area, a riverbank and a lot of open space that had some cover but not a lot :(

Anyway, Storm grabbed a beer and I (rather predictably) headed to the craft area. The girls stayed in the stroller partaking in a snack which was great. After checking it all out but rather disappointed as it was sooooo busy we headed to the kiddie play area to let the kids out and about. They had a ball and it's great to see them really coming out of their shell and talking to other kids in the play area (it's still a work in progress though!)

 Syd having soooo much fun!

 Sliding with Kendall.

 A cold beer with Daddy.

 After playing under the cool trees we headed to the food vendors to grab a bite. After waiting in line for 20 minutes we found the vendor that we had chosen had run out of brisket. It seems that we had arrived later in the day and they were all sold out. They had also thrown out their last batch of chicken (too dry) so all that was left was pulled pork and ribs.

Well we were hungry and unwilling to stay out in the hot sun waiting in another line so I had the pulled pork sandwich and Storm had the ribs. The most stupid action of the day belonged to me when I put their "BBQ" sauce on our plates without checking the flavour first- it was so hot and peppery and even Storm found it unpalatable. (I ate mine without the sauce!)

 Ribbing out...

 Whilst we were enjoying our lunch we were listening to the band on stage. The girls danced and enjoyed it a lot. (We're considering taking them to proper dance classes -ballet and tap. I find out more about a place that a friend takes her daughter to next week!). (Syd does dance though it doesn't look like it right now!)

 It wouldn't be fun without a hat...

 or two...

 Anyway, after enjoying our lunch (and before the sauce took its toll on my stomach!) we headed to check out the classic cars. Some of them were so cute and all were well done.


I couldn't believe that the line for the BBQ was still going strong even at 3pm in the afternoon!

 The big kids area with some rides and sideshow alley.

 Cute cars - one for each kiddoe!

 I thought that I would include this piccie to show the size of the trees around the area. I am stunned at just how tall some of these trees are!

 So, we headed home (me with a dodgy tummy but I wasn't about to see how dodgy on one of those portaloos!) and both agreed that it was an enjoyable day. We're currently on the look for the next event to check out.