Church Fall Festival

The weather here is still undecided as to whether it is summer or fall. After mass I took the babies out to the festival and quickly bought a ticket for an adult BBQ plate, and a child's hot dog plate. It was very hot so I was glad the food was in the cafeteria. The food was pretty good but I let the kids eat most of mine, and Lucas ate his whole hot dog! Big deal since he's picky.

All really healthy...at least when Olivia's eating it for me :)

Lucas finishing off his hot dog

Olivia staring me down for more food....she does this new funny thing when she's frustrated or wants something from me (don't know where she got it) she says in a teenage-voice, "MA-aw-am!" Can't type it..i'll have to record it next time :)

Then we went outside and did all the fun free stuff....ice cream, pop corn, slides, a big caterpillar maze, a bouncy castle jump, games, golf, a petting zoo and my favrorite--they rode ponies! It would've been a lot easier and funner to have daddy there, but he's working hard to help us get that house in March...coming up pretty fast!

He got his little butt up there all on his own and enjoyed sliding down.

He kept walking right up to it to throw the ball in the hole lol. And a lady picked up Olivia to help her throw hers in too. Everyone was so helpful and friendly :)

They both wanted to go in this caterpillar (which was nice inside because the cool air that was inflating it) and Lucas got all the way through, after finally scaling the little hill at the end. Olivia got about halfway, and got freaked out by all the different obstacles so she turned around and came back out :)

    They finally got to go jump--Olivia just rolled around, but Lucas jumped!

This was our favorite--they loved riding the little ponies...they said "yeehaw! bullseye! horsey!" I was nervous about not being able to stand with both of them, but it was slow and I knew they both really wanted to do it. One of the handlers walked near Lucas just in case. But Lucas held on tight and felt like a real cowboy!

 And the petting zoo was cool. They loved seeing the rooster and petting all the goats and llama, and deer. And of course the soft bunny rabbit.

 Lucas considering the priesthood :)

 Olivia, not so sure about being a nun.

 Dancing to Smash Mouth...I think Smash Mouth is actually a really good band...is that nerdy? We all like "Walkin on the Sun", "Then the Morning Comes" and of course "All Star" from Shrek :)

 Everyone helped Lucas and he was so happy doing all these games :)

 Olivia got to do almost everything he did too.  

 They even danced a little but got mad when I poured a little water on them to keep them cool. They drank they juice and water too, but I could tell by their red cheeks it was time to go. So we went home and all took a nice and much-need Hodge family nap :)
   St. Bernadette's is such a great community and everyone volunteers so much of their time and efforts. What they call "Time, Treasure and Talent". Truly out of the goodness of their hearts. I am just now learning the differences between Carmelite, Dominican, and Franciscan orders, (which is what St. Berandette's is) and that the priests here take vows of poverty. I respect them very much and it seems all the parishioners do as well, sacrificing to help not just our church, but the surrounding communities and poverty/disaster-stricken areas around the globe. I hope to get involved with the Respect for Life ministry once John gets some time off. :)