RIBFEST 2008

Yesterday, we ventured into the land of Iowa to attend "RIBFEST 2008." On the way there, we encountered "Quaker Steak & Lube." I had a lot of questions about this place. There were hundreds of bikers parked outside, having some sort of rally. I was very intrigued, and looked it up when I got home. I signed Chloe up for the kids club so we can share a free kids meal there! Click Here to see this crazy place.

There were a lot of rough life wiggly tooth-ers smoking and guffawing, and drinking beers with their kids on their hips. There was a meek carnival that didn't look very safe. The toys were generic and dirty. We skipped right over the carnival.

After parousing the free stuff booths (where we signed up to receive a half a dozen free gas grills and meat smokers, Chloe got a free balloon poodle, and I got a free 5 min massage!), we moved on to the main event.... RIBS! But which vendor to patronise?

As we were just getting to the vendors we happened upon a great salesman who was fat, black and SASSY! Bounding over to us, singing along to the music that blared over the crowd, we knew we were in for a treat. He had stickers, and while he plastered stickers on everyone who was within arms reach, he made us absolutely drool as he described the food. Zach was grinning like a kid at Christmas as the sticker guy declared with a wide smile, "We got pork ribs, beef ribs, barbeque chicken, cole slaw, (then directed to Chloe) mac-a-ronie and CHEESE, grill cheese, corn bread, ANYTHING YOU WANT, we got it!!!" Zach didn't say another word. This was the place for us!

Zach ordered us a GIANT "Fred Flinstonesque" rib, and a half a barbaque chicken. He pushed the enormous rib over to me, but I objected and enjoyed the white meat of the barbaque chicken breast instead (but not until I had at least had a bite of the succulent rib meat slab).

Chloe liked barbaque sauce, after the initial shock wore off.

What was left of the giant rib.

And then we found a nice clean patch of grass!

Keeping Her Entertained

I thought I would never utter this phrase, but "with gas prices on the rise," we have had to find ways to entertain ourselves this week that do not involve driving on my dime. So far, this has meant more walking and playing at home.

Last week, as we were trying to catch the apartment manager in the office (a rarity lately), we happened upon a small soggy and angery family. Evidently, they discovered (whilst mid splashing frollick) that there was a sizable log of poop in the pool. They were cheesed.

Since then, I have been less than optimistic at the idea of going down to the pool. It's sad because I like that pool, and so does Chloe. I wish people never pooped in pools. :(

Today I was so bored I almost took Chloe to the pool for a dip. Then I thought better and got creative.

She really enjoyed herself.

Eden is Four!

Little miss Chloe is always interested in what's just out of reach. Watch out DVD player! I think it's cute how she is always standing on her tip toes.

Eden's party was a lot of fun. Lots of people came, and the weather was really nice. We really enjoyed seeing some of Meggin's family that we don't get to see very often. Good turn out, good food, good time!

Eden tore through her presents in record time!

Chloe made a little friend!