The Balloon Races - Dawn Patrol

The Great Reno Balloon Race is a special event that takes place annually at San Rafael Regional Park.  Nearly 100 hot air balloons are launched into the sky together.  It's a really neat sight to take in.  This year, it was held over the weekend of Sept 8th.  This was our first year attending and we wanted to go all out, so we participated in Dawn Patrol.   We woke up at 4:30 am to be there for the 5 am Glow Show.  We also stayed to watch the balloons inflate and launch soon after sunrise.  We brought blankets and snacks and had a breakfast picnic with our friends.  Maverick especially loved the banana muffins and everyone laughed as he kept chanting emphatically "muff, muff, muff!" (See a pic of him possessively guarding a "muff" below.)  It was a fun event and we're glad we went.  We were so pooped when when we got home, though!  Next year, we'll probably be a little less hard core and sleep in a bit to go just in time for the mass launch around 7am.  

- Talley 

Talley's First Day of PreSchool

On September 4th, I had my first day of pre-school!  I got to wear a special new outfit and carry a cute new lunch bag.  I now attend two days a week.  Teachers Jeanine and Lorrie shown above are very kind.  I love singing songs, doing art projects, and learning new concepts at school.  I also like my new friends from class.

- Talley

August 2012 Pics

Please click on the link to see an album of our pics from August 2012:

August 2012 Pics of Talley & Maverick

- Talley & Maverick

The Nugget Rib Cook Off - 2012

The Nugget Rib Cook Off is one of the biggest and most beloved annual events here in the Biggest Little City.  We love going for the ribs, corn, and carnival rides.  This year, Grandpa Talley got to join us for the event.  Here are some pics:

Btw, congrats to Famous Dave's for winning Best Sauce!

- Talley & Maverick

Lake Vacation with Friends

In August, some of Daddy and Mommy's friends came to stay and play with us at the lake - Uncle Danny, Aunt Beth, Collin, and Ode.  Uncle Danny and Collin were suite mates with Daddy back in Freshman year of college.  Uncle Danny and Aunt Beth brought their little girl, Harper, and Collin and Ode brought their little boy, Ronan. Harper and Ronan were awesome play mates.  The Mommies and Daddies had fun together while us kids had a blast playing together too!  Here are some pics from our fun time together:

Hanging out on the boat

 Kickin' it at the house

 Playing at the beach

Thanks for coming to visit us!  We hope we can all get together again soon.

- Talley & Maverick

Cali Trip - August 2012

 

In August, we took our new Swagger Wagon on a road trip to Southern California.  We stayed for about a week in the beautiful beachfront San Clemente home of Mrs. Baker, Yaya, and Aunt Janet.  Every day of our stay we saw gorgeous sunsets and the fun train that runs regularly along the coastline track.


While we were there, we got to spend some fun time on the beach. We loved running from the waves, playing in the sand, and just frolicking about wild and free.

The annual Fiesta celebration was taking place the first Saturday we were there.  Mommy took Talley to check it out while Daddy and Mav hit the sporting goods store. Talley got to jump on the big trampoline and loved it.  Mommy and Talley also got to see some fun bands perform, as well as a flash mob!  

We took a day trip to the San Diego Zoo.  The highlights were the elephants, lion, and polar bear.  It was so hot, most of the animals were pretty lethargic (as were we!).  Some of the animals were so still that we actually mistook them for statues.  Lesson learned - next zoo trip will not be in the heat of summer!

We also took a day trip to San Bernardino to see some family and friends.  We had a nice little visit with Grandma Linda and Andy Pop.  Grandma Linda was recovering from her lumpectomy; however, she still rallied and hung out with us.  Grandma Linda, we're so proud of you for being a strong survivor!

We also made a stop at the Fort home to see Dylan and his family.  We're so glad to know the Forts.  They're wonderful people and good sports about group photos.

We also had some fun visitors come to see us in San Clemente.  Uncle Willis, Miss Alyssa, Miss Tessa, and Miss Stephanie all joined us for pizza one night.  

Aunt Jaclyn and Baby Gia joined us another evening for dinner at Wahoo's and a pretty beach sunset.

Grandpa Talley stayed with us a night and joined us for a day trip to Del Mar Race Track.  We loved cheering for the ponies as they ran!  So exciting!

Aunt Kelsay and Cousin Harper joined us for a fun beach day.  Check out Harper and Mav in their cute matching shorts and hats!

Here's a link to a video of us enjoying the beach with Harper: Video of T, Mav, & Harper on the beach

 We also got to visit our family that lives in San Clemente - Uncle Jason, Aunt Lily, Jackson, and Oliver.  Thank you for the nice and yummy dinner you hosted for us!

On our way home to Reno, we drove through Bakersfield to make a stop at Daddy's favorite ice cream shop, Dewar's.  The appeal is pretty obvious - the ice cream is delicious!  We devoured our ice cream treats and even took a gallon and a half home with us on dry ice!

All in all, it was a fantastic vacation.  Thank you to everyone who made time to visit with us!  It was great seeing you all!  Thank you also to Mrs. Baker, Yaya, and Aunt Janet for letting us stay at your amazing beach house!  It was so nice of you and we enjoyed it so much!  Extra special thank you to Yaya for stocking up the place with milk, yummy snacks, and fun toys!  You're the best!  

Xo,

Talley & Maverick