Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Louisiana State Fair

(October 25th until November 11th)

Well yesterday was the first time in many, many years that I’ve been to the Louisiana State Fair. As a matter of fact, I think that the last time I was at the fair I was merely 6 years old. For those of you who know me, you can do the math (just don’t share my true age w/anyone).

However, yesterday was a first time thing for two special men in my life, Tam & Dominic. It was their very first time going to the fair, at least here in Louisiana. We went to the Del Mar Fair in California this year. It was Dominic’s first time, but not Tam’s. Okay, maybe it wasn’t Dominic’s first time, the time before this year when we went, I was preggers w/him.

Well any how we met up w/my cousin Brad & his wife Michelle, Michelle’s son & another cousin of mine, Jason. We ran into a slew of their friends while there. Most of the younger kids rode the rides. Tam & I rode I think 2, but I have to agree w/my cousin Brad, fair rides just no longer do the trick any more. Let’s admit we’re not all still in our teens or younger. So we ate and kept track of the younger ones.
Dominic rode some rides too. We took him on the Ferris wheel & the carousel ride of which he rode twice, the first time on an elephant & the second time on a lion (I think that’s his favorite animal right now. We shared an ice cream cone (chocolate/vanilla swirl) & fried snickers (suggested by Brad). The fried snicker’s was really good, although from the sound of it you wouldn’t have thought so, but it sure was. There was even fried Oreos, gator on stick & of course the traditional turkey leg.

No matter what rides were rode or which ones weren’t, what food was eatin’ or not a good time was had by all. I always love coming home to Louisiana and spending time w/my family. I don’t get to do it as often as I’d like, but I try to make the most of every minute I have.



Look Who Turned Two

On this day, November 4th 2005, our precious little one was born & now two years later, your turning 2. Dominic Loc Luciano Duong, HAPPY BIRTHDAY from the bottom our hearts and this year we had the opportunity to celebrate your birthday three fold.
First stop was in Florida w/mamaw & papaw Sam, Auntie Chenoa & cousins Aron & Christian, & we all took a 3 day trip at Walt Disney World. As in the BLOG entry, we spent the first two days from opening until closing at the parks & the third day we took you to downtown Disney which is two times the size of the one in California. The rest of our time there was spent catching up from the adventures of Disney World. While there you also got to experience your first taste of Trick o’ Treating, & who better to share in that than your two cousins. Dominic dressed up as a ninja; Aron was Spider man & Christian was Batman. Loads of candy was given & received. It was then you tasted your first piece of candy, a DUM DUM sucker. That was to be your first & your last because you got a little hyped up on sugar. We only actually gave it to you because you were holding it the whole night you sucked straight through the paper.

For your second birthday celebration we were in Louisiana. The party was planned by your great Aunt Wanda. The party was at the community park in Stonewall outfitted w/a park and a reception hall. The menu consisted of were corn dogs w/French fries w/sweet tea & soda, oh & smoked sausage. There really wasn’t a theme, but you had your very first cupcake cake w/whipped icing & it had Sesame Street characters on top. When it came time to unwrap your presents, like most your age you were just interested in the wrapping paper, but you did receive really cool presents to include: an LSU basketball; an aqua doodle; picture puzzle book; clothes; gift cards; Leap Frog ABC fridge magnets & a cars coloring book that’s washable & reusable. After our party we went to Uncle Bobs & Aunt Sissy’s house to show you their birds. You certainly loved it when Uncle Bob took you inside the cage and pet them; one bird even flew and landed on top of Uncle Bob’s head. Afterwards we went home where you tuckered out from your daily events.

Last but not least, your third birthday celebration was back in California. Your Auntie Linh planed a party in celebration w/your daddy’s family and a few close family friends. Ba Noi made Vietnamese egg rolls & fried rice; & mamaw Karen made carne asada. There were loads of friends and fun gifts, your favorite the Tonka trucks and other toys. There were even a few older kids there that you loved to play with, you always love hanging out with the older crowd. Just like the Louisiana celebration, you enjoyed your cake and it showed in the icing that you got all over your face.

Sweet baby boy you are a blessing to mommy & daddy. Our love for you grows more & more w/each passing day & the joy we get from watching you grow is truly priceless. Looking forward to the rest of the manning blessings you’ve yet to bestow upon us.

Your Loving Parents,
Daddy & Mommy