The McMartins do Carnival.

I know you saw that title and thought- oh man, how did they have time to make it to Rio?!  No, no silly geese.  The McClains were kind enough to invite us over on Saturday October 18th to go to the carnival at Jake's pre-school.  When I was growing up I always looked forward to the fall carnival at school and so Ryan and I were more than pumped to relive those glory days.

We loaded all 3 kiddos up and we walked (waddled in my case) over to school.  I have to say that Pintrest's grips have expanded beyond kids birthday parties and wedding showers to the school carnival scene.  This was quite the impressive shindig.  There were huge blow up animals that went along with the theme, a couple of little rides, live animals.  I can't wait to tell Emery and her sister about her Dad and I grew up in a world where we only had face painting and cake walks to hold our attention at such events.  These kids have no idea!

 The crew won a cupcake.  We did a little turtle petting.  A little snake-holding.  A little Chick-Fil-A consuming.  Basically, a fabulous afternoon was had by all and we are very appreciative that Jonathan, Melanie, Jake and Avery invited us over to share in the excitement.  We love you guys!

Avery & Jake looking pretty pumped about some fall festivities.

My child looking her standard level of excitement for a new setting.

Britney Spears has nothing on Mel.

Still pretty skeptical.

What IS this?

HEY!  You don't touch that.  I'm THINKING about touching it.  Thinking really hard.

Approximately 8 minutes later, after we left and returned, she went in for the kill.  Then she didn't want to stop petting it.

Here's Jake looking to impress his girlfriend with his crocodile wrestling skills.

The most exciting 5 minutes of Melanie's week, obvi.

Walk, walk, walk it out.

Somehow these 2 managed to win a cupcake.

The treasure trove of cupcakes to choose from.  Jake lovingly selected one for the two of them to share.

The date went so well that it continued back at Chateau McClain.  Whispering sweet nothings over a shared cupcake while their 3rd wheel entertains herself.

I recognize this look of confusion from Emery.  It's the same look I give the thermostat when I try to figure out how to adjust the temperature.

Upon further reflection, as the chaperones of this date, we probably should have made a more valiant attempt to keep his pants on.  You win some, you lose some though, right?

A benefit to dating older men?  They can drive.

Proper passenger etiquette clearly hasn't been covered yet in the Martin household.