Autumn Festival

Today was the first true autumn day that we have experienced this year in Chattanooga, with temps only in the 60's. So, we headed to the river for the children's autumn festival sponsoring The Ronald McDonald House.

Riley was excited to see a firetruck on display, even imitated the sound of the engine, but when she found out she could climb aboard, she clenched on pretty tight to her Daddy. She wasn't so sure about exploring the big red truck, but of course JD was...and since Riley was his ticket aboard, she had little choice in the matter. (I think Daddy misses his volunteer firefighting days!)

Then, off to the petting zoo, which Riley was about exploring, but she really just wanted to watch the animals - not pet them - silly girl. Her favorite animals were the chickens, but they were way to fast for her to keep up with. The pig...she decided to get up-close and personal with.

After the petting zoo, we wanted Riley to take a pony ride, which is all she talked about all morning, but as soon as she actually saw the ponies close up...she instantly changed her mind. (That's our Riley...she sure can talk big!) Actually, I think Riley was a bit confused today...For she just received a birthday invitation to her friend, Lauren's, birthday party. And at her party they are having a petting zoo and pony rides. This morning when I told Riley we were going to the park to take a pony ride, she must have thought it was going to be Lauren's party, for she kept saying, "pony ride with Lauren". Anyway...maybe that is why she didn't want to ride the pony at the park. Hopefully, she will warm up to the idea in a few weeks at at Lauren's party.

Once we hit up a few games, we headed to the craft tent where Riley was more than happy to make a ghost sucker, a jar of sand art, and decorate a cookie for a snack.

We knew it was time to head home when we heard more "no's" than "yes's" from our Ry...as it was way past her afternoon nap. What a great way to spend an afternoon fall day.