Oklahoma Wildlife Expo

We've discovered a fun event that is all about Oklahoma wildlife, outdoor sports and nature, plus it's free! The Oklahoma Wildlife Department has an annual wildlife expo which was held last weekend at the Lazy E Arena just north of Edmond.

They had all kinds of nature exhibits, vendor booths and demonstrations. We were there several hours and only saw about 2/3 of everything they had.

Checking out a flint knapping demonstration

We all got to shoot a bow and arrow. They had different sizes for children and adults, even a lefty bow for Michael. It was really fun and I had to hold Michael back from purchasing a bow and target for our backyard. I'm not sure my aim is reliable enough to be shooting that close to other neighbors. Several of my shots flew a bit high.

One exhibit had dozens of different animal pelts and furs you could touch. No thanks! They still have eyes looking at you. So creepy! Reminds me of when I was a child and found my grandmother's minks in her dresser and totally freaked out when she tried to show me how to tie them around my shoulders. 

Of course, Gray and daddy had to touch every single one.

Next stop was painting a bat with watercolors

Talking casting tips with a local bassmaster

Not sure what this is called, but basically you throw heavy sticks at metal ducks (pictured below) and see if you can make their heads fall down. Perhaps this is some form of entertainment in rural America?

I've never seen one of these before, but it is an Atlatl and Gray got to throw several toward a bale of hay. I could see it being a very effective primitive hunting method if you were an expert. 

Next up we learned about the Texas horned lizard from a local biologist. 

Gray showing off his horned lizard mask. They aren't the most cute and cuddly things ever, but Grayson soaked up the biologist's information like a sponge.

Afterward, we ventured a few miles north to Guthrie and ate a late lunch at Stables Cafe. I remember going there with my grandparents as a child and always enjoyed looking at all the stuff they have hanging around the restaurant. 

Jog-a-thon 2014

Grayson's school hosts an annual jog-a-thon fundraiser which was held last week. In the days leading up to the big event he had been having severe allergy issues and wheezing which eventually led to a couple of asthma attacks. Those were new to us so we kept him home to go to the doctor the day before jog-a-thon.

After getting some meds and the all-clear from the doctor, Gray rebounded in time to hit the field. He was so disappointed with the thought of missing out on jog-a-thon and kept telling me about how much he had been training for the big day.

Michael went up to watch the kindergartners run and snapped a few pics. In past years, Gray would run a lap or so and then walk most of the rest of the way. This year, Michael said he was a great runner despite all the respiratory issues the day before, and was able to complete 11 laps during their 20 minute session.

Gray was most excited about the dollar we sent in his pocket for the snack bar afterward. The PTA sells granola bars and fruit for 50 cents and he thought he hit the jackpot.

And they're off!

Gray's in the middle running hard. 

Gotta stay hydrated!

Dad, this is hard work

Let's finish strong and sprint to the finish!

Afterward Gray and his friend had to give the play-by-play to their teacher. She's so patient and amazing! Who knows how many stories he's told her this year. 

Our little jogger

Can't get enough

Grayson is on a major cycling kick at the moment and daddy has been happy to oblige since it's finally cooled down a bit around here. They ride their tandem bike to school each morning, but Michael decided to wrap up work a little early on Monday so we could hit the trails at Lake Thunderbird State Park.

I hiked the trail while they rode. It was a great way to unwind at the end of a workday. Afterward, we weren't ready to be inside so we decided to have a picnic dinner in the backyard. That lasted about 5 minutes until we were so eaten up by mosquitoes we were forced to relocate our picnic blanket to the living room floor. Nature isn't always accommodating.

Car Tunes

You know how sometimes you get a song stuck in your head that is on constant repeat? Gray came home from school like that a few days ago, but instead of singing some tween song, he was singing in Chinese. On constant repeat.

I have no idea what he's saying, but he told me the song means something about looking for a friend. Either way, it's pretty cute. He developed a love of the Asian culture last year when he began learning Chinese at school, and since then we've discovered he also enjoys Asian food and art. It's fun to see how he lights up when we spot something at a museum or on TV that he's learned about in school.

And yes, he's wearing his bike helmet while driving in the car. We were on our way to do a little mountain biking and he was excited. Safety first!

State Fair First-timers

With Nana and Popper planning their move from Texas to Oklahoma, we have a responsibility to indoctrinate them into our state's culture and traditions. One of those important traditions is the Great State Fair of Oklahoma!

I was surprised to learn that neither Nana or Popper had ever been to a state fair. The one in Texas is always in Dallas, so they didn't grow up going to it. We made up for that this weekend, walking miles around the buildings, farm animals and attractions at the Oklahoma State Fair. And, of course, we had to eat a balanced dinner of fried foods. It's one important step into becoming an Okie.

Trying out a storm shelter at one of the vendor booths. Hello down there!

Gray and his annual visit to the vintage tractor display. They didn't have as many as in the past, or the "Student Driver" tractor, but we still saw a lot of neat ones. 

First stop = Corn dogs!

At the Agtropolis building, we explored and petted a lot of farm animals and then Gray went through an exhibit where you plant seeds, harvest crops and then sell them at a market just like a real farmer. They gave him a ribbon after he completed the course and he wore it proudly the rest of the evening.

Sometimes all you need is a fan and some fabric to entertain you.

Michael couldn't partake of the corn dogs since we weren't sure if they were all beef, so he opted for pizza on a stick. You can pretty much get anything served on a stick at the fair.

Next up, funnel cake!

As we explored some of the barns, we also got to see two piglets being born and several groups of Clydesdales pulling carriages. Fun memories!

After School Special

Last year we discovered a fun weekly program at our local library called After School Special. It goes on hiatus for the summer, but kicked off again last week and Grayson was very excited to go back.

They read a handful of stories (in really awesome, dramatic voices, I might add), some poetry, show a short video and do an art project. This week's art project was to take a bunch of shredded crayons and press them between two pieces of wax paper, then iron it to melt and seal it all together. They turned our pretty neat.

I'm very thankful for the creative librarians who take the time to make this program really fun for the kids. It also gets Grayson excited to bring home a bag full of new library books each week.

He insisted on cutting his into a heart shape. Not sure what happened to the right side, but we're proudly displaying it on our fridge. 

Six-year check-up

We took Grayson to the pediatrician today for his annual physical and everything checked out great. He came in at 47.2 lbs. and around 47.5 inches tall which puts him at the 50th percentile in weight and 75th percentile in height. 

The doctor usually asks him a series of questions like, "Do you play sports?" or "What is your favorite food?" I thought he would say strawberries and pizza, but to our surprise Gray told him his favorite foods are broccoli and carrots. I about fell out of my chair. 

The doctor pressed further by asking, "Out of mac and cheese, hamburgers or pizza which do you like the best?" And Gray responded, "I like them all!" That part wasn't a surprise to us. He is good about eating a variety of foods and generally does eat pretty healthy stuff. That said, he doesn't always eat quickly and can be annoyingly slow, but it has gotten better lately thanks to a few growth spurts. 

All-in-all we are very blessed to have such a healthy, happy boy.