Jaime-My in laws just moved away from Lawrence to Oklahoma. I wish I would have known about your Uncle’s shop sooner. It looks awesome. And all the years of visiting there we never went over to KC to the Crayon store. My MIL told me all about it, now I wished we would have fit it in one of our trips. Your photos are amazing so at least I can live vicariously! 🙂
Trish-OMG!! Your girls are adorable!! But those boots… oh those boots… LOVE them!!
Stephanie-Lauren is beautiful. She looks just like Natalie Portman in that photo on the roller coaster.
Amy-LOVE your blog! I am a Mizzou Tigers fan, but I would love to go to your uncle’s store – it would be worth coming to an away game in Lawrence! We have friends that just moved to St. Louis from Lawrence – i bet they know about Footprints. I love my Keens! I have 3 pairs now and I’m sure I’ll add more. 🙂
traci-i love rollercoasters. they are about the only ride i can do anymore without feeling sick afterwards. your uncle’s store is awesome. what a great place. what brand were the boots you had on, adorable!!! i think they are worth a splurge.
sandy toe-What a fun store and glasses!!!
sandy toe
Rach-Seriously?? Is summer really almost over? Did you get your list completed? Are you so looking forward to a quiet house again?
se7en-I totally love your toy store pics… Hmmm wondering if I want to their and gather clutter or avoid it and be restrained… When we were in London a few years ago we told our kids that Hamley’s (huge toy store there) was a museum… They fell for it!!! And fiddled and fiddled and played – there is so much stuff out to play with… and then we went home empty handed, after a glorious day!!! Luckily because shopping in pounds is no joke!!!
carissa... brown eyed fox-those boooooooots! the ones on the shelf AND your foot!
i would have had a hard time resisting! no… i would have bought! 🙂 very fun!
sure looks like a NEAT place!
can’t believe summer is coming to a close! my stars… it flew by!
Christina-That was too funny! The pig with the toilet paper…
And the sunglasses-all of them; how adorable!
Jenn-Wow summer vacation is over already? Seems so early though! love LOVE the bathroom mirror and TP holder!
Sally -I couldn’t really get past the “i didn’t bring my camera….” it concerns me. LOL
elizabeth-That’s just awesome. Another reason to visit Kansas!
Hannah -It looks like you had tons of fun! I love the shoe store (who doesn’t love shoes, though?!)
I went to Worlds and Oceans of Fun for my birthday last month! SO MUCH FUN! I hope y’all had a great time! The Mamba is my fave, even though it’s super scary.
Great pictures! I can’t wait to see what you did next!
purejoy-the pig made my day. (which has been super crappy!) your whatever, is a bright little whatever in my day. thanks for being a faithful poster.
Dina-Ok, so you just made me want to go to Lawrence for a day trip….even though I bleed purple through and through:-), Birks are my fav and I MUST experience his shop:-)
Meredith-What a magical day for you all. Loving those Willy Wonka glasses on Talby. Your Uncle Mike is straight from a fairy tale – a storybook shoestore? – awesome. I’m right there with you on the whole rollercoaster decision too. Apart from the whole terrifying-death-whilst-family-looks-on scenario – after six children, my pelvic floor just can’t take that sort of pressure! Hope your back to school preparations aren’t too overwhelming. Meredith xo.
Joy Cronauer...Joy at Home-Meg, what do you carry your cannon rebel in when out and about…do you stash it in a large purse or do you commit to carrying the extra camera bag? It may sound like a dumb question but I was wondering if you found a system that works so that you have it on hand; yet it’s still safe.
Shannan-That uncle of yours looks like one groovy dude!
Anna Marie-The last time I went on the Mamba I rode in the very front spot with my friend. Our lips were jiggling in the wind and I slobbered all over myself {pretty picture I know}…notice I said that was the LAST time…I just can’t handle them any more.
Angela-How much do I love this part of your post:
he had a pool table and you could watch tv from the kitchen bar! i remember my cousin and i watched “a fish called wanda”
————-
It’s stuff like that (aside from your AMAZING photos) that keep me coming back. 🙂
Starnes Fam-I will definitely visit his store the next time we’re in Lawrence. He sells our brand (Keens).
Looks like super fun, too.
jenn-That bathroom is TOO much! Absolutely hilarious! Thanks for sharing.
Lisa -That is the coolest looking shoe store ever! I MUST make it there someday.
Oh, but the farmer in the window is scary, like the escaped crazy guy trying to kill Joan Collins in that original episode of Tales From the Crypt.
juliann brenner -WOW – Lawrence, KS?? One of my best friends is from there. What is the name of your uncle’s store…I bet she’s been there!
juliann
Teresa-Another KU girl here. Thanks for glimpse of Lawrence!!!
Melissa-I have been lurking for some time now, I just love your blog, it is such a fun place to visit. I look forward to it every day. The picture of those frogs just cracked me up! My husband brought one back from Portland for my oldest son. He named it Bob. Bob the frog. It’s one of his “fav” toys. You know, the kind the kids sleep with. Anyhow, I’ll have to show him the picture and let him know that Bob has a lot of family out East of us. All the best to you and yours, Mel
Heather @ Cookie Mondays-No more roller coasters for me either. Fun weekend! Can you believe it’s back to school?!
Dana D @BoysMyJoys-Looks like so much fun!
And WOW, Lauren has gotten even more gorgeous!
Tonya-OMG!!! I’m so jealous that your Uncle owns Footprints…it’s my fave place to buy shoes! I have many pairs of Birks and just got my first pair of Keens to wear on rugged photo shoots a few years ago. And my kids love the store too! Mass St is about the funest place to go ever!
Lanny Stanard-I must say I love all the pictures but you in the pink wig! beats the glasses HEE HEE !
Lanny
Lori -Oh Meg…reading your blog is such a bright spot in my day. I don’t like rollercoasters anymore for the same reason. I feel I owe it to my kids to not do risky things until they are bigger (well, they are teenagers, but they still need me!). Not that rollercoasters are major-risky, but they FEEL very risky! 🙂
That shoe store is uh-ma-zing! What fun!
Enjoy some quiet time with the kids in school. Mine don’t go back until September.
Trasie-Love love love the shoe store and can’t wait to hear what you did next.
charlane-what a fantastic place – I would love to shop there. 🙂
deb -I was just in Lawrence for my brother’s wedding. (He was married at the very charming Danforth Chapel on campus. Know it? Our hotel was on the river front and we walked downtown all the time. I meant to go into that store and now it is on my list the next time I am am in town. Love your blog. Love that you are a Kansas girl…me too! Living in VA now.
Blessings!
Deb
jennifer -Oooh! You SO need those boots! Looks like a shoe store I’d have a whole lot of fun in.
Can’t wait to see what you did next. I mean, what can be better than shoes?!
Staci -I get to comment first!!!!!! YAY!!!! WHY is that such a treat to me??? LOVE the shop!! TOOOOO cool! Next time we are in Kansas (maybe for the KU-OU game this Fall) I’ll have to stop in 🙂 I don’t do roller coasters either—never reeeally liked them….but I have two boys…good thing My Hubby likes ’em 🙂
Angela-Oh boy oh boy.
You know, after I looked at your last blog with all the pictures of the baby girl, I started thinking that maybe, just maybe God might give me a girl this time. I have two boys already, and it just seems impossible. LOL
But now this one makes me think maybe boy!
Either way, babies are just so sweet and precious, and I wish we lived closer so that you could photograph my three little ones come next spring. Except they probably wouldn’t be quite so sweet. There might be hair *pulling* and a little less caressing and a little more shoving.
They are boys, you know.
Alicia -love these pictures! I wish we lived closer…
We have started a fan page for you on facebook- the link is http://megduerksen.typepad.com/whatever
Your blog is amazing- we love your colors, pictures and creative energy- you rock!
pam-oh man. you have such a gift of taking beautiful children (go jenny!) and making a.d.o.r.a.b.l.e. photos. wow.
Chloe-Love your work: writing, photography… wish I could capture the heart like you. adding you to my blogroll… mind if I use some of your sunflower pics on my blog? I will definitely direct people to you.
Chloe
andrea -i love how you continue to see all the moments us mommy do and capture it on film, you are doing a great job
Jennifer -Those curls are just too much! Beautiful kids and pictures
Lisa K in FL-I love, love, love your style, Meg! I wish we lived near you so we could have pictures like this.
pve-you really go straight to the heart with your camera.
that baby, I want to smell and feel that soft skin.
precious….
Charee -I thought there were only two, and then I saw the baby. I just thought my baby fever was gone again! And then I saw the baby. Adorable kids. I was trying to guess how old the older 2 are, do you know??
purejoy-ohmystars. how precious is she?? are they?? what a sweet shoot!
charlane-sweet sweet pictures and the last one in the garden? perfection
Christina-You take the best baby pictures I have ever seen. They’re so sweet and natural. Just precious.
Cute kiddos!
kasey-did you really leave the baby all by herself on a chair in the middle of the garden?
is that legal?
Angela-Okay, I’m pregnant with my 3rd, and I’m about to cry!! Dang pregnancy hormones!!!!!!! That baby is KILLING ME! LOL
Pineapple Princess-I have to admit I have a mad blog crush on your blog! Love your writing and photography!!!
I’m adding you to my blog roll. Is that OK?
Elma Riedstra -Oh I will tke one of the baby!!! So beautiful in the flower garden:)
carissa... brown eyed fox-the catch 22… i SO get it!
this business of getting up early is going to be tough… for the kiddos AND me!
cheers to you and getting in a few more late beauty rest mornings before the big day!
Jill -I’m with ya, sister! Summers are way too long in my opinion. But we are bored because I don’t plan fun things like shaving cream messes and tie dyed clothes. So I’m exhausted because of all the “I’m bored”, and “there’s nothing to do”. School will be here soon!
pam-when school starts we will be tired because we stayed up too late…still. curse of the night owl. more fun happens at night anyway, right? 😉
yay for checking off the list!
Julie K.-How in the world did you fit in a photo shoot {or more} each day in a week! I am exausted with two shoots per week and I’m scaleing it down to one a week for the fall! You are like the energizer bunny – I will forever wonder how you do it all. Etsy, photog biz, craft time with your kids. Unbelievable. What’s your secret weapon. You must have one. 🙂
Wish we could go to coffee.
Julie
Elma Riedstra -OH I think my kids are ready for school:) They are starting to get bored . My baby goes to k this year it will be hard for me. I know then my days will be soooo quiet. I think I need a hobby.( all eight in school:( I just blinked and they are growing up waaaaaay to fast.
trishia-my mother just sent me a link to your blog. I am sitting here in shock. You seriously are me. I seriously am you. We are like mirror sisters!
I have five children. I am a photographer. I love crafting and like doing it with my kids, but miss having my own crafty time. I’m ready for summer to close. I don’t get enough sleep. I stay up too late. I don’t eat well. I always have other peoples children at my house. lol
weird! adding you to my reader 🙂 (and in the dead of winter, I’ll stop by and tell you how much I miss sleeping in and having long summer days)
Staci -Me too!!! Me too!!! Me too!!!! (And I only have TWO kids!!!)
Staci -Me too!!! Me too!!! Me too!!!! (And I only have TWO kids!!!)
Jamie Sampson-I have no idea how you do it all. If I was you I would have been tired a very long time ago. Love the blog as usual. Hope your weekend is happy.
Nicole-I’m with you on the TIRED and staying up late!! Last night I CRASHED at 9:00!! I just couldn’t do it anymore! My body was shutting down! That’s unheard of for me! I didn’t care that the kids were all still up, thankfully Jas just took over! I HATE to see summer end but I will WELCOME the structure that school brings!!
Mindy Harris-Lately I’ve been going to bed around 12 or 1. If there wasn’t so much cool stuff on the internet…
Mary Beth-Stay At Home Moms DO get a vacation.
When everyone goes to college!
I’m Serious.
It will happen in three more blinks of an eye.
I now have time to breathe, relax and sleep.
Of course, worrying is still there……………….
Keep on.
Becky @ Farmgirl Paints-I stay up too late and then have a hard time falling asleep. So I’m right there with ya.
Ashley-Hey Meg, Our family drove ALL the way through the entire state of Kansas yesterday and I thought about you all day and enjoyed the sights of Kansas… although we were READY to get out of Kansas since our destination was Colorado…
Looks like your having a fun filled summer!
Liz-You are seriously super mom! But that said, I can totally understand why you’re ready for school to start. You deserve a little you-time. 🙂
Chele-No you are definitely not alone in the ready for school to start. I am too! You have one more child than me but I am tired too! 🙂 Hang in there and get some sleep woman! LOL.
Starnes Fam-I’m ready, too, but still have 2 toddlers at home. A bit different for me. Hang in there!
princesslasertron-I hope this doesn’t sound dorky, but I think your kids are blessed to have so many friends and it’s a testament to their awesome upbringing!!
Sandy -I’ve been wondering how your summer list is coming along (btw, I think that’s an AWESOME idea!). We haven’t seen pictures of Lauren lately, how’s she doing? Does she still play volleyball?
Karen-You are SUCH a good mom, giving them so many WONDERFUL memories to think back on when they grow up! You’re the mom I wanted to be, but didn’t have the time or means. Sigh. Maybe I can be that grandma…
Anonymous-Mom of four feeling thankful not to be the only one with these feelings!!! As I sit here and type a comment at 11pm when clearly I should be in my bed sleeping. But it’s so fun to have the quiet time when they are all asleep! It’s intoxicating, actually.
amber-I’m right there with you on the school starting thing. At least you’re trying to have fun with your kids. Looks like you’ve got lots of creative ideas!
jennifer -Oooh! Can’t wait to see the tie-dye projects! It looks like you’ve been doing lots of fun stuff this summer. I’m always hopeful that my kids remember the fun stuff we do and not how tired, and ahem, cranky I can be.
Here’s to naps and lattes, whichever is more accessible at the moment!
misty -will you give instructions on the tie-dying?? also, will you post the pics of the finished items? I LOVE TIE DYE~ I have one more question maybe you can help me with…. I am inspired how you have your kids be creative w/their halloween costumes- This will be my daughters 2nd halloween & I have decided that we will not buy costumes- she only wore the last one for a few hours! SO I am hoping to teach her early how to be creative and I need to dye a white onesie black. All of the ritdye that is supposed to be black is really gray~ do you have any suggestions? I hate to cough up the 15 + S&H for a black onesie for a 13 month old to wear once.
andrea -i can never get to bed before ten, impossiable and i get up at four to go to work, sick
pve-Before you take a long nap…could you please fill up your etsy store.
pve
The Tulip Lady-The only thing better than having what you want…is wanting what you have. Or something like that. Here’s to soaking up what we got, when we got it…CHEERS!
Dana M. -Ditto on the tie dye!! 🙂
Lisa-MEG, I JUST GOT DONE COMPLAINING TO MY 19 YR OLDS GIRLFRIEND HOW TIRED I AM OF BEING AVAILABLE TO EVERYONE AND THE MAILMAN!!! I WANT TO GET RID OF MY CELL, EMAIL, AND BLOG. AHHHHHHHH!!!!!!
DO STAY AT HOME MOMS GET A VACATION?
HOW DOES IT LOOK IF THEY DO?
WHO DO WE TELL?
DOES ANYONE LISTEN OR DO WE JUST SOUND FOOLISH.
TIRED HUGS FROM MAINE
Molly -Want to see pics of the tie dye end products!!!
Kara Hebert-Oh, Meg. You crack me up. As soon as I read the title of this post I knew it was one I would relate to. I, too, am simply exhausted. A combo of kids killing me and my father’s recent passing. I am pooped. Done. Stick a fork in me. Can’t entertain another kid for one. more. second.
Proverbs 31 – that’s why she’s an IDEAL and not real, right? 🙂 I gotta work on that.
xx
Kara
Renee-I’m tired, too. But it’s Shark Week on Discovery Channel. The excuses never end. xoxo
Flower Patch Farmgirl-Every couple of weeks Cory and I swear that we’ll start going to bed early. It usually lasts one night, then we’re back to midnight or 12:30. What are night owls like us supposed to do?? I just don’t see a good way around it.
Amber-hehehehehhehehe. i am the same way, i always want the next thing and my infamous line is: “I can’t wait till….”
dot dot dot fill in the blank. 🙂
Laura Phelps-tired, too…
but remember to be ready by 6:05PM…I’m comin’ to get you in my van!!! (with a grande latte!)
charlane-🙂 school starts here next week. the nephews are complaining already – the little vampires. (they love to stay up all night)
MMW-We’ve tried to institute a 10:30 pm curfew for husband & myself. We’re often up too late too. I feel like I need to stay up late in order to catch-up from the whirlwind my kids created during the day.
chris-I feel your pain , I have 6 kids here most days during the summer , what a summer job I tell ya , I get up at 6:20am , OH MY ! I am not a morning person , and yesterday I didn’t get munch until 3:45 pm , today was better I had lunch at 2:00 , I am feeling so tired , and no time for my projects or my work work , I am looking forward to school , but I have 30 more days to go before I will have the peaceful house that I enjoy , don’t feel badly .
Sara-ooooh, will you give instructions for tie-dying w/ kids? 🙂
tammy -would love it if you posted how to tie dye !!!
Holly Rhodes-I am enjoying going back through your blog!! Looks like an amazing place! One day I will live on the water… even if its just a pool! haha
Maybe this next move we are gearing up for will bring a pool into our future =)
Nicole-Haha, not gross at all…that’s a super cool picture! My husband is getting ready to leave on his annual 10-day fishing trip to Canada, but they wash their worms before leaving (no American dirt allowed in Canada), so it’s not *as* gross. =)
carissa... brown eyed fox-i think i’d find it happy too… just as long as i didn’t have to touch one of those worms!
April G-I just found your blog today. I was scrolling along thinking “oh what a beautiful family”. THEN I get to the fish picture and I screamed.
Thanks. Thanks for scaring me. I could have gone my whole life…
P.S. Even though I sound snotty, I am really just sarcastic and I really love your blog.
christine-Looks like it was a wonderful day, fish guts and all!! Thanks so much for sharing your happy place.
tabitha-i actually think the “gross” picture is pretty cool! these pictures remind me of the one i saw in country living a few months back, i think it was of your youngest daughter? i know it was a terribly cute picture! 🙂
pam-your happy place is awesome. 🙂
you look cute holding that fish!
Tracy -Love the photos and especially the ones of the worms and fish (and of course Waffle and the kiddos too) – but the fish pictures remind me so much of when we would go camping and fishing as a family when I was growing up – I miss those days tremendously now! *sigh* However, where we live in our new house is a dock that my kids can fish off anytime they want and they are really enjoying themselves.
Hugs, Trac~ :o)
Mindy Harris-eww, icky fishy!
Have you ever though of going to the BlogHer conference? The next one is August 2010 in NYC. Just curious. I’m thinking of going–roadtrip, maybe?
Kelly-You are one brave woman touching those fish. I tried to reach down and just touch the back of one salmon in the stream with one fingertip on our trip to Alaska last week and when I got close to it, it began swishing that big tail around and I squealed and jumped back. ha ha ha I was a scaredy cat. 🙂 Kelly
erika-the series of pictures of waffle and that fish crack me up! what an awesome place!!
My First Kitchen-Yeah, that’s definitely the grossest picture you’ve ever taken. 🙂 Looks like the perfect summer day. I love seeing families outside enjoying whatever is around. Lovely.
Cate O'Malley-so many fun pics! the last one is definitely gross but in a very cool way. 😉
Danielle -Your grossest picture ever still manages to be beautiful…what color!
Staci -I LOVE the second picture of Annie letting her fish go!!!! We have a pond…and two boys…and I REFUSE to bait a hook or remove fish of their line 🙂 I’m mean like that 🙂 It’s just Daddy’s job I say!!!! What a great place for your family to go 🙂 (Oh yea..we have 3 GIANT catfish in our pond…SERIOUSLY…GIANT!!! I’m scared they might eat me…I WON’T get in!!! I just like to feed them!)
Jen-That gross picture looks like a cucumber with teeth!!
se7en-Oh you have inspired me to get out of the house and take a trip. Just an everyday trip into the great outdoors because well we haven’t ventured forth in a while and it just looks so lovely out there!!! Thank-you for the pure delight, even the hideous fish.
down pillow-Great pictures, but I’m right there with you on the fishing thing. No chance I’d bait or “unhook” a fish! YUCK! lol
Lorilee-I want to live there too!
Blessings,
Lorilee
PS~Erin-Oh my: what awesome pictures! You can definitely feel the happy place vibe through your photos! And I just love your dog.
Sophie -Looks like such a fun place! Waffle is so sweet with his short fur.
And you’re right, that IS a gross picture 😛
Kathy-Looks like it’s the whole family happy place love all the smiles.
Stephanie-Mmm…looks so peaceful and relaxing. My cousin & his family live on a farm in OH. I love when we have family gatherings at their place. There is something about the quiet, and the open space, and nature all around. I would love to live in the country – if I was so spoiled with the conveniences of the city!
Brooke-your happy place looks very peaceful. i’m not really into fish, but it still looked awesome 🙂
Joy Cronauer...Joy at Home-love the photos! camera settings…ugh, as I just got the editing thing down I finally got my very own cannon rebel..so sweet! but oh, so much to learn! love, love your shots thanks for sharing and the inspiration!
AshleyR-Love the pictures.. especially the gross one!
Looks like everyone had a great time. Love those summer days.
alice-that shot down the insides of the fish is awesome! by far my favorite one – although all are fun.
Renee-Great pictures, my favorite is of you! You look so happy and relaxed. My turn come the 15th — woo hoo! Hope the fish don’t bite. Ewe is right. xoxo
charlane-LOL the reason I don’t fish is my father had a rule – if you caught it, you had to clean it. no way
mom -I’m going to book my retreat time at Carolyn and Mike’s right now. That was so nice last year. Arts & Crafts seems so far away!
kelly-Such happy shots… 🙂 Waffle looks just like Roscoe when he’s trimmed. Except for the tail, they could almost be twins. 🙂
Starnes Fam-Your hair looks cute! Shorter than usual, it seems.
Cute post….fish pic is awesome….so fun!
We just got back from Cali and had a fabulous time. Enjoyed the tide pools very much – thanks for the inspiration from your blog. What a way to see nature…..and sea life…..in person, rather than behind aquarium glass.
emily :] -EWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW.
gaah i hate fish.
but very fun post.
Lanny Stanard-Love the picture of waffle and that fish… once again great picture’s looks like you had a wonderful time 😀
Lanny
elizabeth-remarkable photos! Thanks for taking us fishing with you…
Jordan Livingston -We’re the officials every year it is fun
Sebastian Gaydos-I’m still thinking why most of you love watching demo derby. My wife loves watching ’em too and I think she’s addicted to it! There’s this one time that she even wanted to join and use our car. And I’m like, “What?! Our car?! Are you out of your mind?!” Hahaha! But still, I love her for that. =)
Christian Louboutin Platforms-“It turned out to be one of the best short pieces I have ever done, and Kate Wilson, editor at Scholastic, read it to her little girl, and they both loved it, and she emailed me in the new year and asked if they could publish it as an illustrated book.
truck rental-This sure seems like a perfect night out! TO be honest- I didn’t get the “fun” you were talking about at first- but going through your pictures- this seems like an amazing event to attend!
chris schroeder -i enjoy running derbies. usually run canton and hillsboro every year, u know my number OU812 just out to have fun!!
Kristine Robb-O.M.G! ha ha i am totally laughing out loud!!!!!!!!!!!! that is HILARIOUS! i think i will have to add a demo derby to my summer-to-do-list next year! your pictures are amazing of course but the video is a nice touch. you could totally score one of those for christmas!
pam-raising my hand! LOVE the demo derby.
eric and i were TOTALLY cracking up at the videos.
jamie -i LOVE demolition derbies. haven’t been to one in years. i think my 5-year-old would LOVE them too. thanks for the video!
Treemama-and i thought i was the only pseudo redneck mama who loves the derby! and this is the first year we went for the derby instead of rodeo night.
we (of course) rooted for the girl driver in the pink car with the peace sign on the side!
simply stork-my husband is an emt and we sometimes get to go and work the races in our area…one time I got to go and due to a double accident I was the one who drove the ambulance…Way Too Cool!
~simply~
Alicia Fulmer (Coach) :) -I.LOVE.THE.DEMO.DERBY!
Lindsay-If I ever make it to Kansas I hope it’s on demo derby night!!
Tess S. -fun, fun, FUN!
emily :] -demo derby… so much fun! its my favorite part of going to the pratt county fair. btw, i love the picture of the fireworks to pieces. not to sound like a creeper, but it’s now my desktop background, i love it that much.
sara-i love a good demo derby too! now for a real county fair.. have you ever heard of hog wrestling??
adrienneK-hmmm im not one for demo derbies BUT it was great getting to see you guys on video!!! yay:)
Dana D @BoysMyJoys-The video was hysterical with all the on-screen comments!
Now I need a lesson on using my fingers and math to determine how long until the sun goes down! I’ve never heard of that before! 🙂
Danielle -Oh, we were talking about going to the demo…. Thanks for the video, now we can experience a little of what we missed. My brother drove in it so many years ago—really a lot of FUN! Next time wait in line for one of the funnel cakes those two are some of the NICEST people I know!
rachel -WOW that looks fab fun. I’m with Sophie’s comment, I too thought the derby was only on something like the ‘Simpsons’ – doh I’m an idiot!
Sophie -I’m gonna sound like SUCH an idiot but I didn’t think those derby’s even existed. Forgive me, I’m English. I’ve only ever seen them in cartoons and stuff. 😛
I seriously wanna go to one now! (:
Peggy Rice-Okay, now my 2 year old thinks you are the coolest as well!!! He says, “more, more, more!”. Jaylee says, “now that’s how you smoosh a car.” Paris needs a race like this.
Laura Phelps-Hmm.
OK.
Um…
Is there a Starbucks close to this?
That might be the only way to get me there.
BUT.
In all fairness…I have yet to see your video.
It is LATE here.
And my husband is sleeping.
I may have a different opinion in the morning.
Hmph. Just when you think ya know a girl!
dawn -Okay, I didn’t read through all the comments and maybe someone already mentioned this — but what about the SMELL?!? Did it smell like…burning rubber and overheating car?!? I grew up in rural Minnesota. The demo derby comes every summer and my mom started taking me young. (If you saw my mom — you’d never guess her to be a demo fan — but she was pure awesomeness and exposed me to all kinds of cool things like this.) I miss them. They must have them somewhere in Oregon — I’ll have to research. My daughter is now four — it’s time. Glad you had fun — and I wish I could’ve been there! 🙂
Beth-As entertaining and fun as you make it sound, I still don’t think I would like the demo derby. Enjoy reading about AND seeing your time there 🙂
Carol S. -Totally agree. I’m from suburbs of Chicago, and we love the demo derby out here too. Cute videos! You guys have a little southern drawl happening over by you. Very fun. You’re too cute. Fun website.
Stephanie-Yes, the derby was exciting, but what I found even more thrilling is that you stood in line to get a “pop” and NOT a “soda”. Finally someone outside of Ohio drinks pop.
I knew I loved Kansas!
Courtney-Oh man, this brings back the memories… back when I was a country girl growing up. We’d go to the county fair each year for demo derby night. One year our machanic even bought my mom’s old tank of a car off her and put it in the derby. They painted it like a pack of fruit striped gum and called it the lifesaver. I cried because it made me sad that our old car hurt (I was little OK!). I miss the fair and the demo derby and the funnel cakes.
Jenn-Looks like a great way to spend an evening! Never been to one… but someday perhaps when Olaf gets a bit older 🙂
tabitha-i took my two boys to a demo derby like a hundred years ago [ok it was more like 10], they were 11 and 8 and i thought they were gonna love it!!! they didn’t. at all. they were overwhelmed by the awesomeness, that’s what i told myself, later i realized they were both sick with head colds and the noise and fumes probablly nearly killed them. i rule as a great mother! haha…they have, since then, come to appreciate [loudly and with enthusiasm] the joys of the Demo Derby. 🙂
ps. ~hosting giveaway at my blog 🙂 ~ http://www.ftnliving.typepad.com
Meg-My favorite was the people watching from the bucket that was suspended 50 feet over the arena. Good times. Check out our blog for my interpretation of the county fair.
Julie-I have never been to a demolition derby -I wouldn’t even know where to find one – so thanks for the vicarious experience through video! That was great.
amy-this had me chuckling–especially the video with the little notes in it. my favorite by far was the “drunk man says yeeehawww!!” reminded me of going to the rodeo by my parents house in new jersey. yup, a RODEO in NEW JERSEY!! good times.
yeehaww!
Christy -You are so funny! My husband & his brother entered the derby at our state fair, several years ago. They didn’t last too long, but they had an absolute blast! The uglier the car, the better. They love to buy old random beat up cars & trash on them, silly boys!
amber-I love small town life! I would have cheered for the pink car too!
TRACI -Not a fan of the derby but LUUUUUUUV the videos. You crack me up with your fancy necklace on at a DERBY with MUD..LOL
Sarah-Would you still like me if I told you that you could’t get me to one of those if it was the last place in the world that sold funnel cakes?
maribeth-love it! especially the pop up video . . . looks like you have a blast!
candice-How fun, I have never been, do they even have them in Cali? You look so cute on the video, the curly hair and your necklace, how cute! More videos please, I love videos!
colleen-I haven’t seen this much Redneck fun since I went to Walmart… thanks for the videos…they were great!
Dana M. -This made me smile. Good to see you at the derby. You captured it in all it’s glory, mud and crazies. Kate spent the entire first 4 heats under the “mud” blanket we brought. When she finally emerged she screamed that this was “The best derby EVER!” To really enjoy an event like this, it helps if you know some of the drivers. The Hamm brothers are usual winners, but they build good cars and this is what they eat and breathe. Growing up across the road from them as kids, we put on our dad’s helmets, lined up our big wheels and trikes and played “demo derby.” What memories. Next year plan on your family coming to our place for supper, then we can “do the derby.”
Let me know when you plan to come to town this week.
Emily D. -We sat on the opposite side no sun, but you have to get there a little earlier! The boys enjoy it, not really my thing, but since I have boys I guess I have to endure it! Kind of wish the Hamms would have more competition, not so fun when you know who will win.
Shawna Landers -This looks just like Abilene’s Central Kansas Free Fair demo night!! I love the demo. It must be a Midwest thing or something but I can’t imagine the fair without it. I didn’t realize that Hillsboro had their fair at the same time!!
Great pictures!
Thanks!
Shawna
Anna Marie-Now wasn’t that a fun post?!? Your hair was super duper cute in that first video ;)|
My brother-in-law drove in a derby 2 weeks ago. Fun stuff!
Have a great evening, Megan 😉
Ruth-This looks toooo fun! And for a redneck you are incredibly glamorous 🙂
kelli -thanks for posting– that brings back fun memories! btw, i think you were the best dressed demo derby go-er!
Amanda-ahhh there were fireworks this year? lucky. i had plans so i couldn’t make it. 🙁 thanks for the recap though. i had some friends in high school who worked on the pit crews. i desperately wanted to be their (better) friend so that i could do it too. oh, and i also want to be friends with the fam who sits in the cherry picker.
Lauren-I love the demo derby too!!! I haven’t been in years! hmmm….maybe that’s an idea for the weekend!
Love your blog – read it every day! Have a great week!
Valerie-This brought back the memories. I am a Tulsa girl, but for “one and a half winters” we lived up in MN (that’s how you count time up there). My husband’s cousin up there invited us to the demolition derby. We had no idea what to expect and showed up in our little preppy Ralph Lauren shorts ensembles only to find ourselves surrounded by rednecks and mud flying up in our hair. It was awesome. It still makes me laugh to this day. I’m back safe and sound again in Tulsa, but I will always love Anoka, MN for its county fair and the hilarious night it gave me. 🙂
Allikayes Mama-I went to a demo derby at the Nebraska State Fair when I was younger…we teased our hair up nice and high…put on lots of makeup…and put on temporary barbwire arm tattoos! We fit right in back then!!! So fun!!!
jennifer -Feelin’ like the dorky city girl here. I only thought they did that in the movies, not in real life! Kinda like when we first moved to CO and I realized that there really are cowboys, too. I have apparently led a very sheltered life and I need to experience more. Your pictures are wonderful, as usual. You’ve got such a gift!
Amanda B-so funny…dave and I had a conversation last night about how much I LOVE demo derbies….we didn’t go last night but we were at the carnival and animals, WISHING I was at the derby, but not sure how a 1 and 2 year old would do. Anyway…I was telling him how much I love them, I really really do. He likes them too, but thought it was funny how much I had to say that I LOVED them! So I’m glad that you love them too! The one in my hometown is AWESOME, way better than Harvey County! I want to go back there next year! I have that redneck/hick streak in me too! It’s kind of fun, I’m not ashamed to admit it.
Sorry to hear about the drunk guy. But glad you guys got him taken care of.
Angela B. -I live in the city and now am so jealous that we don’t have the derby around here. What a blast!
kristin-i’m am HIGHLY avoiding the question from micah about when the demolition derby is…we forgot until it was too late. he is not going to be happy.
Kirsten-Oh I have to ask my parents about this memory…like I was a little girl in the 70’s…Pasadena CA?…and I remember we had these huge ugly green corduroy pillows we would take to sit on at the races – figure 8 racing. Loved it, and wish we had flips back then, lol!
Lori -Wow! that looks really fun! If you hadn’t included the video, I would never have considered it. Thanks!
amy j.-Corey is driving back to Abilene tonight to go to the COMBINE demo derby. Are you jealous? 🙂
Becky @ Farmgirl Paints-Oh yeah! We went last year and our kids had so much fun. You captured it well.
Georgia -Meg, your so glam!! ♥ a glam red neck mama! lol x
Karen E-Oh I love the demolition derby. Lots of fond memories going to the derby with my grandma at the local fair. My sweet looking grandma screamed and yelled and jumped out of her seat when watching it – she loved it so much!
I lurk on your blog, only discovered it about a month ago and I think your photography is fabulous. 🙂
A pocket full of posies...-Too funny!!! growing-up for fun my dad owned a dirt race track…I was the trophy girl stand-in one night…I was 12…don’t you know that poor guy who won was sadly disappointed!! 🙂
Julia-Have had a migraine for 4 days…even with that I am still laughing at that first video….now I’m confused about division….haven’t heard about the famous Hamm Brothers-feel a little out of it.
Amanda Jo-My husband is a very proud redneck and we go to Cowtown Speedway near Ft. Worth everytime they have a Demo Derby! You have to get there EARLY otherwise you’ll be wading in a sea of Wranglers and cowboy hats.
I think everyone should experience a demo derby at least once in their life time!
misty -off the subject…
have you seen the Disney Family Fun magazine? I just saw it for the 1st time yesterday and picked up a copy… when I was reading it last night I thought just about every project in there would be right up your alley to do with your kiddos!
they have a website http://www.familyfun.com I haven’t checked it out yet but the magazine is GREAT
misty -omgosh this looks like FUN~ I am in Oklahoma and we have a LOT more rednecks than Kansas ;0) so I am sure there has to be a demoderby around here somewhere!! I MUST go! I am seriously going to look into it because my birthday is coming up and we were going to to go a Tulsa Drillers game, but I think my husband would enjoy this so much more! (& me to) =0)
Jen-My dad drove in demolition derbies up until I was 2 or so. He had a car with all our names on it and I have a picture of my mom posing on it with a small beehive hairdo and pedal pushers. Co-ol.
Grammie -Meg, those pics couldn’t be any more precious. Ok, so maybe I’m a little bit prejudiced 😉 Just want you to know that JuJu Bean IS so “squeezie” that I don’t get diddly-squat done all day because I love to give her kissies and squeeze the stuffin’s out of her every few minutes. Well, that and pull her out of whatever she’s into that she’s not s’posed to be into. 😀 Anyway, love your creativity!!!
robin bird-hey meg! i am lovin’ your header! i have to tell you….your photography is so awesome!! you have used you practice sessions well! i love coming to see all that you are up to with that camera. you are fast becoming a real pro at posing (when you do), keeping it sharp (when you can), and post processing goodness! i adore you as you know but still…you are good, very good!
XOXOXOX
Rebekah-I tried to remember when my daughter was that age that there really was nothing in the world more important for me to do with my time than hugging and kissing her. All too soon they’re on the move and it’s all you can do to get them to slow down for a smooch! I say, “Kiss ’em while you can!!”
Gorgeous pictures!
Cate O'Malley-Love that dress too! I have a similar one for my daughter and I call it her I Love Lucy dress. Just reminds me of Lucille Ball. Great pics!
Hannah -She’s so precious!! Those little tears on her face, my goodness, she’s cute!
Great pictures, thanks for sharing!
Sandy -Good point, Renee! I think from now on before Megan and family go on vacation she needs to let us know where she’s headed and the route they’re taking. That way anyone along the way that wants to have coffee, lunch, pictures taken, etc can schedule with her in advance and they can plan their vacation around it. 🙂 So…how soon will you be traveling through the highly popular *Ohio* for vacation?! It may not sound exciting, but you love Kansas so much and it’s really not much different. 🙂
Sarah-Why do I love that crying one best? Two perfect little tears! What a beautiful baby. Great pictures…are you sick of me saying that yet?
charlane-amazing how they can be like that! 🙂 adorable shots
Sarah-She is so kissable. So cute!!
Great pictures, love the one with her mommy and daddy in the background. Fantastic.
pve-you sure know how to put the “polka” in your photos.
pve
tabitha - that store? ah-mazing!
Jaime - My in laws just moved away from Lawrence to Oklahoma. I wish I would have known about your Uncle’s shop sooner. It looks awesome. And all the years of visiting there we never went over to KC to the Crayon store. My MIL told me all about it, now I wished we would have fit it in one of our trips. Your photos are amazing so at least I can live vicariously! 🙂
Trish - OMG!! Your girls are adorable!! But those boots… oh those boots… LOVE them!!
sassy girl - looks like you guys had a great time!
Kat - That shoe store is the coolest!
Stephanie - Lauren is beautiful. She looks just like Natalie Portman in that photo on the roller coaster.
Amy - LOVE your blog! I am a Mizzou Tigers fan, but I would love to go to your uncle’s store – it would be worth coming to an away game in Lawrence! We have friends that just moved to St. Louis from Lawrence – i bet they know about Footprints. I love my Keens! I have 3 pairs now and I’m sure I’ll add more. 🙂
traci - i love rollercoasters. they are about the only ride i can do anymore without feeling sick afterwards. your uncle’s store is awesome. what a great place. what brand were the boots you had on, adorable!!! i think they are worth a splurge.
sandy toe - What a fun store and glasses!!!
sandy toe
Rach - Seriously?? Is summer really almost over? Did you get your list completed? Are you so looking forward to a quiet house again?
se7en - I totally love your toy store pics… Hmmm wondering if I want to their and gather clutter or avoid it and be restrained… When we were in London a few years ago we told our kids that Hamley’s (huge toy store there) was a museum… They fell for it!!! And fiddled and fiddled and played – there is so much stuff out to play with… and then we went home empty handed, after a glorious day!!! Luckily because shopping in pounds is no joke!!!
carissa... brown eyed fox - those boooooooots! the ones on the shelf AND your foot!
i would have had a hard time resisting! no… i would have bought! 🙂 very fun!
sure looks like a NEAT place!
can’t believe summer is coming to a close! my stars… it flew by!
Christina - That was too funny! The pig with the toilet paper…
And the sunglasses-all of them; how adorable!
Jenn - Wow summer vacation is over already? Seems so early though! love LOVE the bathroom mirror and TP holder!
Sally - I couldn’t really get past the “i didn’t bring my camera….” it concerns me. LOL
elizabeth - That’s just awesome. Another reason to visit Kansas!
Hannah - It looks like you had tons of fun! I love the shoe store (who doesn’t love shoes, though?!)
I went to Worlds and Oceans of Fun for my birthday last month! SO MUCH FUN! I hope y’all had a great time! The Mamba is my fave, even though it’s super scary.
Great pictures! I can’t wait to see what you did next!
purejoy - the pig made my day. (which has been super crappy!) your whatever, is a bright little whatever in my day. thanks for being a faithful poster.
Dina - Ok, so you just made me want to go to Lawrence for a day trip….even though I bleed purple through and through:-), Birks are my fav and I MUST experience his shop:-)
robyn Beckley Vining - ooooooooooooh. i want the red dansko boots 🙂
robyn Beckley Vining - ooooooooooooh. i want the red dansko boots 🙂
Meredith - What a magical day for you all. Loving those Willy Wonka glasses on Talby. Your Uncle Mike is straight from a fairy tale – a storybook shoestore? – awesome. I’m right there with you on the whole rollercoaster decision too. Apart from the whole terrifying-death-whilst-family-looks-on scenario – after six children, my pelvic floor just can’t take that sort of pressure! Hope your back to school preparations aren’t too overwhelming. Meredith xo.
Joy Cronauer...Joy at Home - Meg, what do you carry your cannon rebel in when out and about…do you stash it in a large purse or do you commit to carrying the extra camera bag? It may sound like a dumb question but I was wondering if you found a system that works so that you have it on hand; yet it’s still safe.
Shannan - That uncle of yours looks like one groovy dude!
Anna Marie - The last time I went on the Mamba I rode in the very front spot with my friend. Our lips were jiggling in the wind and I slobbered all over myself {pretty picture I know}…notice I said that was the LAST time…I just can’t handle them any more.
kasey - love the glasses.
xo
Angela - How much do I love this part of your post:
he had a pool table and you could watch tv from the kitchen bar! i remember my cousin and i watched “a fish called wanda”
————-
It’s stuff like that (aside from your AMAZING photos) that keep me coming back. 🙂
Starnes Fam - I will definitely visit his store the next time we’re in Lawrence. He sells our brand (Keens).
Looks like super fun, too.
jenn - That bathroom is TOO much! Absolutely hilarious! Thanks for sharing.
Lisa - That is the coolest looking shoe store ever! I MUST make it there someday.
Oh, but the farmer in the window is scary, like the escaped crazy guy trying to kill Joan Collins in that original episode of Tales From the Crypt.
juliann brenner - WOW – Lawrence, KS?? One of my best friends is from there. What is the name of your uncle’s store…I bet she’s been there!
juliann
Teresa - Another KU girl here. Thanks for glimpse of Lawrence!!!
Melissa - I have been lurking for some time now, I just love your blog, it is such a fun place to visit. I look forward to it every day. The picture of those frogs just cracked me up! My husband brought one back from Portland for my oldest son. He named it Bob. Bob the frog. It’s one of his “fav” toys. You know, the kind the kids sleep with. Anyhow, I’ll have to show him the picture and let him know that Bob has a lot of family out East of us. All the best to you and yours, Mel
Erin - I bought my first Birks there!
Heather @ Cookie Mondays - No more roller coasters for me either. Fun weekend! Can you believe it’s back to school?!
Dana D @BoysMyJoys - Looks like so much fun!
And WOW, Lauren has gotten even more gorgeous!
Tonya - OMG!!! I’m so jealous that your Uncle owns Footprints…it’s my fave place to buy shoes! I have many pairs of Birks and just got my first pair of Keens to wear on rugged photo shoots a few years ago. And my kids love the store too! Mass St is about the funest place to go ever!
Lanny Stanard - I must say I love all the pictures but you in the pink wig! beats the glasses HEE HEE !
Lanny
Lori - Oh Meg…reading your blog is such a bright spot in my day. I don’t like rollercoasters anymore for the same reason. I feel I owe it to my kids to not do risky things until they are bigger (well, they are teenagers, but they still need me!). Not that rollercoasters are major-risky, but they FEEL very risky! 🙂
That shoe store is uh-ma-zing! What fun!
Enjoy some quiet time with the kids in school. Mine don’t go back until September.
Trasie - Love love love the shoe store and can’t wait to hear what you did next.
charlane - what a fantastic place – I would love to shop there. 🙂
deb - I was just in Lawrence for my brother’s wedding. (He was married at the very charming Danforth Chapel on campus. Know it? Our hotel was on the river front and we walked downtown all the time. I meant to go into that store and now it is on my list the next time I am am in town. Love your blog. Love that you are a Kansas girl…me too! Living in VA now.
Blessings!
Deb
jennifer - Oooh! You SO need those boots! Looks like a shoe store I’d have a whole lot of fun in.
Can’t wait to see what you did next. I mean, what can be better than shoes?!
Staci - I get to comment first!!!!!! YAY!!!! WHY is that such a treat to me??? LOVE the shop!! TOOOOO cool! Next time we are in Kansas (maybe for the KU-OU game this Fall) I’ll have to stop in 🙂 I don’t do roller coasters either—never reeeally liked them….but I have two boys…good thing My Hubby likes ’em 🙂