Bikes, Blues and BBQ

This week/weekend was a really big bike rally in Fayetteville called Bikes, Blues and BBQ (BBB for short). We had no clue that there was anything like this in the area until just a few days ago. It is the largest non-profit motorcycle rally in the US and has donated over $500,000 to local charities from 2000-2008. There were over 400,000 people in attendance last year.

Since we didn't want to let this opportunity to check it out pass us by, we decided to head down on Friday evening to check out the BBQ and see what else was around the Baum Stadium area of the event.

We get down there, park, and walk across the street where the vendors were. The first thing we come to were toy haulers. Austin loved walking through a couple of them, but we wanted to see what else there was around, plus we were starting to get really hungry. So, we steered him away from that and started walking towards the food. There was a BBQ competition starting at 6pm, but we didn't think we could really wait until then, so we were happy to see that there were some BBQ vendors selling their food without being in the competition.

We found some free roasted corn from Progressive, then found something for Austin.

It was completely FREE and he had a blast!

Then, he got brave and tried the velcro wall.

I think it's safe to say that he LOVED it!

After we pried him away from the velcro wall, we went and ate. Austin, the silly boy, had pizza. Brian and I tried some BBQ (pulled pork for Bri, beef brisket for me). It was delish! Colten, unfortunately, got to have applesauce while Austin played, nursed before I got my food, then got to snack on bread. No BBQ for him!

After eating, we walked around the vendors again, looking at all the bikes for sale. Austin just loved looking at everything. He's been asking about the safety of motorcyles this week since we've been seeing so many. He's not quite sure people should be driving them since they only have 2 wheels. We've had many conversations about safety because of this and I always mention how people should wear helmets if they decide to drive any kind of bike.

I guess when he's up close and personal, safety goes out the window...do you see this dreamy look he has on his face!?!

He like this bike as well, but he really, really, really wanted to touch them all! I'm sure he wanted to climb up on a couple of them, but he was really good and didn't even try. Unless you count putting his foot on one of the bike's pedals.

Colten did really well in his stroller. There were a few times when he wanted down, but he was pretty content to just look at everything.

Brian just had to try this chair...Austin had been in it as well. They just couldn't resist!

After walking around, we went by the kids' area again and let Austin jump and velcro one last time. Do you see the look of excitement on this boy's face???

He immediately walked up and jumped right onto the wall. Then he got brave....

and let the worker put him upside down on the wall. He absolutely had a blast!

Just hanging out. No big deal!

After prying him away from this area, we made our way back towards our car; stopping, of course, so he could explore more toy haulers. Those things are just extravagant, aren't they!?! So neat, but definitely for those who have money burning holes in their pockets!

The night was fun, cheap, and was a great way to get out of the house and do something! The Razorback game was on today, so we didn't go down for the Battle of the Bikes or the Parade of Power. Too bad, because I think Austin would have enjoyed that. It was a nice, relaxing day though. He had his own Parade of Power with his 4 Wheeler in our backyard.

Colten alternated from being happy to being cranky. I will be glad when those top front teeth come in. It definitely looks painful to be getting those in. You can see the gums swollen and the teeth are RIGHT THERE. Poor baby!

Not much else going on this coming week. Austin has school pictures coming up on Thursday, so we'll see how that goes. I don't know what he wants to wear, but I hope it's something I won't have to talk him out of! :-)