another first: pig races

Today is our last full day in New York. We spent most of it at the Chautauqua County Fair.

Seth was in love with all of the animals, which came at no surprise. What did surprise us was how eager he was to ride the rides as well. He stuck to the kiddie rides that aren't really much, but he did do the kid roller coaster (that gator one they have at EVERY fair/ride place!). I thought he'd be too scared to go by himself, but he proved me wrong.

Kate also loved the animals but was too little to go on the rides besides the merry-go-round. She did like sucking down the homemade lemonade though. She was on a sugar high for quite awhile today as a result. :) We also watched pig races and got on an old locomotive. We really had such a nice day, and the temperatures have cooled off so it wasn't horrible like it had been.

We ended the day by going swimming one last time at the Peak, and then my Aunt Colleen and Uncle Bill and cousins Jordan and Hunter came over to say goodbye. They are on a vacation just about 30 minutes from here with my uncle's side of the family and took the opportunity to come over and see us one last time.

Seth also got to help Grandma with the chores in the barn tonight one last time. I know he is going to miss being able to do that. Plus, Grandma gave him some money for all of his hard work. He is an excellent scooper upper of the horse poop now and spreads sawdust in the barn like no other three year old. :) I know Grandma will miss having her little (and very eager) helper in the evening to help with the horse chores.

The first half of the summer is lots of hugs and hellos and wonderful times of catching up and enjoying time together after being apart. But now we're nearing the end of the summer, which is filled with tearful goodbyes and trying to make the most of every moment as we realize our time together is coming to a close...and that we won't be seeing each other for a couple of years.

Despite having peace in knowing that the Lord wants us in Hungary, it still is hard to say goodbye. So prayers are appreciated as we now are in the process of saying our goodbyes to all of those we love so much. :(