Mustang Bike Rally

Matthew I headed to Sturgis this afternoon to spend some time at the Mustang rally. He has a four-day weekend so we're trying to fill our time up.

Now, for the record, Sturgis is where the bike rally is held every year-and its pretty much famous for that alone. The atmosphere in this town of 6,500 is just so different from what I'm used to. I had to snap a few pictures of the large "saloons" all over town. They're total biker bars-but they're right across from grocery stores and a McDonalds. Even though the rally is held each year at the beginning of August (and on average 500,000 people from around the states come to experience the drinking, bar fights, and crazy concerts) there are always bikers coming through. So its not uncommon to see a group of them hanging outside, smoking a cigarette and leaning on their Harley.

We watched a "parade" of Fords drive down Main Street revving their engine and doing burnouts (even as the police told them not to). We even saw a GT 500 KR, which my husband drooled over. My camera wasn't ready though, so I missed it. :( It's probably the only one I'll ever see to! Lame.

Anyway, we watched the parade and headed in to eat. There was restaurant toward the end of Main Street, that Matthew swore was amazing. We walked around the side and entered. Again, this is pretty much biker-town, and the inside totally fit that mold. We sat ourselves, found a highchair for Abby, and ordered. I noticed they didn't ask Matthew for his ID when he got a Fat Tire, but oh well. That's the way it is.

I realize how boring this may to be you all... but I really just wanted to talk about it. Because we always have fun together-even if its standing on the sidewalk with a tired baby and old men laughing at the stock-mustangs driving by. We enjoy ourselves. This is just what our family does, I guess. Find cheap (free) things to do, and do it. If you know anything about us, its that Matthew loves cars (and trucks, and jeeps... anything with an engine, really) so we do things that he likes. He liked watching the Shelby's rev up and zoom past the pedestrians, fishtailing a little as they burned their tires on the street. He cheered as smoke billowed up, and the engine sent a deafening roar and made our chests vibrate. We even laughed when Abby would clap, responding to the crowds cheers and excitement.

He's an amazing husband, and an amazing dad. We went to Sam's Club this afternoon for an icee, and walked around for samples. Everything he got, he'd bite in half and give to Abby. If it was too hot he'd blow on it. He even lets her drink out of his straw, and doesn't mind too much when he gets her chunks of backwash later. Matthew keeps her entertained; he's always finding new games and new ways to keep her happy. He's great with her. He's patient and kind, but he's learning to discipline quickly too. He has a great balance.

We shared our dinner with her, too. He gave her his sweet potato fries (which were amazing) and pieces of his rib tips. She's always quick to turn down what I'm offering (pieces of toast and chicken) for what he has. Even if we eat the same thing, she'd rather have it from his plate. I think it drives him nuts and makes him feel special all at the same time.

Plus, she's saying 'dada' now, which I know just thrills him every time he hears it. He always grins.

He's having a hard time with her turning one. We can't believe how fast this year has gone by. Something tells me he'll be feeling that baby fever here in the next two years or so. We're waiting, because its the best thing to do. But I know he misses when she was teeny-tiny and would sleep on his chest. He's a great dad. I can't say that enough. This is one of those things that just comes naturally for him. He was made to be a father.