Sausage Fest 2008

So this marks the FOURTH Sausage Fest that I have posted on our blog!!! My how time flies when you are having fun! This year did not disappoint--even though the grounds were slightly re-configured due to the construction of our new parish hall, it was essentially the same. We were delighted in the return of the bumper cars and the addition of a few new rides, though I don't think we got to ride some of the new rides.

Our Sausage lovin' trooops included the 6 of us, Grandmom & Pop, Aunt Eileen & Declan, Aunt Bern (Uncle Shawn in is Dubai) and Vanessa's best friend, Gabriella. Gabby's mom, Cheri, is the most dedicated St. Joe's parent I know, and was working the "Sweet Shop" and so we adopted Gabby so she didn't have to sit around with her mom in the Sweet Shop booth. Great time was had by all, however, Vanessa broke Grandmom's heart by choosing to ride with Gabby than with Gmom(just another sign she's growing up...). I think V will make it up the next time she sleeps over and has special one-on-one time with Gmom and Pop.

Josie discovered that rides can be fun, although that was after her terrifying run down the "Big Pink Slide" with Pop. I forced her on the balloon ride which started with tears and ended with smiles and laughter. She went on to ride the ladybugs, the fish and the carosel with much glee and excitement.

So here's the shots from Friday night, I took some pictures, but Aunt Bern went to town and took a lot of pictures including the artsy fartsy ones at the end. Thanks Aunt Bern!

Declan, Vanessa & Jack posing in their German garb

before part-taking in the rides.

Sausage anyone? Yoddle-ah-hee-hoo!

The bumper cars are back! Here are the troops gearing to go!

Look out Mario Andretti, here comes Aunt Eileen & Declan sitting shotgun!

Oh Dad is just having way too much fun. Jack can't take it, it's so fun!

Dad going ape, Jack (uncharacteristically calmly enjoying the ride)

Pop was sure to get his "5 kisses" from Josie

Again, Dad having way too much fun waiting for the roller coaster to start.

Jack is patiently waiting...

Vanessa and Gabby warming up their roller coaster arms.

My, my, my look at this liability waiting to happen...

Anyone have a neckbrace?

Looks like they got a great warm up!

Vanessa & Gabby trying the "YoYo" swings.

Jo giving me her best "cheese"

Aunt Bern getting some Colette cuddles.

Did someone say "brown eyed girl"?

Be careful not to become mezmerized in her eyes...

The YoYo ride took forever, so there was a lot of waiting around for a while.

My monkeys outside the Monkey maze

G&V somewhere on the YoYo.

My only ride, the balloons--I know, crazy! I threw caution to the wind..

Josie hated it then loved it.

Oops, what's happening here?

Josie got her groove on with the boys on the ladybug ride.

Jack enjoying the fish ride on his fish "Mr. Awesome"

Josie & Declan celebrating all that is fish.

Vanessa and Gabby nearing the end of the night.


Grandmom got her bumper car ride with Declan and she's got skills!

You've got to ride the carousel!

"Images of Sausage Fest"

Here are the artsy images of Sausage Fest 2008 as seen by Aunt Bern:

Great Sausage Fest! Thank you to everyone who came!!!! Thanks to all those who volunteered!