October

As of October 17th, Isaac is officially one. I can't believe it's been a year. My parent's gave him a set of plastic keys, in hopes that it will deter him from ruining his teeth on the real keys. Unfortunately, this didn't work. Neither did the broken cell phone bit. He needs buttons to light up and people to say, "Hello? Hello? Is anyone there?" on the other end. We also gave him a plastic camera (why did I give him that plastic camera?) When you press the button, it says, "I am Buzz Lightyear, I come in peace," and Sorry cadets, no time to talk, I've got a galaxy to save!" and "This is Buzz Lightyear, signing off!" and "Impressive communicator!" Impressive communicator? He's one! He screams when he wants something (actually, that produces immediate results. Maybe I should try that).

Last weekend we walked through downtown Clemson on game-day (ha ha Clemson, the loss of your coach doesn't seem to have made a difference in your ability to win. Speaking of, there is a church not too far from here with a huge billboard that used to say "Tommy Bowden Goes Here!" Setting aside all thoughts on churches using famous people as a ploy to increase their congregation - nope, can't do it. I am actually gleeful that they have to remove their advertisement considering Bowden's forced resignation.) Ahem, where was I? Clemson on game day. If you've never been, you really should try it sometime. It's a treat. Everything and everyone is purple and orange, there are no parking spaces, and people like to shout obscene comments at you in passing about the opposing team (good old Georgia Tech). I will never understand the all-encompassing obsession over college football. I gave it my best shot, and failed miserably.

We also visited the annual Walhalla Octoberfest. In the rain. I had no idea there were so many rednecks in Walhalla, but they certainly come out of the woodwork for Octoberfest. And why not? The shops line the streets with venders and displays, you can buy excellent fajhitas for $1.50 each, and the high school football field is covered in rides, crafts, funnel cakes, and a big white tent where you can have all the beer you want. Oddly enough, considering Octoberfest is a German festival, there was no German beer. (All they had to offer were the three Bud's).

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go stop my son from using the lint-remover stick as a hair brush.