We decided to take our time getting ready and didn't push ourselves to be there at a certain time. After confirming how chaotic weekends are we decided to go during the week. The forecast was great, low 80's with a chance of rain only in the late afternoon/evening.
We got there mid morning. Since the boys didn't sleep on the way, we really didn't know how naps would work out, or if they would, but we were willing to chance it for the fair!
They put these misting fountains in a few years ago, they weren't around when I was a kid, but I think they are a great idea. The boys played in them for a few minutes, but then decided to hide in the bushes nearby...that seems about right.
This is a tunnel that is completely covered by plants. It is great for children, but just the right height to break an adults back. Since I'm shorter, I always get chosen to take them through the first time. It's low enough that you can't just bend over, you almost have to squat and walk...I'm pretty sure it belongs in Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred video. The boys loved it, especially once they got the hang of it.
This is right outside the Agricultural Building, so we caught a glimpse of the Butter Cow as well. We had been talking it up, so Micah was really excited to see it.
This year was the 100 year anniversary of the butter cow, and the lady who had been doing the sculpting forever died this year. Needless to say the butter cow line was a little lengthy.
This addition is only a couple of years old, and I think it is my favorite kids addition thus far. At the beginning they are given a had, which they get to keep, and an apron. They go through a maze, first they plan 'seeds'. Then they 'harvest'. They continue through and pick wooden apples off of wooden trees, get bags of wool and corn, milk a cow, and ride a tractor. At the end they 'sell' their harvest and use the 'money' they get to buy a treat from the general store. It teaches kids about farming, and gives them an opportunity to get a little dirty ;)
Jude fell asleep right before we got to this part, which was good. He's a little too young to keep on task, so I walked around with him while Jason helped Micah 'farm'. He still calls the Pioneer hat he got his 'farmin' hat'.
Looking at the baby ducks...
We packed snacks and a lunch, so we only shelled out a ridiculous amount of money for one meal.
Jude napped for an hour or so, and then Micah finally gave in, taking a 2+ hour nap!
The Varied Industries building has lots of fun things to see. The boys had fun sitting on the Kuboda ATV's and seeing Clifford.
Last year Micah was pretty leery of seeing Clifford, but he went right up this year.
One of the treats we splurged for was a cup of chocolate chip cookies. They are AMAZING! Micah was asleep when we got them, but we saved him a few. He was thankful ;)
Towards evening it started to rain. We had to decide if we wanted to leave or find somewhere inside to be. The draft horse/Percheron show was that night, so we went for it. Jason and I have enjoyed this show a few times. They have some of the best draft horses in the nation who come to show. They are very talented and entertaining. The boys did pretty good. Jude fell asleep an hour or so into the show, and we left before the show was over, but overall it was good move.
State Fair 2011 was a hit. We look forward to next year!
No comments:
Post a Comment