We went to the State Fair today, and I have the pictures to prove it. But first, let me show you the naughty naughty kitty who very much enjoys laying on freshly dyed yarn whenever he gets the chance. I try to keep the cats off the yarn, but they will sneak in there and snuggle occasionally. That’s Harry, by the way.
So we went to the Fair. I spent about five minutes looking at the knitting in the Creative Activities building, before the family got restless. Which means that I am definitely going back by myself some night this week. Probably Wednesday, although Thursday and Friday are options. Any volunteers to either ride with or meet me at the Fair, oogle the things in the Creative Activities Building, and eat ourselves silly?
But back to today. We loved the butterfly house last year, and we loved it again this year.
We stopped for lunch, and ate more crap than I want to think about, but it’s always fun to share, so I’m going to tell you all that we ate. Roasted ears of corn for me and the girls; a giant pile of fresh-cut french fries; fried green tomatoes; a corn dog for me (and it was a giant corn dog because I sent Joe off for it, and that is what he brought back); lemonade; and a hamburger for Joe. Whew!
Oh, and Joe ran into our good friends J, M and H with husband/father O. They were eating lunch on the same grassy median as us just a block away. It really is the Great Minnesota Get-Together.
After that, it was time for the carousel. Julie loves the carousel. Joe loves making funny faces for the camera.
This is what Sophie looked like while she watched Joe and Julie on their first ride. The plan was to let them go once first, then we would all go together for a second ride.
Sophie was….
really excited. Thrilled. to be on the carousel.
That moment? The one where I watched my little baby looking at the bright lights and the horses and the mirrors and the canopy? The one when the horses started moving as the music played? That was one of the happiest moments of my life. I started to choke up with happiness witnessing the joy and wonder on her face. It was a once-in-a-lifetime kind of thing.
And then, moments later, she conked out.
So we took Julie to get her face painted.
And we let her ride the water bumper cars.
And then we watched the parade before we headed home. We’ll have to try harder to see more of the animals next year.
Did you see the big pig? That and the poultry barn are my faves. I love the racket that all the fowl make. Everybody has something to say and all at the same time. No manners, these birds.
I was waiting up to see your state fair pictures lol! Now I can go to bed! Sophie on the carousel… it broke my heart. You know, I didn’t take H on… I didn’t even *think* of it. Dying of remorse now.
What a wonderful day for you! Keep that memory close to your heart, it’s precious!!
Thanks for sharing!
Oh how I wish I could meet you. Thursday night hubby has his “draft” for Fantasy Football!! How busy would it be on Friday night? Let me know, maybe I could manage to get away. I would love some adult company and looking at the knits would be great. I haven’t been to the state fair since 1980!
You did well!! I took my daughter and my neighbors two girls (8 and 5) to the fair. We looked at animals first and went into the Lambs to find a woman who spelled her first name the same as me (a rarity) and she was spinning yarn and selling it. Oh I stood there holding it against my face, drooling and thought what are the chances I will ever again run into someone who spells their name the same as mine working with something I love…yarn! This was an omen, meant to be. But I was shocked out of my dream by a screaming 5 yr old and off we went. I never did get back there and decided next year I go alone so I can spend more time looking at what I love. We had fun though sounds like your day, lots of food, sun, rides and smiles! Karyn
my kids don’t think the creative activities building is worth more than 5 minutes either…unfortunately this year I won’t even be making it to the fair at all. sigh….no pronto pup for me
Oh, the State Fair! I’m so jealous! I’m from Minnesota originally but I’ve lived out East for the last 10+ years. There’s nothing like the Great Minnesota Get Together out here. I miss the corn dogs, roasted corn (*swoon*) and the general food-on-a-stick. And the Creative Activities building. And the Horticulture buildling. And… and… and… *pout* I wanna go! I’m so happy you had such a great time with your family at The Fair.
(I’m a long-time reader of your blog, but this is the first comment I’ve made. I just had to reminisce.)
It sounds like so much fun! And that sweet lil darling on the carousel…My teary eyed story was driving with my Laura (now 17, then 3) through the neighborhoods looking at the houses all lit up for Christmas and carols playing on the radio. It made me really feel like a mom.
PS — thanks for your support!!