State Fair 2011 - Part One

It is no secret that I am a little obsessed with the Minnesota State Fair. Or, as it is more appropriately (and lovingly) called, 'The Great Minnesota Get-Together." I can't put my finger on one thing exactly that makes it such a big deal to me. I love everything about it. The people watching, the animal watching, the rides, the food, the music, the experience! When I started going to ASU, I had to miss the fair 4 years in a row because school starts in Arizona at the end of August rather than after labor day like it does everywhere else. The fifth year, I actually skipped my first week of school so that I could go to the fair. Because I missed it that much. One of the many reasons I listed to move back to Minnesota is so that we could go to the State Fair every year. Just a little obsessed. So, needless to say, I am thrilled to be able to share this experience with my children. Proud to make it a tradition to go (at least) twice; once with my parents, and once with our friends N, D, A, and M.

So, part one is the trip with my parents, which we did yesterday. The weather was perfect fair weather, in my opinion. Mid-to-upper 70's and partly cloudy, with periods of clouds and sun. We got there early, as we always do, and stayed for about 5 hours. I think that's pretty good considering we were with a toddler and a 2.5 month old! Speaking of which, both kids did super well. Callen was a real champ, just taking in all the sights, smells, and sounds, and napping in between. Audia had a couple of minor meltdowns towards the end of the day, but in her defense, we had gotten up about 2 hours earlier than she's used to and she skipped her nap! Overall I would call the day a success.

So, here's a little photo journey of our trip with my parents. Stay tuned for Part Two, which will take place on Friday!

Gotta get our cream puffs!

When Audia saw the piglets nursing, she asked Chris "So, are those boobies?"

Audia loved petting all the animals!

Bacon on a stick! And it was goooooood.

Waiting to get on the Carousel

So excited for the ride to start!

Hooray! It's starting!

(one revolution later) Aaaand she's done!

Scared of the Carousel but loving the Big Slide!

Eating. It's what you do at the fair.