Iowa State Fair!

Although the Iowa State fair is on our bucket list, it is so special it deserves it own page in our family blog. This year, mom and dad went with me to help out with the big two (remember from previous fair posts, Jeremy is anti-fair) and we had a blast. Ironically, it was so COLD in the morning, our first stop was at the Iowa State University booth to buy sweatshirts for everyone! So 

strange considering the heat we have endured this summer! 

It finally warmed up and we were able to shed our fall gear. Grandma and Claire let their hair fly on the ever so favorite sky-glider. I remember watching from below last year because I was pregnant with Case! 

 A camel ride for Carter!

 A pony ride for Claire!

The kids were quite the butterfly whispers in the butterfly house! They were feeding the butterflies Gatorade on sticks while we were there...see dad, not all fair food is bad! 

No matter how many times they have done this, or how old they get, they always want to go to the "Little hands on the farm" Thankfully they were out of green Cargil hats when we went, so we couldn't add to our collection! 

 Poor Bessie, she really needs a break. 

I think the real reason they like the little farm is the store at the end they get to spend their hard earned money in. They always choose bomb pops. Can't say I blame them! 

Spin Art! I remember doing this at the fair when I was a kid. Dad tells me it was a dime when I was a little. 2 dollar a hollar now! 

The finished product! 

 And of course the giant slide. I have to say this is one of MY favorite things to do at the fair and will probably be bummed when all the kids can ride by themselves one day. 

 Food list: ( now remember there were 4 of us to share!)

hot dogs, pork loin sandwich, BBQ ham sandwich, french fries, fruit, dippin dots, mini donuts, ice cream from dairy barn, lemonade shake-ups. I totally could have eaten more but was just coming off a nasty case of strep throat and hadn't eaten anything for days so my stomach had shrunk! I may have to go back before it is over for something gooey on a stick. 

One thing the kids like to do is get as many temporary tattoos as they can. They don't care what it is (obviously with the big fat Hawkeye on his forehead). Unfortunately we had open house at school the same night so I had to scrub his face off as soon as we got home! 

This year they had an "ice cream cone" decorating contest and the grounds were full of these cute little things. This one was outside the agricultural building. 

I always feel like a whole day there isn't enough and we never see all we want. We did go to a really cool show " The Red Trouser" show and of course saw the big boar and bull and petted lots of cute animals. Thanks again for a great fair state of Iowa! If it isn't on your bucket list it SHOULD be!