state fair 2012

On Friday, the girls made their 3rd trip to the State Fair. With each year, we find ourselves staying longer, trying more foods, seeing more things and riding more rides. 

Their first year, we were there only a couple of hours, but the girls got their fill of milk and watching animals.

Their second year, we got more food and tried some rides; well Little Bird did. 

Before heading out this year, we took a look at photos and video from their first two years to jog their memories about the State Fair experience. The first thing Little Pie did was declare that she would try the rides this year.

Of course it was hot the day we chose to go; 90+ degrees. We brought the two single strollers this year as I was sure the girls would be too tired to walk the entire day. (Unfortunately Rob and I get sore backs pushing those cheap things that are far too short for us). 

The girls were so excited about the rides, but I told them that we would do them last in hopes that it would curb any whiny or crabby behavior before that. It worked! They were very well behaved. 

We started at the Little Farm Hands exhibit again and laughed at how much bigger they are this year. 

This year, they can pedal these things themselves!

Hey, Daddy is Farmer Brown!  Click Clack Moo!

Getting so big, the aprons fit!

Then it was time for mini donuts, my favorite (I think Little Bird may argue she likes them more).

Next, we visited the Miracle of Birth Center and some of the animal barns. We had decided ahead of time that we would skip the swine barn because of the H3N2 scare, and they actually had signs saying that the elderly, children under 5 and other susceptible people should stay away. We were all impressed with the horse barn this year because we actually got to catch a bunch of them getting ready for a show. They were all so beautiful!

After washing our hands multiple times, we stopped for all-you-can-drink milk (nobody spilled this year!) and some corn dogs. It was tough, but we found some shade to sit and take a break. BTW, the girls don't like corn dogs too much so Rob got to eat more than necessary. They did suck down their milk in about two big gulps.

Cheers to ice cold milk!

Little Pie had been asking several times up until this point, when we could go on the rides. She was getting a little impatient so we finally headed over to the Kidway. We told them they could pick 3 rides to go on so they started wandering around in awe of all the choices. I suggested they try the swings that Little Bird did last year and when they saw them they darted right over to them.

I was so happy that Little Pie actually did like the swings and was impressed that she was ready to try something else new. She immediately saw an airplane ride and declared that would be her next choice. I wasn't sure, but Rob thought it be fine and they'd love it.

She looks so little! Of course she chose the yellow plane.

So proud and excited!!

Their third choice was the merry-go round. I joined them on the ride, hence no pictures. It's so fun that both girls are so excited about rides now!

We just happen to finish at the Kidway right when the parade started passing by so we plopped down to watch. Little Pie got a huge kick out of the marching bands. I have a feeling she will choose to be a percussionist some day.

We had a very successful day at the fair. Everything (except bending over to push the strollers) went smoothly and everyone had a blast even though we were super sweaty and hot. The best part is that when we got home the girls played SO WELL together and gave Rob and I a chance to relax on the couch a bit. :)