State Fair

I have been looking forward to the State Fair for many weeks and it's hard to believe it is the end of summer already.  We decided to brave the fair with all three kids, hoping to at least make it a couple hours. 

Who would have known eight hours later we would be leaving the fairgrounds.  We had a great time and I got to see everything on my "must see list."  We tagged along with James, Emily and Rylee, which gave Alena someone to play with. I must say, they are both so well behaved! 

Cousins!

After sharing some mini doughnuts, we saw the baby animals, fed the twins, and then Alena enjoyed "Little Hands on the Farm."  We stood in line to view the butter cow, (which is way overrated), then ventured to the Varied Industries Building, (which was much less crowded than previous years).  Along the way, Alena rode the big slide with Aunt Emily, enjoyed some fresh squeezed lemonade and Justin tried a salted nut roll.

We all enjoyed lunch in front of the Bill Riley Stage while the talented young Iowans performed.  After a quick visit from the Nelsons, Alena danced with the State Fair Mascots. 

The day ended with a trip to the photography building and 4-H building while all the little ones slept in their strollers.  All day Alena kept asking to buy a balloon and I thought she had forgotten all about it when we were leaving the fair.  However, at the very last stand prior to exiting the fairgrounds she saw the balloons and wanted to have one.  She selected a Spiderman balloon, which I reluctantly paid $8 for!  We had a wonderful time and are looking forward to spending tomorrow evening at the fair again with my parents.  Hmmm, what should I get to eat this time?