STATE FAIR! VERSION 2016

One of the things that marks the beginning of fall for me is the Virginia state fair, which we have tried to go to every year, last year being an exception because it rained for that entire week. Even with all the crowds, and the parking spaces a mile away, and the overpriced food, I'm a sucker for it because I am in love with the idea of state fairs in general. I am probably thinking about fairs from long ago when these fairs would be the main event of the year, and people would come from all over bringing their animals and novelties to share. I also think of Charlotte's Web, and even when we are exhausted by hour three of walking, I'm grateful to be spending all of those hours outdoors.

My favorite part of the fair is seeing all of the cows, sheep, and horses from nearby farms that their owners bring out to show off. These animals are so beautiful and their owners are so proud of them- you can see it in their eyes. It's a joy for me, which is doubled by the wonder in Sloane and Logan his eyes as they behold the animals. The areas where they have the livestock also have stations where they are giving the sheep a haircut or milking the cows. It's something that our kids don't get to see on a regular basis, so I am so happy for them to see it.

We went this year with friends from DC, who stopped by on their way back home from the beach, and going with friends made it even more fun.

I would just like to take a moment to compare this moment to the very first year that Sloane was at the state fair: if you scroll down to the very bottom of that post you can see how she felt about those cows back then.

This is the only photo I was able to get of them together. They are constantly in motion! 

No but seriously, is there a way that we can somehow own a horse someday?

Bag o' grapes. 

Looking at the map and discussing where will go to next! 

look, red velvet funnel cake!

Victory! She was very happy about her giraffe, which she named Daisy, and which she has been carrying around all week long. 

Look at her face! All big girl. This here is her on the pony ride (her very first time) two years ago at the state fair. I don't know what to do with the storm that is this time warp in my brain.

 These next few photos are from my friend who captured the best shot of the three of them from that day, and also the setting sun as we staggered back to our cars after our adventures that afternoon.

Until next year, state fair!