State Fair Fun

We need to get used to the notion that we will be attending every Texas State Fair as long as Gavin has any say in the matter. We used to go every other year because it is pretty much the same stuff with the exception of a few new fried items every year. Gavin seemed to have a good time last year despite being only seven months old. We were accompanied this year by Matt, Lindsey, and Dean. We also got to make new friends with Lindsey's sister Lesley and her family.

We started out by giving the tractors a test drive. G wasn't real happy when I told him that we had to get out of the big tractor (backhoe).

G driving solo...he also had a tandem ride with Dean in the smaller tractor.

Next stop was the "On the Farm" experience. This exhibit was for kids to do some chores "on the farm" and in return they get paid one dollar which they were then allowed to spend in the farm store on a snack. Here is Gavin looking pretty cute in his apron while carrying his basket and watering can.

Feeding the (fake) chickens with corn that we got from the corn bin and harvesting an egg.

Driving the tractor with the feed for the cattle in the back. Gavin is making sure his load is secure before putting it in drive.

Gavin was paid handsomely for all his hard work and scored some Sun Chips in the farm store. We stopped to have some fun on the way out.

While all the playing is fun and good....the real attraction to the fair for most of the adults is the food. The Texas State fair is known for all the different strange fried foods that they offer. Travis was nice enough to share a piece of chicken fried bacon with me. It wasn't too bad...the tornado taters were pretty tasty, too. Other fried items indulged upon by our group included fried cheesecake and fried beer. It was reported that the fried beer was horrible...not a big surprise if you ask me.

Next on the list for the boys was the petting zoo. There were hundreds of animals in the petting zoo: everything from camels to zebras to emus. Gavin got to gaze in amazement at the animals and made his animal sounds when he saw an animal that he recognized. From an adult perspective it was a little sad to see all the big animals presumably sedated - just about all of the large animals were just laying there with their heads down or were asleep. Thankfully the kids didn't seem to care...the goats were a hit with everyone.

Piggie hinies...

This was our photo shoot attempt with Gavin, Dean and Emma. It was a gigantic failure. Herding cats would be easier in comparison.

We then went in search of some of the bigger animals. We found the sheep, cattle, and horse barns. All the kids enjoyed looking at the animals. Baa's, Neigh's and Moo's were common sounds coming from the little ones in our group.

Then it was time for lunch. Dean seemed to really enjoy his Flecher's Corny Dog.

Miranda and I always have to have at least one corny dog every year. I tried the jalapeno cheese corny dog this year - it was yummy.

Funnel cakes were the desert of choice after lunch. Yummy but very messy too...

All this fun might have had a something to do with a couple tired little boys.

We also got to see Big Tex again this year. He doesn't seem to age at all from year to year. Disregard the (insert word that Daddy is no longer allowed to say) in the background.

We also swung by the butter sculpture and some of the craft exhibits on the way out. Everyone had a great time, but by 2:00 it was way past time for naps. Gavin lasted for about 10 minutes in the car and then started his 2 hour afternoon nap.