Indiana State Fair!!!

Grandma and Grandpa came up last weekend to take Hayes to the Indiana State Fair.  The last time Hayes went to the State Fair, he was a mere fetus.  This year, he took it all in.... as did we.  It is truly sensory overload.  There is so much to see--even though we took it all in--we really only scratched the surface of what is the Indiana State Fair.  We were all completely satisfied with our visit, though--exhausted at the end and very pleased to have done it together.  Laura, Nathan and Wilson would have loved to come--but promised they wouldn't miss it next year.

2008

2011 (shot with my itty bitty point and shoot because I didn't plan well and forgot to charge my P500.  Oops-oh well)

 We enjoyed some good ol' bluegrass music in Pioneer Village.

 We observed this rifled cannon.

 Hayes got to see some hot animals.

 It is Indiana-of course there is a basketball hoop on the barn.

 Hayes got to do some chores on the farm.

 Hayes collected his egg.

 Between feeding the cows and the pigs, he became distracted by this young lady.

 He was given a green Pioneer hat.

 He planted a poker chip.  Or a seed.

 Hayes harvested veggies and then apples.

 Blurry but happy.

 He milked a plastic cow.  In return for his work on the farm, he was given a dollar to buy something from the general store.  He chose a small carton of 2% milk.  We sat at a picnic table to rest and enjoy the milk... we looked the other way for a second and Hayes poured his milk on Grandma.  Oops.  It was okay, though.

 He rode a pony!!!!  He did a great job.

 We rode the tractor tram train thing all the way around the fairgrounds.  There was a big band riding along and playing fantastic music for us and those we passed by.

 Had to snap one of Dad and me.

 Bright and sunny it was.  Yes, hot, too--but, somehow, it wasn't miserable.  We were all pretty comfortable.

 Crossing the covered bridge.

 We stopped to watch cloggers dance for a bit.

 After we enjoyed the talent of the dancers, we headed to the pork tent for pulled pork sandwiches and ice cold pops.  After we were all full, we headed for the midway.

 Grandpa bought some ride tickets for Hayes.

 The semi ride was Hayes's favorite, I think.  It was a pretty good one-it went around its track fifteen times.... sure, the ride operator had to use his own muscle to make it stop at the end, but that didn't stop us from going around a second time.  Hayes was a little daredevil, too.  He went from driver to passenger and back again-scooting side to side fearlessly.

 Hayes and Grandma rode the strawberry ride.

 I rode the bumble bee ride with Hayes.  He insisted on sitting on the outside.  It took all my might to keep from crushing him.  His expression suggests that I have already smashed him.... but I didn't.

 We caught the Marsh daily parade and saw firetrucks, horses, wagons, bands and more.

 Grandpa took Hayes on the ferris wheel. 

 It went pretty high.

 Then they came around and I saw this.... I was surprised when I didn't see Hayes in Dad's arms.  He wanted to sit across from his Grandpa.

 Hayes and Grandpa loved the ferris wheel.

 We had a great day at the fair.  Thanks, Mom and Dad, for treating us to a day of family fun!  Also, thanks for keeping Hayes that night, even though, Mom, he kept you up until midnight.  I still think it is funny that he finally said, "I'm sorry, Grandma."  and rolled over to go to sleep.