Family Fun

This morning, last minute, we decided to do something crazy, spontaneous, out of the ordinary. We got ready lickety-split, which with kids isn't really that fast, hopped into the car and headed for...the Utah State Fair! We've never been and we rarely do things like this, so it was a special treat. It was an added bonus that because it was opening day, Joel and I got in for only $2 a piece (compared with the regular $8) and the kids were free. It's a good thing we got in for so cheap because we needed the rest of our life savings to enjoy the actual festivities. The first picture shows Joel and Noah with our fine dining that cost 5 times as much as our entrance fee. I figured I'd better get a picture of the dad-gum things. They were pretty good, I have to admit.

Noah and Clara were so excited to ride the ponies! Unfortunately this is when the camera died (the story of my life), so we didn't get a picture of Noah on the biggest horse of the bunch. Clara could have ridden her little horse for hours and was very put out when the friendly cowboy pulled her off her gently steed.

The chickens, believe it or not, were probably the best part. They were actually quite beautiful, and there were some interesting breads. The room resonated with sounds of clucking and roosters attempting to out crow the others. Clara added a crow or too as well.

We also got to see the biggest dairy cows ever, humongous sleeping pigs (what would that life be like? Eat, sleep, and get fat. Wait a minute, that sounds familiar!), cute little piglets and their fat momma ( at least I can say I look better than she did after I had my kids), friendly goats, and sheep. After seeing all those animals I had a sudden and strong urge to live on a farm. I know it would be a lot of work, but it would be such a great place to raise kids. Too bad I know nothing about it.

We also got to see a bear show that was pretty cool. One bear rode a scooter and another stood and walked on a ball. They would also kiss their trainer. Pretty amazing stuff.

The kids' favorite was probably the building with all the wildlife of Utah. They had fish tanks and a dessert tortoise and the hides of everything from a bear to a beaver that you could touch. Clara kept saying, "Oh, wow!"

We couldn't stay too long because Joel had to go to work, but with two little kids it was the perfect amount of time. We had so much fun! It's nice to do exciting things like this that aren't part of everyday life. I love seeing my kids get a thrill from discovering and experiencing simple things like riding a pony. It was a fun day!

P.S.- Shakes at McDonalds aren't very good. Don't waste your money (especially if you've already spent loads of it at the state fair).