It was a whole new and wonderful experience taking Relia this year. My priorities were completely different. We parked at a friend's house and met Nana and Bompa at the Hamline dining hall for breakfast at 7:30. It was only 49 degrees out!
Then, we headed over to see the animals. On our way we gave the giant slide a try. I haven't been on that thing since I was about 13. I'd forgotten how fast you go. Relia was excited about the idea but a little nervous during the actual slide. She still wanted to go again though.
Walking to the poultry barn with Bompa
We visited with sheep, chickens, rabbits, horses, cows and pigs.
After all of that, I thought we didn't need to go to the Miracle of Birth building, but my dad talked me into it. I'm so glad we did because Relia was so cute with the ducklings.
She laughed with joy when one of them jumped in their water dish/pond. then she looked over at the display with eggs and recently hatched ducklings and said "Babies happening. Babies in de eggs." Amazing. How does she know this stuff?
Then it was time for some fair food. Bompa said that he needed a foot long hot dog and Relia fell right in stride and announced that "I need a ice cream." Oh are we in trouble. It is the fair though, so ice cream she had.
On our way Relia developed some NASCAR aspirations. "Relia ride a cars. Relia ride a cars."
Oh you turkey!
After a bit of searching, we finally found some equipment to climb on. It was funny (and reassuring) that she always wanted to put on her seat belt.
It was amazing to watch her really experience the fair for the first time. She fell in love with the Sky Ride and insisted that she should ride it every time we passed it. Eventually we did.
When we met back up with Nana & Bompa, they surprised Relia with two balloons. They love her so much, hey donated to the republican party to get them. That is love.
Unfortunately, one of them popped and the other got away in a miscommunication between FP and me.
Right before we left, we took our annual family photo. I wasn't at all ready for the first one, but I think they turned out good. I wonder which year she'll be aware of what is happening. While we waited for the pictures to print, Relia got to practice her driving for next year.
By then Relia and FP were D-U-N, done. She almost fell asleep in her stroller on the way back to the car, but then got a little second wind before conking out 2 minutes into the ride home. I only manged to eat a bit of Relia's ice cream, and a pronto pup. That's it. I'm craving cheese curds now, and am a little sad about missing Sweet Martha's cookies, but I left the fair feeling tired but good.
I love those pictures! And Relia looks like such a happy toddler. Yes! Awesome!
ReplyDeleteI loved going to the fair with you through these wonderful pictures. It looks like the best time ever! You captured Aurelia in some very happy experiences.
ReplyDeletewhat did she think of the leash? It seems a lot of people use those at the fair. I just wouldn't be able to do it.
ReplyDeleteWe loved the leash. Relia was mostly ok with it and it really gave us more freedom with her. As the day wore on she became tired of it. It needs some work but overall we were quite happy with it.
ReplyDeleteShe was excited about the bear, because it had been put away for a while. She never complained about wearing it. It is kind of a second line of defense for us. It allows her to walk freely without us constantly worrying, if she is amenable. Usually she holds our hands anyway. But it doesn't do anything if she is determined to run off. Then we just pick her up.
ReplyDeleteI am so jealous! You guys look like you had a fantastic time and what a great place to take children, Josiah and Annika would have loved all the animals and rides, too. Why does Peder look like he's about to cry in the pig-ear photo?! That is the cutest picture even so. MamaD4
ReplyDeleteRachel, right before that picture Relia was 'adjusting' my ears. I was trying to look indignant.
ReplyDeleteTo see the fair through the eyes of a child only makes it more great. I am so glad you have shared the photos for all of us to see. I thought Peder looked more crabby than indignant but it was a good try, Peder. It goes without saying that the balloon would have been much better with a donkey on it. It will be interesting to see the photo booth pictures with 4 of you in it next year. How fun.
ReplyDeleteFun! I miss the state fair - I guess we could have gone to WI but I felt like that would be...unfaithful!? Looks like you had a great time.
ReplyDeleteSounds like an awesome day at the fair!! I love your yearly family photos. Those are awesome. What a cool keepsake!
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