State Fair 2009

It is that time of year again - time to walk around with thousands of other Minnesotans and eat ourselves silly.  It is time for the State Fair!

As usual, we got out there early with the kids.  Our first stop was at Tom Thumb donuts where we got our usual bag of sugary goodness.  In order to survive the next few hours, we knew those tasty treats could only go with one thing - COFFEE!

After our initial gluttony, we took off to find the giant slide.  If you go there early enough, the lines are minimal.  Arik took Matthew down first.  He loved it.  They took a video of the entire experience on the Flip.  If any of you are connected to Arik on Facebook, he posted it there yesterday.  Go out watch it.  It is pretty funny.  

Next up - Amers.  We didn't know how she would do, but the daredevil wasn't about to leave without her turn.  She looked completely terrified as they came sliding down, but she talked about it for the rest of the day.  I guess she liked it.  

After the slide, we purchased our second tasty treat - Sweet Martha's Cookies!  We tried hard to explain to the kids that the only place you get to eat cookies in the morning is at the Fair.  Such a special day!  I could have made 12 dozen for what it cost us to purchase the smallest cup, but it was well worth it.  

Next up - Machinery Hill.  This is one of Matthew's favorites.  He loves to climb on all of the tractors and pretend he is driving them.  Who would have thought a bunch of parked tractors could create so much fun?  

Then it was on to the Little Farm Hands exhibit.  This is a really cute place that gets the kids dressed up in aprons, and walks them through a day in the life on the farm.  They loved it.  Just about everything is fake, but they still think it is cool.  

Right outside of the farm was the Kemps station (shocking, I know!).  Both kids got a little cow tattoo that continue to reside on their little arms.  Amy was quick to tell me at bath time that, "no wash off a cow Mommy!"

After a pronto pup, we took a quick break to rehydrate everyone and take off for the sky ride.  The kids LOVED that!  We got off at the other side of the Fair and were able to walk through the horse barn, the cow barn, and the Miracle of Birth exhibit with all of the baby animals.  It was really crowded down there, but still fun for the kids.  

After some french fries, we grabbed an ice cream cone and headed home for naps.  After 4 hours at the Fair, everyone was pretty hot and tired.  

Let's hope our arteries have recovered by the time we head back next year!