We love the Iowa State Fair! We try to go every year…except when things like new babies prevent us from getting there, as was the case last year.

We started with Cinni Minis… (seriously…first thing we did after entering the gate) 
 
Ev’s thinking he could really get into this fair stuff at this point. How that boy loves to eat. 

Ellie tried her ‘little hands on the farm.’  
What a great thing…farmer for a day (well, 15 minutes). How perfect. One little apron, one little hat, a bucket, and a tractor ride…the kid was in heaven.
 
  
 
milking the “cow”   

 
spending the “money” she earned from selling her produce.  

While she did have to return the apron and bucket, she got to keep the hat. I told her grandpa would be very proud of her pioneer seed hat.   

Next, there was a visit to the IPTV booth to see our favorite friend from the PBS Kids Clubhouse. We do love Dan Wardell!
  

Next, we ventured up the hill to the cultural center to see Daddy’s state fair photo. Daddy is a rock star and had a photo selected to display at the fair this year….
and here it is…Ellie looking at the photo of her…all she had to say was “mommy…its me” (photo is in the top left of the picture…blue matt)  

If you search the background of this picture…if you can see that well…you’ll see my friend Stacey’s picture displayed too. Its the one right off the top of Ellie’s shoulder. Its a great picture of her kids on a couch in the middle of a field.

After the photos, and playing in the fun forest for a little while…Ellie tried her hand at fishing. She and daddy we unsuccessful…but we think she still had fun.

 

If you can measure your day by how much you talk about it when its over, then we had a great day! She is still talking about it!  

 
This post can’t be over without the full-on list of things we ate that day…now, keep in mind that there were 6 of us…and most of the food was shared. Just so you don’t think worse of me after reading the list.
Trust me, its extensive.
Cinni Minis…with cream cheese frosting, of course
Hard Boiled Egg on a stick. (The only thing my children wouldn’t eat.)
Pulled Turkey Sandwiches and Applesauce (for lunch…otherwise it would be entirely too healthy)
Cookies in a cup
Mini donuts
Chocolate dipped frozen smore on a stick
Chocolate dipped peanut butter bar on a stick
Cheese fries – I ate most of these as a “real food” item to break up the sugar!
Nathan ate a gyro…not shared – well, he shared the bread with Evan…but I’m not sure that counts.
Chocolate Ice Cream 

I think I gained 5 pounds typing that list. But mmm…it was tasty! Can’t wait til next year!