Iowa State Fair

A couple of weeks ago we went to visit Uncle James, Aunt Jenna, Olivia and Auntie Amber in their new place and to go to the Iowa State Fair!

Aunt Amber with Amelia

We went to the kids section of the fair, which was the first time I had ever been there.  I was really impressed - how fun for little kids.  I was at first worried Amelia would be too young, but she got right in there and made sure she did everything!

First you had to get an apron

Then you had to get a hat on - they were huge!

And then you had to pick up a basket to collect stuff in.  Amelia insisted that she was going to carry her basket and wanted no help!

Amelia and Olivia with their baskets

Once they had their baskets they had to go 'pick' vegetables.  Amelia really liked onions and tomatoes.

The lines were pretty long and we of course didn't help because we were rather slow, which was ok, since we were soaking it all in and enjoying ourselves (and we had short legs).  At one point, we had to wait in line, but from Amelia's view - that was not necessary - she snuck through and went in front of all the people in line before us!  We had to quick grab her before she got too far!

Amelia carrying her basket.

Uncle James pushing Olivia on a tractor

After getting vegetables, you walked around and picked different stuff up at all these little stations along the path.  I think this one was wool.

Amelia holding her wool.   She let daddy hold her basket for a while since it was getting heavy.

The moms trailing behind with the strollers!

Daddy and Amelia on the cow

Uncle James and Olivia tried the cow out too!

After going to all the stations, you would turn your produce in for money.  This is Amelia holding on very tightly to her money.  She was able to 'buy' some raisins, which we found out are a favorite during the Michigan trip.  She was thrilled!

A picture of all of us

After the kids section, we went to see the babies of the fair.  These were the ducks.

Amelia really liked looking at the animals and she would point and say 'da'

Daddy and Amelia looking at the lambs

These are baby ostriches - I had never seen them before, so I had to take a picture

Go Hawks!

Who can resist these girls?!

While at the fair we ran into Uncle Mark, Auntie Mel, Paige and Alaina.  So we spent some time hanging out together.

Some deep conversations between Alaina and Unkie

Amelia with Auntie Amber's sunglasses on!

I love this picture of Alaina.  She is so cute with her cow hat!

Go Hawks!  Take 2

Once again the girls are following each other around!

This was pretty funny, it didn't matter who it was, Daddy or Uncle James, if one of the girls was on their lap, the other one had to join.

Uncle James' turn!  Both of the girls love books.

And back to Daddy they go!

Olivia has this little rocker and Amelia had so much fun climbing into the chair!