Mama didn't take many pictures this year, partly because the cell phone doesn't take very good pictures, but also partly because as Miss Carmela June gets older (and more fun. OK, I said it), Mama finds herself and Daddy actually *doing things* with her, and not just standing around snapping pics. Just by way of context, this state fair is a lot more 4-H/community club/senior center driven, and much less professionally organized and produced. So, in the interest of a recap, a few of the highlights:
- The racecars at the speedway. Unlike last year, Carmela has developed a dislike of things that are loud, so we didn't spend very long. Mama did notice as we were making our way for the exit, however, that Miss Carmela did seem to be cheering for the red racecar.
- The horse races. These were fun, but not as much fun as last year because (a) last year we caught the barrel races, and this year was just down-and-backs, and (b) the kids riding the horses were a bit inexperienced, so the horses weren't buying it. Sometimes the horses walked, sometimes they stopped, a few actually turned around. This made it kind of funny, too.
- The Hawaiian dancers. We didn't see this last year. Carmela enjoyed it, and tried a little Hawaiian dancing of her own.
- The lumberjack competition. Basically, lumberjacks chopped wood, but it was fun to watch!
- The animals. We saw goats, sheep (and felt their wool), alpacas (we felt their amazing wool, too), cows, dogs (which were competing in a dog show!), and bunny rabbits. Carmela was checking out a big male goat when he suddenly bleated out a big billy goat, "BAAAA." It made both Mama and Carmela just about jump out of our skin. Mama thought it was pretty funny. Carmela not so much.
- Elephant ear. Carmela enjoyed this treat so much that she ran around and around and around and around and around after she ate it!
- Miscellaneous stuff. Mama and Daddy and Miss Carmela got to see a lot more this year because Miss Carmela is a bit bigger, gets around more easily, and has a greater attention span and greater curiosity about and interest in things.
- Alas, Miss Carmela was too small for all of the rides, so we'll have to hold out for next year.
Carmela enjoys some carne asada tacos after seeing the racecars and horse races.
A good example of the miscellaneous things we were able to see this year: The historic Shanahan cabin. Carmela was very interested in working the old water pump to make water come out onto her hand.
We spent a long time at the water pump. Simple pleasures.
Carmela poses as a cow.
It's so hard to come home. She snoozed the whole way from the fairground to the house, and only woke up briefly when Daddy walked her from the car to the front door. She remains sacked out in her bed, still wearing her clothes. We think she enjoyed her day at the fair.
