Fun with Friends

The Kids love the fair - they love the animals, fair food, the tractor pull, but mostly they LOVE the rides. So, here are a few pictures of the kids riding. Unfortunately, there are only a couple of rides for the little two so we end up spending a lot of time at those 3-4 rides. Carston however, was able to go on every ride this year except for one! He LOVES those rides. It is amazing to me how much more brave he gets each year! This year the kids have spent a lot of time at the fair with their "almost cousins" (long story, but we'll consider them family). They are such sweet girls. Bridie is 9 and going into the 4th grade and Annelise is 7 and headed off to 2nd grade this fall. They are super good with the little two and make great pals and ride partners for Carston! And boy, can those girls eat! :)

Kids and Pigs

Here is Carston leading his pig around the ring. He must have decided that the pig wasn't responding good enough to his stick, so he used his hand! Carston's pig had already been in the ring the day before and pigs are smart...so unfortunately for Carston, this pig knew where the exit in the corner was and that is exactly where she kept going. Once they are in the corners, it is really hard to get them out - notice the kid in the background with the red board like thing - those are guides to help move the pigs.



Here the Judge takes a minute to talk to Carston about his pig.


And when it is all over, Carston is all smiles! He really gets into the fair!

We weren't really sure how things would turn out for Camden. He really doesn't like the pigs - didn't even want to touch them. He absolutely hates the loudness of their squeals and is petrified when pigs start barking (yes, they bark) at each other! However, I am proud to say that Camden got out there with his pig and the other kids/pigs and did a great job. At one point the pig got turned around and was staring Camden in the face when it started barking at another pig...Camden started crying, but quickly got himself under control so that he could talk to the judge.

The judge was really good with the little ones. He asked them questions about their pigs and made small talk in order to make the kids feel more comfortable - after all these animals are HUGE compared to kids! Ex: Camden weighs 36 pounds - an average fair pig weighs around 280!

Once the show was over and Camden got his treat bag, he was all smiles! Here is is with his ribbon and his dollar...they also get candy, pencils, coloring books about pigs, etc.

County Fair Kids

Ever since 2005, Carston has shown a pig in the pee-wee showmanship event at the County Fair. He has loved it each year and it has been fun to watch him progress and get more confident. This year Camden was able to show as well! Since both of the boys were all decked out in their "cowboy" clothes as they like to call them, I certainly couldn't let Caroline go without "cowgirl" clothes! :)

Carston posing with his pig - this is his 5th year showing a pig, so he is a old pro!

What better place for a cowbow than on the back of a pick-up truck?

Both boys already had cowboy boots cause they love to dress up like cowboys, but they did get new Wranglers, big belt buckles and new hats! They LOVED shopping in Rod's Western Palace! I love to see my boys doing things they love - but I have to admit this was a stretch for me! :)

And Miss Caroline got a new dress out of the deal, too! Can you get any more "country" than bandana and cow prints? I turned these fabrics into a pillowcase dress and made her a bow (if you look closely you'll notice a cow resin in the center) to match!