On the Kansas State Fair....

Last Saturday, the NOW four of us made our annual pilgrimage to the Kansas State Fair (Kate's first of many). Usually we go with my parents; however, their schedule didn't mesh with our schedule. So, the four of us simply went. (But, because Luke really wants to go with my dad -- Luke, Kate, my dad, and I will be returning to the fair later this week during a weekday...ssshhhh...Luke doesn't know this for sure yet -- though he's had a hint of information about it). Had it not been for the fact that we absolutely promised Luke a year ago that we'd go back (he had a GREAT time last year), I don't know if we would have tackled it this year with a 3-month old and all. But alas, we did it. This past Saturday had GORGEOUS weather; therefore, the fair was crowded. We parked A LONG ways off....We battled many crowds....But, it was a family memory that Marc and I will carry with us for the rest of our lives, I'm sure :) Here are a bunch of pics (and keep in mind that this was a very "Luke-Centered" trip to the fair; henceforth, there are MANY pics of Luke on some sort of equipment -- Luke's going to have a bit of a change in a few years when his little sister has an opinion. For the time being, however, Kate was simply along for the ride).

AND, the combines, tractors, lawnmowers, skid steers, and excavators....

AND, to prove Kate was still with us....

And, for you local readers....there was a bit of a local celebrity at the fair that day....Ross Janssen and his dog, Millie -- from Channel 12....For the second year in a row, Luke talked with Ross and petted Millie....

Marc & Luke rode the little train together while I sat on a bench and fed Kate (and consequently had a LOVELY conversation with an older woman -- LOVE when that happens)....

AND, we took a little stroll through some of the animal "barns."

While looking at cattle, I made the comment to Marc that I'd never seen such groomed cows (ready for showing). Marc simply made the statement that he was simply thinking about how good the cow would be on his plate....Marc -- always thinking about food :)

Was it crazy busy that day? YEP! Did it take some tactical planning to take a 3-month old and a 4 year-old to the crowded fair? YEP! Were Marc and I frustrated a time or two with Luke's whining? YEP! Was it worth it? YEP! FAMILY MEMORIES, I say! Will we be able to look back at that day fondly? I HOPE SO! (Actually, I already am now, and had it been that bad, I wouldn't be taking Luke and Kate back in a few days with my dad).

That previous pic was of our two strollers parked near some tractors. Yes, we could get a double stroller. Don't worry -- we will be -- most likely at Christmas! We're planning on purchasing a double jogging stroller. We'd purchase one that is compatible with infant carriers now, BUT our particular infant carrier is not compatible. Because Luke is 4 years old and often doesn't ride in a stroller anymore (the State Fair has A LOT of walking -- the stroller went for Luke), we're not planning on purchasing a double stroller that is NOT used for walking/running....(This entire last paragraph was to defend myself against any comments that might happen about us taking two separate strollers to the fair)....

Just a few pics to end this post....because I had them on my camera :)