Veritable Smorgasbord

Where I grew up, the local fair is a Big Deal.  

So, when I heard about the Puyallup Fair here in Western Washington, I thought it would be a great family activity.  Mark wasn't so sure.  Turns out, he says he's never been to a fair.  NEVER BEEN TO A FAIR??!?  Definitely a situation in need of remedying (is that even a word?).

Saturday afternoon we braved the return of rainy weather and met up with my cousin Mandy and her family at the Fairgrounds.  Mandy and her husband Skyler are professional fair attendees, so they generously offered to be our guides.  Plus, they brought their two boys, so my kids had built-in friends.

When we first arrived (and were waiting for our cousins), Aubree saw a "Puyallup Fair Museum" building. "Can we go inside?" she asked expectantly.

That's my girl!  Bryce and Mark were less enthusiastic, so they split off to watch Billy and the Hillbillies perform. 

It only took a few minutes to wander through the museum, but I was so impressed with how interested Aubree was in the things that she saw and how quickly she was able to make connections.  For example, there were a couple old type-writers on display.  "Aubree," I asked, "have you ever heard of a type-writer before?"

"Of course!" she answered, "that's what Kit [the American Girl] used."

Meanwhile, Mark and Bryce were loving their "concert"/comedy show.

Next we perused the animal barns.  The piglets, alpacas, and cows were big hits with the younger set.

Thane referred to everything as "dog," but seemed excited nonetheless.

Aubree and Bryce even had a chance to practice their milking skills.

Even better than milking, is tasting what can be made from said milk.  Thane quickly mastered his licking skills and was heartbroken when it was all gone.

Bryce also enjoyed his cone.

And when I say enjoyed, I mean ENJOYED.

The only biggest problem with the Fair was that there was so much to see and do, and not nearly enough time.  The kids loved it.

And what about Mark?  Well, when it was time to go (because I had another commitment that evening) he said, "no, let's stay a little longer! You can be a little late."
I'd say he's a convert, since he's already planning next year's trip.