Minnesota State Fair!

It's by far the greatest highlight of the year in Minnesota: The Minnesota State Fair!  Also known as The Great Minnesota Get-Together, this "Twelve Days of Fun" is an iconic event in our state.  Minnesotans are passionate about the Fair.  They talk about it and look forward to it throughout the year and lament its passing as the gates close each Labor Day.

Recently we were at a comedy show and the comedian was doing a bit about holidays and said, "You know the problem with August?  There are no holidays in August," to which a person in the audience shouted, "The Fair's in August!"  I cannot think of a better way to describe how Minnesotans feel about this event: it's like an extended holiday!

So we were excited for the chance to attend the Fair this year, and furthermore excited that some dear friends from med school drove up from Chicago so we could all go together!  An event like the Minnesota State Fair is meant to be shared with friends, and these particular friends know how to do it right :)  We ate tons of Fair food and saw the animals and let the kids enjoy some rides.  We didn't get the chance to see some of the shows, but there's always next year :)

Our friends were so excited about the Fair that they came all the way from Chicago with their 3-week old baby in tow!  That's right.  Aren't they amazing?

Caleb tried his first mini-donut.  

It was a proud moment for this donut-loving Mama :)

And he kept asking for more!  

He was like a baby bird, opening his mouth for the next bite :)

Gotta love the sugar-smacked lips!

Eli took Caleb on the Giant Slide.  It wasn't until they were at the bottom and no longer moving that it hit him - that was kinda scary! - and then he started crying.  Oops....

Sweet Martha's Cookies!  

This is the only excuse I need to go to the Fair.  It's one of the first stops we make every time, immediately followed by the $1 all-you-can-drink milk stand, white or chocolate.  This is my heaven on earth :)

  

Unfortunately, because Caleb skipped his morning nap to attend the Fair with us, he completely melted by lunchtime and we had to leave early and let our friends finish the Fair without us.  I actually wasn't too sad because I was getting overheated and uncomfortable - as it turns out, walking long distances in the summer sun is not the greatest idea for a pregnant woman to do :)  While it's a short walk back to my in-law's house (they live only 1/2 mile from the Fairgrounds), we had to stop a couple times in the shade just so I could catch my breath and cool down a bit.  I was really hot, but we made it back and I drank some cold water and sat in front of a fan for awhile.  Then I dozed and dreamed of Sweet Martha's Cookies :)  Mmmm....