Great day at the Fair!

I just had to write about a few happenings surrounding the State Fair this year. We typically go every year as a family tradition. In the past, we have normally taken off a Wednesday or Thursday that are less crowded. However, this year school is more difficult for the kids so we took their normal fair day to go and fight the crowds (yes, even on a Monday).

Here are some brief notes:
* When I asked Caris (3 year old) what animals she wanted to see at the Fair, she said "horsies and hippos." I'm not sure where she got "hippos" from, but I assured her that we would accomplish half of her goals.
* Caris was deathly afraid of Big Tex . . . until we got home, then she talked a good game. We kept reminding her that he's just a big puppet and can't move.
* People-watching is too much fun at an event like the Fair, but it sure challenges me to not be judgmental -- you can't judge a book by it's cover.
* We missed the Marine Corp band this year for the first time in awhile. So, I didn't cry at this Fair.
* We got the traditional turkey leg and corny dogs, but missed the homemade root beer and funnel cake.
* We spent just over $50 for tickets, parking, and food. We skipped the midway (rides and games) as usual but we normally spend $50 or more just on food so we did really well this year.
* As a family, we love the Creative Arts section, my grandmother got me into quilts and there are always some great one's at the fair, my wife likes it all, and Cooper likes the drawings, pictures, and everything creative. Heather has got to enter some of her scrapbook pages next year!
* I am always amazed at how rude people can be in crowds and busy places. Just watch where you're walking and if you do step on someone or bump into them, then say "sorry" or "excuse me!"
* The Jonas Brothers were in concert during the afternoon. Disney is brilliant at marketing. Dude, can young girls scream!
* We watched some pigs being shown just for the flavor of the Fair. They use this riding whip looking thing to direct the pigs where to walk -- smack 'em on the right side of the face and they turn left and vice versa. One pig wasn't buying into this plan and the 12-year old girl basically punched the huge animal in the snout. The pig finally realized that he was bigger but that girl could cause more pain. We told the kids that looked like a good idea and we should try that method at our house but they buy into that plan either.

When I was a kid, I remember going to the Fair and eating corny dogs and playing surprisingly competitive games of tic-tac-toe against a chicken. The fair grounds haven't changed significantly so it's fun to take my own kids on less traveled paths behind the barns. If you are from out of state or have never been to the State Fair of Texas, you can check out www.bigtex.com but only being there will give you the full effect.