Indiana State Fair

We rode the train down to the State Fair again this year. (Almost missed the train due to running a little late...)

Brendan had a great time, "riding the rails" and Katelyn enjoyed herself too. They were only a little wild and crazy, but luckily we were among a lot of other families/kids.
Brendan liked seeing the train pull back out of the station, but didn't enjoy the loud horn and was also then sad when it was no longer there. 



First stop of the day...baby pigs! 





Then onto the dairy barn where they had an information session going about how the milk gets from the cow to the grocery.  Brendan was intrigued for a few minutes as to where his milk comes from, but it wasn't long enough for the whole demo. 


Then we checked out the DNR building...Brendan was checking out the fish...luckily he did not fall into the pond!


Then there was time to feed the goats.  This might have been one of Brendan's favorite parts.  He got to help put the quarters in the machine and then turn the knob.   One goat had the machine figured out and his pen was close enough to it, that he could just eat out of the machine and wouldn't let you get the food out for any other goats.  We luckily only put money in that one once!

Katelyn enjoyed her turn too!   I love the second picture in that she looks surprised! 




We briefly visited the small barn near the Little Hands on the Farm exhibit, but it was super crowded. 


But they did have a baby lamb...9 days old, I think. 
Little Hands on the Farm
After getting their baskets, the kids got some corn & soy beans to feed the pigs.





Then they each got hats. Of course Katelyn wore hers...at least for a little bit.

Then they got to plant some seeds...



...and then harvest the vegetables from their garden.


Then they were able to pick some apples...they had a hard time picking just one...















Turkey Hill was kind enough to provide us with free ice cream samples (as well as plenty of coupons for their ice creams) in addition to the $2 admission to the Fair. The kids enjoyed theirs as much as Mommy & Daddy.




Then it was time to head to the Midway. We have never taken the kids on any rides before, so this was a big first. I wasn't sure that Brendan would actually want to ride something. Initially, we were going to try to ride the Ferris Wheel, but I freaked out a little bit about the kids being up so high. Call me whatever you want, but when Brendan decides he doesn't want to do something and throws a fit, I'd rather it not be 50 some feet in the air without "seat belts". :)

But he loved the dragon rollercoaster! He was so excited when he got off and was jumping up & down telling me & Katelyn that he rode the dragon ride. :)





Brendan (& myself!) weren't so sure about the Strawberry ride...think Teacups at Disney

Katelyn on the other hand, enjoyed herself! :)


The carousel, as always, was a hit.

The the boys rode on the semi truck ride in an attempt to use up all of our ride tickets before catching the train. We had a hard time finding rides that Brendan was tall enough to ride.

The kids both made it home on the train awake, but poor Katelyn fell asleep before we could even get the van out of the parking spot...