State Fair 2014

As usual, we had great fun at the Texas State Fair! The girls were really good and I feel like I was able to be more relaxed this year than I've been in a long while--  since having kids I guess. It's no secret that Avery's special needs have changed me in a lot of ways, but especially my stress level. That's a whole 'nother post though!

We started the trip off right with a great nap and an introduction to headphones, plus a little movie (not sure if you've heard of it) called Frozen. All of these things made the time pass by ever so pleasantly!

For the first time in many years, Avery did NOT have a meltdown for the very last 30 minutes of the car ride! I believe our girl is growing up. 

We stayed with the very wonderful Rob & Christine Patterson, who were perfect hosts and doted so much on my sweet girls. We also got to visit with Granddaddy, which is always a special treat. AND we had the most beeee-autiful weather for Fair day, after two years of cold and rain! 

Putting the girls in matching outfits always gives me quite the thrill. They looked so cute. Some of you might notice that Uncle Rob is acting pretty silly right behind us. He thinks he's pretty funny ;)

One of the first things we did was visit the "Little Hands"Farm, which teaches kids about life on the farm. They get aprons and baskets and do things like gather eggs and veggies and pretend-milk the cows!

Both girls highly enjoyed riding on the Farm's little tractors.

We got to visit the cows, sheep, horsies and some very nice goats. They even tolerated some petting.

Avery liked the chickies!

 I always enjoy seeing the baby piggies. Maddie really wanted to pet them.

The car buildings did not disappoint this year. Maddie would stay and just pretend-drive cars all day if we let her.

We got to sample the award winning "Fried Sweet Texas" in one of these buildings. The official description:

"Fresh pie dough filled with crunchy pecan pie, juicy peach cobbler, and creamy buttermilk pie. It is then deep fried until the crust is golden brown and flaky, and then served up with a side of Texas’ own Blue Bell Vanilla Ice Cream."

My description: Yum.

I thought Maddie did a great job walking all day. Avery was in her stroller but we didn't take one for M. She managed to hitch a few rides though.

We always save the games and rides for last. Maddie played the pick-a-duck game and won a prize. I tried to flip chickens in the pot but no luck. Mike tried the basketball shot game and won a huge stuffed animal doggie. Just what we needed!

I was excited because Avery rode the choo choo train with me and ended up liking it :))) Maddie rode the most rides. She got to do the elephants with me, then another ride with Aunt Shannon, one with daddy and two with Uncle Rob! She's a brave girl.

We didn't get any good family pics this year with Big Tex, but we did get this gem. Technically it is with Big Tex.

And this one is pretty awesome too.

BAAAAAA