State Fair Fun

This was our first trip to the Kansas State Fair as a family. Toby and I have been talking about it since we got married but finally got around to it. We had to start at the livestock barns. We saw people grooming sheep, goats, and cattle for the show. Then we were "grossed-out" at the K-State Animal Birth Center. We moved quickly though the poultry and rabbits so we could see the alpaca's fleece being spun into yarn. We had a lot of fun in 'Ag Land' crawling through the soil tunnel, comparing different grains, driving a mock combine, and milking a cow. Toby and I pulled Greg through the commercial barns. Greg picked one ride for us to enjoy, the train of course. Greg had to sit in every boat, tractor, 3-wheeler, motorcycle, and lawn mower in the "big boy's toys" commercial area. We introduced Greg to Pronto Pups and Funnel Cakes. I was the only parent to wear the paper sack hat that their child made at Do Art.

The Pumpkin Carvers

We love pumpkins! Greg loves to go out into the pumpkin patch and pick them right off the vine. Our first adventure was to the Priest Pumpkin Patch in Winfield, KS. We were one of the first customers of the season to walk thought their fields of large green leaves and orange pumpkins. Look at all this variety in their farmer's market area!

Last year Greg and I had so much fun at Walter's Pumpkin Patch, that Toby decided to take a day off of work to go with us this year. Walter's Pumpkin Patch has so much to do. First we rode on a wagon pulled by a tractor to the pumpkin patch to pick our pumpkin.

We also got to slide down pumpkin hill on a saucer sled, jump on the giant inflatable pumpkin, play in the corn, pet the goats, ride adult and child-sized tricycles, go through corn and hay mazes. Greg also climbed this rope ladder. I was so proud of him! He did it with very little help.

We did Bergmann's Corn Maze, but I don't have any pictures of that. We went at night. It was fun, but I must give you some warnings. Expect mud. Bring your own flashlight. Be prepared to carry your 2 yo. You must pay for the inflatables advertised on their web-site with cash. Don't rely on the info in the web-site; call to confirm their hours of operation.

This year we participated in the pumpkin carving party at the zoo. That was so much fun. We each carved a pumpkin for the Night of the Living Zoo celebration. It was a cold night. Next time we will make sure to wear more layers and bring gloves. They did provide some piping hot chocolate. Just in case you can't tell, the pumpkins are dotty, kissing grommies, and a dog's face.

The Elusive Girl Cow

I haven't told you about "Girl Cow" yet. She showed up at our house early in August. No, we haven't acquired a new pet. Girl Cow is Greg's first imaginary friend. Girl Cow plays with Greg, sleeps in his bed, rides with us in the car... We've learned that she is small enough for Greg to hold in his hand. She's a dairy cow, white with black spots. Greg has added to his circle of imaginary friends to include several cartoon characters, but Girl Cow was the first. Tonight at Tricks not Treats I had to explain to Greg that since the workers couldn't see Girl Cow, she couldn't get a bag of candy. He decided to share his candy. BTW, I am so proud of the little boy Greg is becoming. He was so polite at Tricks not Treats tonight. He said "thank you," "excuse me," "please," and patiently waited his turn.