Well, not this year. I cannot express how much I love living in Idaho! I cannot imagine living anywhere else. There is so much this place gives to my soul that I will stay for. Travel? Yes, I long to do that, but move? Nope! The Fair was a great example of why!
Sunday morning was like any other, get up, eat, get ready for church. Church, then home for lunch. Yum. But on our way home, we passed the fairgrounds. Daunika instantly noticed it was full of rides and asked to go there 'right now'.
We went home and ate yummy lunches then packed up and headed to the fair! We were parked by 1:45 and we didn't make it back home until nearly 10:30! During that time we did not ride a single ride, we did not eat any overpriced junk at the fair, we did not spend crazy amounts of money... but we laughed deeply and watched wonder and joy in our childrens eyes. It was AMAZING!
What in the heck would a fair in Idaho be without TRACTORS!!!!!!
Classic John Deere colors!
Next to the small tractor display was one of my favorite parts... The old engine expo. It really was fascinating to watch all of these antique work so well. Damon and the girls really enjoyed it too! Late 1800's and early 1900's machinery. It really makes your realize how far we've come and how COOL things are!
Hand crank corn cob remover. Very cool.
Moose enjoyed his ride in the Ergo for awhile. What a gorgeous husband I have wearing his boy as they check out the antique tools on display!
Not only did we enjoy the small tractors earlier... but there was really nifty big tractors. So big that the girls settled for a small one again.
We got a really great laugh when we spent over 30 minutes with the antique tractors and THEN really got excited when we saw the Ag expo tent. (Idaho Agricultural Expo Tent). I mean, we both genuinely enjoyed learning all sorts of different facts. We strong feel called to an agricultural lifestyle and are working hard at achieving those goals.
Outside of the Ag tent were these really cute cut outs!
Next on the list.... ANIMALS!!!!!!!!!!!
Despite my home being 'over run with animals' already, we love them! Daunika will just miss the cut off next year for 4-H, but we plan on enrolling her in 4-H the following year at age 6. The animals at the Fair are fantastic. Here is our findings at the small pet expo - Chickens, Roosters, Rabbits, Cats and Genuine Pigs!
This is the incubator. Tiny eggs, with what will someday be laying hens. These are beautiful and Aurora was very interested in watching them. Its beautiful to watch the pecking happen from the inside and suddenly -crack! a little beak begins to appear. Just stunning to watch.
Then the chicks are moved into this warm area. Say HELLO!
They grow into beautiful animals!
And they got to meet many many 4-H children that took care of their beautiful pets.
Watching horses being warmed up or cooled down was so fun. The girls got to see so many horses and this wonderful 10 year old let them pet her horse.
We moved onto diary cows after horses... they were so gentle and kind. The kids loved it! Even Damon learned that cattle could be gentle and personable!!
And what would a day be if Declan didn't see animals too?
Although I'm not certain he was anything but 50% thrilled 50% terrified. No tears though!
Theres so much we enjoyed that I can't sum up for the blog... but I hope you enjoyed the pictures and captured a bit of the beautiful time we had.
Blessings!
Just a thought- if your little one is five during the 4-H year she can still be a cloverbud. They're not restrained by their age on January 1st like the regular 4-H kids are. They don't actually get to compete, it's more just a good learning experience for them, which means the age is much more flexible.
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