Texas State Fair -- 2015

Generally in years past, we have either gone to the fair with all of Seth's family--parents and brother's family, or Seth has gone with them and I've stayed home (2010 and 2012 specifically ;-), but last year, when there was 11 of us, we realized it was just too big of a group to walk around together. We couldn't stay together because we were too big of a crowd and that's a lot of people with different fair "needs" and we had a hard time fitting everyone in. 

This year, Seth and I decided we wanted to be able to spend more time at the fair since it's our last non-real-school year and wanted to go with just Kim and David. David ended up having knee surgery a week before we had planned to go, so he wasn't able to join us, but Kim was. And I'm so thankful she came!! It is SO helpful to have that extra adult around to watch a kid or sit by the stroller or hang onto something. She even changed Carson while we were there!

Per tradition, she bought the boys some tickets right off the bat and we went through the car buildings first. I actually wanted to look at one and so did Seth and we ended up having to double-back to go through the other building to get to see both. This whole time, Austin is begging to be able to go on rides. I kept reminding him that we had tickets, that we would definitely do that, but that they are on the other end, so it would be awhile. After doing a few things, I had to suggest we just skip ahead to the rides and get them over with so I could stop hearing about it! gah! 

We're ready to hit the fair!

Big Tex. Go Dickies!

We stopped at this kids section to take some fun pictures, watch a marionette, see animals, and get the boys tattoos. The whole time Austin kept asking for rides so we went there next.

tatoos!

And then we were at the rides! 

Each rode three. Two together and then one each on their own. All of their own choosing.

Here's a video of Austin riding the race cars.

Here's a video of Graham riding the motorcycle.

Here's a video of the boys riding the monster truck.

Here's a video of the boys riding this plane ride.

We went to play some games next and did this ball toss one first. It's nearly impossible. They then each picked a duck and subsequently picked like the worst toy ever. (For the parents, that is.)

I can't think of what it's called, but we went to the fake farm next. I stayed outside with Carson and sat enjoying the people watching. The boys had a blast inside with Seth and Nonnie.

Is he doing the Aggie thumb thing already?

When they were done with that, we decided it was time to get some food and position ourselves for the parade. We didn't know that the picnic table we sat down at was right on the parade route, but now that we do, we'll probably do this again next year. Perfect spot. Chairs. Table to eat on. Etc. It was an amazing time, just sitting and enjoying the fair foods and chatting.

At one point, they tool turns blowing the trumpet and walking circles on here.
I bet people loved us

Awesome Sweet Tea. Awesome Sleeping Carson.

When that was over, we moved over to see the light show. It was different this year and SUCKY. If that doesn't change back, we won't stay again next year. The swords Nonnie bought the boys were pretty awesome though, and the boys love dancing to some music

Everyone looks good, but Carson is awesome in this picture.

Here's a short video of the bigs dancing to the music before the light show.