We went to the NC State Fair this morning.  Being a native of Raleigh, we’ve been to the fair a lot.  But we didn’t go in 2009 because Ashley was just born and we didn’t go in 2010 because Ashley was too young to enjoy it.  So this year we were really excited to take her.  She loves animals and will tell you what sounds they make so we thought it would be fun to show her all of the farm animals up close.  It’s one thing seeing them in her books, but another to see them in person.  Not to mention all the good eats and people watchin’ to be had!

So off we went.  And let me just say that the morning is the best time to go to the fair!  Van and I always went at night (when you’re young, that’s a fun time to go).  But you see so much more in the daytime and it’s not as crowded in the morning.  It was perfect!  Ashley was a little reserved at first.  It’s a lot for a 2-year old to take in.  But once we walked around some, she got used to it and was ready to walk herself instead of being carried.  She pointed to all of the rides, balloons, flags, etc.  She especially loved watching all of the fast rides.  We saw Mrs. Chick-fil-A Cow (did you know there was a Mrs.?  I didn’t.  I’ve only seen Mr. Cow).    We even bumped into some friends from our MOPS group.  But Ashley’s favorite part of the fair was visiting the farm animals.  It was so cool seeing her associate the real animals with the ones I have taught her from her books.  We saw cows, pigs, goats, chickens, a horse, a mule, turkeys, ducks, roosters, and probably some others that I can’t think of at the moment.

A “must-do” for me at the fair is to get a candy apple from Miss Debbie’s Specialty Apples.  I always get an Appletini one but they didn’t have that flavor made yet this morning, so I got a Tar Heel one instead.  I’m sure it will be just as good!  Other good eats we got were corn on the cob, funnel cake, gyro, corn dog, and some NSCU ice cream.  We actually got 2 milkshakes at the NC State ice cream place.  One for me and one for Ashley   And no, we did not get a Krispy Kreme bacon cheeseburger or deep fried Kool Aid.  Call me crazy, but those just don’t sound appealing to me…pregnant or not!