County Fairs.

We're pretty biased when it comes to fairs. As far as these hillbillies are concerned, the best fair is in Henry County, Ohio. Really. We had the biggest barns, best animals, longest parades, a queen and princess of just about everything you could think of including the royal Tomato-Head-Queen (I called her Tomato Head, really it's just Tomato Queen. You can tell I was never queen of anything.). There is a big circle midway for lots of walking and cane cracking (I think the walking sticks have been outlawed?). And, the grandstand announcer would say absolutely anything you asked to be announced...like calling people to the hog barn. Troy's friends used to do their school shopping at the fair grandstand for concert tshirts! This fair still has the best milkshake stand ever and so many good food wagon choices that your head would spin...Fay's Taco Wagon and the Texas Tenderloin barn. mmmhhmm. My mouth waters.

The kids got to spend some summer time with Gramma Gayla and Grampa Steve. And, luckily for them it was over fair week and with all of their cousins. Unfortunately for mom and dad, Gramma Gayla has a weakness for nearly any of her grandchildrens' requests. We think she used up all of her "no"s with her own children. I'm not sure how many attempts it took but somehow Nate and Tessa won the coveted goldfish. Mom and Dad were secretly hoping they would D-I-E in Ohio, but we weren't so lucky. So, we have welcomed two goldfish to our family. Nate named his Skipper. Tessa named hers Marble. Gramma Gayla generously got them fish bowls with stones and fish food. We are now learning responsibility around here. Dad and I are pretty sure the lesson in death is near.

The following pictures are courtesy of Gramma Gayla.

Rainy day and they go to the germ infested, sexual predator haven known as Chuck E Cheese. All the kids pooled their tickets and got bunch of candy.

Playing dress up L to R: Nate is the spiderman/statue of liberty, Keaton in the middle back, Haley with rainbow mask, Cole with football hat in front, and Tessa with the fake teeth.Cole and Nate hanging out with big Cousin Keaton and doing some cool skateboard tricks. Where is the safety gear, Gramma?

Tessa driving truck at the HCF.

Nate and Cole

Miss T seeing how she measures up.

Back for more with Cousin Christian.

Nate, Christian and Tessa.

Aunt Kelly and Cousin Christian on the Merry Go Round.

This kids with a bunch of fair loot.

Tess and Marble.

Nate and Skipper

Fair food! Yay! Look! A elephant ear, fries, milkshakes...all my favorite!