Great State Fair of TEXAS!!!!

Big Tex says HOWDY FOLKS!!!

Scott, Austin and I are pretty lucky that the State Fair of Texas is so close to us (~30 minute drive) and so we go every year.  Although we took Austin to the fair last year, this was by far the best year yet!!    It's so much fun as parents to watch our son get so excited about rides, food, the cars and all the commotion that typically goes on during the Great State Fair of Texas. 

The first thing we did was tour all of the cars and trucks they had on display.  It's definately a MUST SEE!!! 

This is what it will be in about 14 years - after Austin gets a job LOL!

This year Austin was old enough for the tiny Texans exhibits.  It was so much fun to watch his whole face light up with excitement!  Just like any normal 'almost' 2-year-old there were some tiring times like wanting to run free and not hold our hands, impatience, etc. but seeing him interact with the exhibits  - especially the ones designed for kids made up for it!!  Every year there is a show called, "Backyard Circus" and since Austin was old enough to be able to enjoy it we made sure we were around that part of the fair so he didn't miss out.  However, we got there ~30 min early to get front row seats which was a good thing for the seat selection but bad because how do you explain to a 19 month old that we have to wait patiently for the real fun to begin?! Here are some pictures of Austin waiting patiently. 

 Being goofy:

Austin pointing to the tire/wheel saying, "BALL!"  lol

This was Austin as he was watching the Backyard Circus.  It's so exciting to see the look of pure joy in your sons eyes!!  This was the first highlight of momma's day - seeing my son so excited.  He was clapping, yelling along, and jumping up in down in joy!

THEN we made it over to the Midway for food, games and fun.  For all you Texan Fair fans, you know the Midway = trying out all the Fried "X", Fried "Y" and Fried "Z" you can find LOL  They have Fried Snickers (Carolyn aka: Grammie's Favorite), Fried PB&J, Fried Cheesecake, Fried DrPepper (Fancy!?!?), Fried twinkies, you name it - they've got it.  This year's new fried item was Fried Butter!  Must be good, Oprah said it was "Heavenly"  My favorite as well as Scott's is the Fried Oreos. Since I know Austin likes regular oreos I thought we'd give him one to try.  What do you think - Did he like it?

checking it out. . .

Taking a little taste. . .

So what's your guess, did he like it or not?

The midway also has some rides for the little ones as well as the little ones at heart.  Although there were not very many rides that Austin could go on the ones he did go on he loved!!  Most required that you be 34 - 36 in or taller and since he was only 31 at his 15 month appt it wasn't happening.  There were some rides that required the child to be only 30 inches or taller but most were spinners (ie: things that make Austin's momma ill LOL), so even though Austin went on 2 rides - he loved every minute of it!

Scott and I see this every year and every year we say we won't do it.  This year we did that and Carolyn (MIL) even did it with me for a second time. 

Then Scott and I went into one of the Fun houses!  Here I am being goofy in front of the cRaZy mirror.

Austin (with Grammie and Grandpa) waving at us from the Fun House Balcony

I love seeing comparison pictures on other friends' blogs so I thought I'd do the same:

Last Year ( 7 1/2 months)

This Year (19 1/2 mo):

Last Year:

This Year: (disclaimer: as Scott was looking at the blog before I hit Publish all he could muster was - "Am I wearing the same shirt two years in a row!?!  That's Asinine!"  LOL!)

Last Year:

This Year:

There will be another blog - and even more pictures - to come!  So in true Big Texan fashion: "Come Back Now, Ya hear!"