Madeline goes to the fair

Madeline and mommy and daddy ventured out to the county fair for the first time yesterday (July 28th). First Madeline enjoyed a tasty hot-dog bun, french fries, Gold Fish crackers and milk with mommy at the 4-H Diner. The waitress said Maddie was "adorable."

Then Maddie got her first look at the midway, which was super crowded and full of kids! She was excited to see so many people, but a little apprehensive of the big rides wooshing overhead. She looked up at them with an unsure look on her face, but she didn't cry - she's too brave for that!

And then it was off to the livestock barns. First Maddie saw a 4-H sheep show. She giggled and pointed at the sheep tied to the rails.

From there, we went to the pig barn and Maddie got her first look at a REAL pig -- just like the ones in her story books!!! Oink! Oink!

Pew!!! Stinky Piggy!!!

After we wheeled around the pig barn for a little bit, we went to go visit the little goats. This little guy wanted to get a closer look at Madeline's red stroller. He said "Baaaa!" at Madeline, but I don't think she really noticed him. She was more intent on looking at the little Pygmy goats in the next pen.

Hungry, little fella?

The big ol' ducks held Madeline's attention for a little while. They quacked and sifted through their water bowls while we watched them.

Hey that kinda looks like Dimity Duck, Madeline!

Of course there were rows and rows of bunny rabbits! Madeline wanted to touch them all and she did eventually get to stick her finger in the cage and poke one unsuspecting rabbit in the back. He hopped away quickly after she jabbed him with her little pointer finger. Sorry, bunny!!!

Look at his big red eyes, daddy!

There were gobs of chickens - fancy chickens, ordinary chickens, big chickens and little chickens. Madeline liked all of the chickens and even got to hear a rooster crow.

Chickens are tasty, daddy! Yum! Grill me up a chicken!!!

Before we left the rabbit/chicken barn, we took a look at the guinea pigs. This curious little bugger wanted to nibble on Madeline's finger. Daddy made sure those pretty little fingers didn't get anywhere near those nasty little chompers!

Mommy says I can't have one of these stinky things! NO WAY!

Before we left for the night, we stopped to check out the moo-moo's. There was a calf or two that we wanted to bring home because they were tooooo cute. But when we saw the big bruisers on the other side...

Whoa, cow! You are FAT!

I think I will poke you with my sharp, little finger! Poke poke, moo-moo!

If this is what the little baby cows turn into, no thanks - no cows for Madeline.

We sure did enjoy our day at the fair! We got to see all sorts of animals that Maddie has only seen in her books and on TV. What a day to remember! Next year, maybe Madeline will be big enough to ride the Merry-go-round... but only if Mommy rides with her!!!