Illinois State Fair

By the time the Illinois State Fair rolls around, we are all ready for some fried food on a stick, lemonade shake ups, and the butter cow.  Plus the kids are itching to put their mega passes to use on the various rides. We went to the Fair two times this year (so you will see some clothing changes), and that seems to be the right amount of time to spend at the Fair for us.

First is the traditional picture with Abe.

We enjoyed walking through the large petting zoo tent.

New this year to the Fair were these inflatable globes for the kids to climb into and run around.  It was a heat index over 100*, and the kids emerged drenched in sweat, but they both claim that it was well worth it.

We always take time to milk the cow.  I'm sure that farm kids laugh about paying $1 each to do this!

Ethan was finally tall enough to drive his own bumper car this year, so both kids spent their time racing after each other and then crashing.

Olivia was brave enough to ride the Hang Glider this year, and it became her favorite ride that she rode numerous times.  Ethan took a pass.

Vose's corn dogs.  I do not know why there are any other corn dog stands at the Fair, since these are hands down the best.  The perpetual long line confirms it.

Olivia and Ethan (far left) on the big slide - they love it!  Joe and I take a pass on it since one of the bumps really jars your back (yes, I sound old saying that).

On our first visit to the Fair we took the kids to see Fall Out Boy - a surprisingly excellent concert.

The kids always enjoy Conservation World - archery, homemade root beer, rock wall, and numerous kid friendly tents.

Ethan even paid to get a kiss at the APL kissing booth - such a cute idea!

Olivia and Ethan with the butter cow.

Ethan, Olivia, and Grandpa on the rides.  Grandpa loves to ride all of the fast rides with them, and will even go on the crazier rides without them!  

The love of the crane game must be genetic.

We ended the Fair with a very chilly ride on the Sky Tram.  The first day we attended the Fair was a heat index over 100*.  The second day we attended was a high of about 72*, and by the time we got on the Sky Tram it was in the 50s.  Until next year...