More Fair Fun

You know we spent a good deal of our time at the Mathewson Center, but what else is there to do at the Missouri State Fair?  A lot!

One special part of the fair each year is spending time with family and friends. This year my Aunt Aleta joined us for a few days since she was already visiting following Rachel and Stephen's wedding. Mom especially enjoyed showing Aunt Aleta some of our favorite spots at the fair. The Conservation Building is always a big hit with the huge fish tanks and live animal habitats. The kids have always enjoyed the Kids Conservation Center with its hands on activities; although this year they began to think they were too old. Thank goodness for my niece Anna! She drew them in and everyone enjoyed the center again. :)

Marvin, Anna, Mom, Aleta, Jackson, Jonathan

Anna and Jonathan making animal tracks in the sand.

Making a new friend!

W e were so glad that Anna could join us at the fair for a few days. S he was a joy and we all had a great time together.

Anna and Jackson at Gerken Dairy Center

Lots of card playing in the Aruba

card sharks!

Sitting at the grandkids bench... Jackson pointing to the nameplate.

We get to see Uncle Mitch each year.....

 and our dear, dear friends Jim and Linda...

Jim and Linda

Sometimes we get to see more recent friends..... like Jay Nixon....

....and sometimes we see friends with lots and lots of talent!!!!!! Like the band Watching Judas that our friends Eric and Christian Barfield are in. They played at the Baptist Tent and we were thrilled to be able to catch their show.

Eric and Christian

Watching Judas

We also look forward to seeing my talented cousins Joe and Linda dance with their group The Missouri Town Band and Dancers. This year they were able to dance on the new DNR stage at the Women’s Building. They were wonderful, as always!!

Jackson and Joe mutually displaying a slight lowering of their IQ.... :)

And sometimes, the best friend is a brother that you can make memories with - and that is such a big part of why we go to the fair together every year.

Here is a link to an entire album of photos from the whole fair.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/williscreekranch/albums/72157692660520921