Topsfield Fair

Look! I'm back so soon!

Alex and Cecily and I went to the Topsfield Fair a few days ago. I was expecting something a little larger (think Illinois State Fair) and in that respect, was a little disappointed. But we did get to see some animals, watch part of a draft horse pulling competition, had some fair food, and wandered through some display barns. It was fun, but next year I am setting my sights higher (Big E, anyone? I'll drive.)

A few pictures from the event:

Actually, this wasn't from the event. This was the ward's annual clambake at Crane Beach. I couldn't go this year (boo!) but Alex and his hair and Cecily had a great time. 

Over the last week, I noticed that Cecily had a scab on her forehead and nose, a scratch on her cheek, a bruise on her eyebrow, and a red bump on her head. I only know how she got one of those. The perils of toddlerhood.

My hat has served me so well. I have stuffed it in the diaper bag so many times that it resembles a limp pickle (is there such a thing?) but I really don't care.

Sand sculpture: Topsfield Fair:: butter sculpture: Illinois State Fair.

What happens if it rains?

Ok, this is why we went. Cecily needs to see these animals so when we get our own someday she will already be up and running. She did love petting the sheep and at times, pushed other kids that came up to pet "her" sheep. I wasn't happy that she was pushing other kids, but I was happy that she cared so much!

Baa ram ewe

Why does this calf have an earring mom?

Maybe after the goats and sheep and ducks and chickens are settled, we can get a couple beehives too. 

The pumpkin that could feed me for a year. How about that for food storage? 

Don't be fooled. She loved it. 

Recap

Hi friends! I haven't posted for a while but we had a great summer. We are all sad that is over especially since Alex's schedule is about to get crazy again. Our garden did fairly well. We got a lot of blackberries and tomatoes mostly and a few crops of beans. We were able to put in some flower beds and plants some perennials and an herb garden. 

My parents were here for a week and we loved having them. Papa and Alex put in a new swing on the maple stump for Cecily, which she loves. I will have to get a picture of that later.

 Cecily enjoyed digging in the sand at Crane Beach.  Sand flew all about with her little digging fingers and dad helped her get it out of her mouth more than once.

She was also way more adventurous than I was getting into the frigid water. 

We explored the grounds of the mansion on the hill overlooking the beach. 

 My dad was in his element at the battleship museum. We toured a cruiser, destroyer, submarine, and probably something else. Not Cecily's favorite.

Cecily did, however, enjoy exploring John Adam's farm in Quincy with her dad while the rest of us saw the inside of the house. So when I buy my five acre hobby farm someday, she will be in heaven. So will I.

 Until then, we will just enjoy open space when we have it.