Thursday, December 1, 2011

Fall Festivities -- State Fair of Texas

In Texas, the State Fair is a BIG deal.

In preschool, they spent a few days learning about the State Fair of Texas and even had off one day for Fair Day. Tanner made a poster of the mascot, Big Tex, just as big as himself and he couldn't wait to see Big Tex in person. However, he immediately got scared when Big Tex started to talk. And I don't think he had any idea of how big "Big Tex" really was.


Down on the Farm

They have a cute exhibit where kids get to go through the motions of working on the farm -- planting seeds, watering the crops, feeding the animals, gathering the eggs, harvesting the fruits/veggies, and then delivering the goods to the market -- in exchange for money they use to buy a treat.

All these activities are right up Tanner's alley. He LOVED it!


Planting a seed in the dirt

Can what Tanner's favorite part was??? Riding on a tracker!



Petting Zoo

It's not every day you get to feed and pet a giraffe, zebra, you name it! Or see baby piglets just a few days old.

We also went to the horticulture building to see llamas and other sheep-like animals (can't even remember the names) getting their hair trimmed for upcoming competition. After they were sheered, they wore specials jackets to keep their coat soft and masks so they don't eat shavings -- they're on a strict diet. Never knew how intense these competitions can be...

We saw the fattest, biggest pig too. If I had to guess, it was over 10 feet long.


Lil Rodeo

Tanner got to be a real 'cowboy' and participate in his first rodeo.

Tanner had to rope a "cow" and be the first to knock it down. He didn't really know what was going on and gave me that look "why the heck did you make me do this" beforehand. Can't help it, it's what moms do best.
But he made a new friend. And enjoyed riding on a "horse."

Car Show

We also watched the Ultimate Dog Show and Mother Goose Story time.

On a whim, I decided to let Tanner have a peak at the car show. And honestly, this was his favorite part. Who needs rides or deep fried food anyways?

He could have stayed here the entire day. He was so enthralled. And for once, they don't mind if you pretend to take a test drive the real-deal.