The Pennsylvania Farm Show

Oops!  We did it again.

That's right, each year we say that we are never going to go back and before you know it, we are walking through the doors and wondering how we ended up there.

As mentioned the other day, I took tons of photos.  I'm learning how to take photos and then delete the ones that I don't care for or don't mean anything at all.  That's difficult for me because for one thing, most of the pictures are of my kids and every time I hit "delete", I  have a "Sofie's Choice" moment.  Minus the Nazis.

Fred and I were set not to go at all until both John and Claire read that the Show was on.  Damn those billboards!  They bugged us and we gave in.  But we were determined to make the best of it.  So we loaded the kids into the mini-van and off we went.  It's so close that the car doesn't even have time to warm up.  We leave the bulky jackets in the car and then jump onto the shuttle from the parking lot.

We arrived at 10a.m. and this was the crowd coming in.  It's not too bad.  By Noon, you could not see any of the floor.  This is one of the reasons that Fred and I don't care for it.  The crowd is overwhelming and keeping track of the little ones makes it very difficult to maneuver through the building.

But no time to stop and smell the roses.  It was off to see the animals.

I wonder if I could find a job just just taking pictures of chickens?  I'm getting quite good at it.

Don't you love this picture?  He sensed that I was watching him and woke up.  I asked him if I could take a picture of him and his pig.  He said "Okay", very sweetly.  Wasn't that nice of him?

Here's another little boy with his lamb.  I haven't worn Wrangler jeans since I was probably his age.  But if I did wear them, you can bet your sweet bippy that I would wear some cool cowboy boots like his.

And look at this cow giving me the eye. 

And while the kids were looking at the animals, I was checking out some other livestock.

"Giddy-up!"

I must say that I was totally impressed with people's manners this year.  This place is not the place you want to go to if you expect politeness.  It must be the crowds and everyone falling all over each other that makes them rude.  However, this year, when I tripped over someone(a billion times) and apologized, they came back with responses like, "oh, that's okay", "no problem" or actually, "it's my fault, sorry."  I loved it!  We all acted like grown-ups.

But one thing that I did notice a lot and which really disturbed me was the amount of parents texting while their kids were everywhere.  I actually brought this kid back to his dad right after this next photo was taken.

His dad thanked me but I noticed that he went right back to texting.  Perhaps I'm just jealous because I don't text.  I don't know.  No, I do know.  I don't like it for so many other reasons.

And then for the contests! This "lovely" ensemble won Best In Show.

Can you imagine what outfit lost?  I wonder what Tim Gunn would say?  Although Michael Coors would probably love it.  And don't even get me started on Nina Garcia.

Then on to the food judging.  Who doesn't love jarred fruit?

Speaking of Fruits, here are a few more.

And of course we had to shop.  I mean, Christmas was so last month.  My poor children went 15 days without something new.  I feel so bad for them sometimes.  How they suffer.

And now something to eat.

I can only imagine what Deep Fried Oreos are.  I mean, I love Oreos and things deep fried.  But I don't even want to try a deep fried oreo cookie.  That's just wrong.  It goes against God and nature.

Jacob swallowing a hot dog whole.

Here's a wheel.  I just thought that it was cool looking.

Fred accused me of being like the Texters and ignoring the kids just to take pictures.  That's only mostly true.  There were times that I was actually paying attention to them.  Look, if they don't know to stay with me by now, that's their own fault.  Just kidding, people.  Relax!

And look, I actually got a picture of me with two of the boys.

Although Claire took it as me ignoring her.

So I had to give her a cuddle.

And she felt much better.

The Farm Show is way more than animals in stalls.  It has rodeos and square dancing and tons of contests.  We don't stick around for that because of the crowds.  Maybe when the kids get older.

Fred insists on finding a hotel with a pool next year to go to during the Farm Show.  I won't argue with him.

Your Friend, m.

Oh, also!  Thank you for your input on my Blog switching question.  I'm still not sure yet but your comments were very helpful.  m.