{What's FAIR, is FAIR!}

Ah, the Idaho state fair. That special week each year where one can brave the amazing rides, people-watch the crazy hicks, smell the super-stinky animals, and eat, eat, EAT! What's not to love?

Let's start with the rides. First, the "nail biters" like this train o'death. Todd is really putting on a brave face -- Louis had to do some mighty persuasive talkin' to get his daddy on board.

Thanks goodness Laura has Elyse's bear securely fastened with that super strong rope! Safety first!

Adam chose to face the "Careening Carousel" instead. Now that's the face of a brave man.

Here's Todd and the girls waiting in line for a "real" ride on the roller coaster. The girls were giddy with anticipation!

Then they braved the dragon alone. Everybody knows the last seat is the best one!

Now, Adam really is scared of this one (I believe "flimsy" is his favorite adjective) but Laura and Elyse were not daunted by the Farris wheel! Look Ma! No hands!

Now I didn't take any pictures of the crazy hicks, but I think next year I may have to start. Where do these people hide the other 360 days of the year?!? There was this irresistible cardboard cut out of John Wayne that demanded a little love!

...and while we're on the subject of love, check out this handsome couple!
Louis isn't quite as cooperative as his daddy. But my super-cheesy-extra-enthusiastic smile makes up for his bad attitude, don't you think?

Next up, the animals. We started out small with stuffed bears,

...and then a little visit to Kuzcotopia. Now these guys are adorable! Awww....

Then we ventured into the animal barns. This is where a little self-discovery happened on my part. As much as I want to claim my born-and-raised-Idahoan-farmer-roots,

I just. can't. do it.

These animals are big and intimidating and stinky and dirty (they just poop anywhere they please!) and scary! Elizabeth just barely is taller than the kneecaps of the best of show horse. He's huge!

Now this is better. Nice safe goats.

Turns out my mother is a bit of a horse whisperer. What happened to me?!?

Finally, we get to the food! Now this is the real reason why I come to the fair! We have all the major food groups:

Cotton candy (eaten like father, like daughter!)

Vegetables (this one really is a bona fide food group)! Corn:

The Partyson's really love their roasted corn.

Elyse licks hers like a popsicle!

...and Maren just digs right in!

Somehow I didn't get a picture, but I feel it needs to be documented that Todd likes his corn Nacho Libre style, complete with mayonnaise, parmesan cheese, and chili pepper. Not fibbin'.

Moving on.

Pretty sure this will break all of Laura's rules on "appropriate" photos to post of her. Have you ever seen a gal enjoy her Greek food group so much?!?
While we're add it we might as well throw this one in. I {heart} hot candied almonds! They remind me of my days in Germany, and Laura of her time across the pond in dear old England. A fair "must have" for these two sisters!