wordless wednesday

while the best part of this year's north carolina state fair -- at least for our family -- was seeing susanna's artwork, there were certainly other highlights.  in spite of our lack of enthusiasm going into it, we actually all had a really wonderful time.  sadly, my theory is that this is due in large part to the terrible economy ... there were virtually no crowds or lines to speak of, which is probably thanks to the fact that it's a fairly expensive outing.  even with our discount tickets and free parking, we managed to drop a big chunk of change.  (not as big a chunk as the turkey leg we ate, of course, but still.)

what was really refreshing (hmm -- "refreshing" and "state fair" are not normally used together) was that the kids were just as interested in the exhibits as they were the rides.  we actually spent quite some time looking at all the arts and crafts and hobbies in the exhibit halls.  and then, three hours after arriving, we all four decided that we'd had enough, and ventured on home to several long hot showers.

it ain't no disneyworld ... but disneyworld doesn't have a replica of the downtown raleigh krispy kreme made out of legos, either. the north carolina state fair is truly a cultural experience like no other.

the folks behind our sweet children were part of the people-watching fun that we always have.  liam was quite intrigued by the gentleman's back tattoo, as it said "lynda" in fancy script -- my mom's name.  (mom, do you know this guy?)

heights aren't chris's thing, so we took a girls' trip to the top of the ferris wheel and saw all of downtown raleigh while also scoping out the rest of the fairgrounds [note: this was self-taken with my arm stretched out as far as possible ... my neck is not normally so scary looking]

while we enjoyed the ferris wheel, liam tried to jump high enough to meet us

we saw the frog boy!  worth every penny

this was taken immediately following the ingestion of two huge lemonades ... cotton candy ... fudge ... and a milkshake.  sugar high, anyone?!?!

on our way out ... feet tired, wallets empty, bellies full ... and big smiles.  as we always say, "and a good time was had by all"