California State Fair II

Last year Dan, Heather, Dave and I stumbled on such a great find we just had to participate once again this summer: The California State Fair! Perhaps we are starting a tradition. If you have an excellent memory (or check out this link) you'll see that our pictures from last year very closely resemble our pictures from this year, with a few subtle changes and the fact that we all look one year older!

Last year Delia was a newborn infant sleeping the entire experience away. This year she was a mobile toddler, though more timid and clingy that I expected her to be--especially around the animals.

This year we tried a few new things in the kids' farm pavilion. Ella got her "Horse Drivers License" by walking Pez the Pony around a short path on his harness. Delia made butter by shake-shake-shaking a little container of cream.

Last year Ella milked a cow, this year she tried a goat.

We loved petting these sturgeon last year too. This year we giggled and squealed as each of us chickened out on grabbing a craw fish. Their pinchers were huge and ready! Ella told Uncle Dan on the phone, "We tried to touch the little lobsters, but they were too pinchy!"

Last year we loved seeing the baby piglets in the animal nursery. We did love that again this year too, but these 3 hour old lambs may have topped them on the oooh and aaah scale.

Last year I could not indulge in this amazingly refreshing adult treat. This year I happily sipped my strawberry while zinfandel slushie in the wine bar oasis.

And like last year we ended the day with a tram ride around the grounds. This year Ella narrated what we were seeing (she was especially empathic about the ride midway) while Delia just chilled in my lap.