Animals of all sorts at the Shiawassee County Fair!

I was so excited that the Shiawassee County Fair was coming up and could not wait to take Jude. That opportunity came last Friday. Jude is so in love with all types of animals that I knew he would LOVE this particular fair as it is focused around animals, particularly farm animals as Shiawassee County is a rich farming community. In fact, many of Clint's students participate in the events of the fair and sell their livestock at there as well.

Since we were taking our nephew and niece, Dominic and Addison, I decided to take Jude's wagon in case they got tired of walking and wanted to hitch a ride. Plus, it was incredibly hot out, so I thought they may need a rest. Clint, Ron (my father in law) and myself took turns pulling the kids.

When we arrived, they were auctioning off the sheep. I was confused at first because they were going so cheap....but then Clint told me that it was per pound! That is why they were going for about $2.00. Little sheep are likely already in the purchasers freezer or belly I suppose. The auctioneer was a pro! He was talking so fast that it was difficult to understand what he was saying. It made it fun to listen to!

I think that Jude's favorite part of the entire fair was likely the pigs and goats because of how close he was able to get to them. Also, I know he loved the draft horses. They were so huge and his eyes lit up when he saw them as they are becoming a pertty big obsession of his lately.

After the fair, we went to drop off Dom and Addison at their house and the kids decided to ride bikes and their Power Wheels! Jude loved driving! His sheer happiness is evident in the pictures below.

Jude in the wagon.

One of Jude's very favorite animals. Ducks!

Jude was very intrigued by this gobble gobble.

Our niece, Addison and my father in law, Ron.

Moo! This is after the fair at Dom and Addison's. Lots of bike riding and Power Wheels.

Can you see his excitement as he drives for the first time?

He was so happy his dimple came out to make an appearance. It does anytime he smiles or laughs really big!

Driving on his own.

All three kids after a long day at the fair.

Another reason I love my community.

Last night Clint, Jude and myself went to the Vacation Bible School Finale. It begins with a 6 PM mass and a huge celebration afterwards. It is a pretty huge deal in our community as it attracts so many people, especially considering just how small New Lothrop is. It is a great time for the kids and adults alike. They have tons of activities set up and a huge spread of food. For example, they had a huge blowup obstacle course, a bouncy tent, horse/pony rides, carnival games, a train ride, huge remote control cars, face painting and a person who made animals and such out of balloons. For food they had hot dogs, sloppy joes, salad, french fries, onion rings, chicken nuggets, elephant ears and a chocolate fountain with tons of fruits and sweets to dip.

We all had a really great time and it makes me look forward to the time when Jude will be old enough to participate in all our church has to offer. One of the reasons we bought our house where we did was due to the proximity to our church. We always knew that it would be a big part of our lives, so it was really important to us. We attended this church together when we first started dating (nearly ten years ago) as it was where Clint and his family attended. We even drove home on the weekends and attended some masses while we were in college an hour away. It is where I eventually went on to take my RCIA classes and converted to become Catholic. I had my First Communion there and we were married in our beautiful church. Also, we had Jude baptised at St. Michaels and we gained a God-son who was also baptised there as well. There are many reasons that our church holds a special place in our hearts and the steps that the parishioners take to bring the community together is one of them.

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Oh yeah--I almost forgot. I won a super cute sock monkey that they were raffling off. I haven't taken a picture of it yet but will and will post. I would now--but unfortunately my batteries are dead. Sorry. Anyways, I wanted to share some pictures of our fun night. Jude had a really wonderful time and so did we.

If you don't know this about Jude, I should mention that he is obsessed with ducks.

Jude and daddy as Jude points at the huge remote control planes overhead and makes his plane noises.

Trying to decide which direction to go next.

Two most handsome guys I know.