The Stensland Family: The Iowa State Fair

On Friday Tate, Cami and I went to the State Fair. I'm one of those people that loves the fair and always go every year. I love the atmosphere, the people watching, the sights and the food, definitely the food. When I was younger I even declined to go on vacation with a friend to make sure I didn't miss the fair, pathetic-yes. So Friday we took Tate to his inaugural visit to the fair. I really think he was a fan, maybe a bit too young to enjoy a lot of things he'll love next year, but it's always fun to watch him experience new things. Tate even got his first tastes of a corn dog, cup of cookies and dippin' dots. Don't worry Nana and Grandma, it was all in moderation and he had pears for lunch too.

When we first got to the fair we saw a throng of people, cameras and microphones following someone in the cattle barn. After a glimpse of her glasses, I realized it was Sarah Palin and company. It was really crazy how many people were surrounding her and hounding her. Then as we were about to leave in the afternoon, we were in line at Walt's lemonade stand for a drink. And again, the throng of people were on the sidewalk. Tate was sleeping at this time and some of the reporters were being bossy and yelling to clear the way. Not so easy with hundreds of people around and a sleeping baby in the stroller. Cami piped up and said, "excuse me! we have a sleeping baby here." Sarah must've heard her and came over to shake Cami's hand and take a peek at Tate and ask how old he was, his name, etc. Then Cami snapped a photo of Mrs.Palin and me before she headed over to the next stand to try fried butter on a stick. Politics aside, it was an exciting few moments for Cami and me. Might have to read her book now...

Here are a few of the highlights from the day.