State Fair and Camping

Every year, the Nebraska State Fair sets aside one day to celebrate "Nebraska's Largest Classroom." Students from schools across Nebraska (including home schools) are invited to attend the fair for free. We've taken advantage of the opportunity the last three years (it's FREE!) and this year was no exception. Granted, with a newborn, it was a much different experience. We were only there about four hours but did manage to take in an Equestrian Arts show and a canine stunt show. We also had our requisite funnel cake. And before we left, we made sure to visit the tractor display sponsored by the UNL Tractor Test Museum.

Here's the kids with my uncle's Ford 9N. He usually brings it down to join the exhibit. This is the model of tractor Jason hopes to own someday.

On Friday, Jason took the three older kids camping. They've been talking about it all summer and finally made plans to go. They went to our favorite campsite--Louisville State Park--and were able to get the last campsite available for the night. They built a fire (with charcoal) and had hot dogs and s'mores that evening and cooked breakfast on the camp stove in the morning. They were home by 2:00 on Saturday (they had to be out of the campsite by noon) and only had minor scrapes and bruises. Noah and I spent a quiet evening and morning at home. It was a great time for everyone.