Gwinnett County Fair

The rain finally stopped today - and the sun came out, making spirits bright.  Daddy left work a little early so we could finally get to go to the Gwinnett County Fair with Madison.  

As you can see here, she got to ride a pony - this was probably the highlight of the trip for her.  This was the sort of ride that took you in circles, but it didn't matter.  Madison really likes being on a pony, and is certainly getting more comfortable in the saddle.  Why, just take a look at her in that photo.  One hand is on the saddle, and she's riding just about as casually as you can get.  Don't let that serious expression fool you - she's having a great time.

Mommy and Daddy took her firstly to the animals, where there were plenty of pigs to go around.  Literally, they were going all around us - which sort of spooked Madison initially.  She was giggling at them later, listening to their oinks in the pen.  But the oinks turned to moos as we visited with the cows on the other side of the showing area.  There were some pretty big cows there, and when leaving, Madison made sure she yelled out "bye" to all of them!

We saw the 4H exhibit again, where baby chicks, calves and ducklings wandered around.  Madison enjoyed watching the ducklings, but she was unsure about the piglets.

Walking around, of course we had to ride the carousel there.  Tickets were a little steep:  nine dollars for all three of us to ride a carousel.  Tickets were a dollar a piece (or you could get a deal, like twenty for only twenty dollars!), but we couldn't see riding too many other rides.  It was just a bit too pricy.  I mean, after all, the carousel at Lakeshore Mall is only a dollar per adult!

Anyway, it was a quick visit, but packed with fun.  Everything was still drenched, as Gwinnett County got a WHOLE LOT OF RAIN yesterday.  Madison was real funny about walking - she'd recognize wet spots in the grass or dirt, and insist on being carried rather than get her feet dirty.  And yet, when she sees puddles in the pavement, she's irresistibly drawn to them!

Afterwards, we stopped at the Cracker Barrel for dinner.  Daddy once again proved that he is not an ignoramus by leaving only one peg left on that peg game.  Madison had to give it a try as well, but her objective was different:  she had to match up all the colored pegs.  We all had a hearty meal, and spent more time than usual in their gift shop:  it was there that we got Madison a few early Christmas stocking stuffers.  We just love those old toys, don't you?

Madison always charms people wherever she goes - and today's visit to Cracker Barrel was no different.  Just for being so cute, she got some free gummy bears from the cashier for the trip home.  Yummy!