The Children's Barnyard

The State Fair had a petting zoo area that was free and had all the typical barnyard type animals (goats, sheep, pigs, cow, etc.) but they also had some zoo animals (giraffe, zebra, ostrich, deer, bison). We started with the goats. Lila really liked the baby goats. But then a couple big goats stuck their heads out of the bars, trying to get the food, and after that, she wanted to be held to see the rest of the animals.

Petting the baby goat.

Looking at the pigs from a safe distance (notice her clenched fist).

She wouldn't even look at the giraffe, just hung on for dear life!

Children's Museum

With your State Fair admission, you could purchase discounted tickets ($1) to the Museum of Nature and Science, which has a children's museum. We took advantage of the air-conditioned building and enjoyed some of the exhibits too! Since we went on a Monday, there was hardly anyone in the museum so Lila got to enjoy all the fun activities.

In the "Explore Your Backyard" exhibit, Lila got to dress like a ladybug.

Driving a "fire truck".

Standing by a funny mirror.

Playing in the water trough area... they had a bunch of rubber duckies!

Making really big bubbles!

State Fair Rides

At the end of our day Ben and Lila rode the carousel, and then Ben rode a couple rides to use up the last of our tickets (which was how you paid for everything at the fair).

Grandparents Visit

Ok, so I've caught up on the blog a little bit. I haven't posted anything recently because the past two weekends we have been blessed to have both sets of Lila's grandparents come for a visit. Lila enjoyed getting to see them, and of course, I loved that she wanted somebody else to "come play with me" :-) It was very nice that she (and we) had that time because we probably won't see them again until after baby boy is born -- and then who knows what life will be like! 

We have started teaching her about her first name and last name. She does pretty well with her name and ours. Occasionally she wants to call Daddy "Amey Ben" but I know she's not the first person to make that mistake :-) (granted, it is usually on paper or over the phone)

Reading books with Grandma Amey in Lila's room. We also went down to the park to see the ducks one evening.

Hanging out with Grandpa Brandt at Aunt Janina's place. We went swimming one afternoon too.

The Book Train

Every child goes through phases. Well, Lila has entered a new one. She LOVES to read books (just like her mommy!), but now she will "stack them" (as she calls it) in a row. One day I found three trains she started around the house.

She also likes to look at books in the car. Here she's reading to Elmo.

New Slide

We recently added a toddler slide to our backyard (prior to this, the backyard boasted a swing - thanks Smiths! - and occasionally a kiddie pool). Of course it is still too hot to play outside for most of the day but in the morning and evening, it is nice. Lila has enjoyed it.

Of course, you also have to play with the box!

Sharing a Milkshake with Aunt Janina

I don't think Lila misses us at all when we have Janina babysit :-)