Collier County Fair

We stepped WAAAAAYYY outside of our (my!) comfort zones this year and allowed the girls to enter their Guinea Pigs (Cavy) into the fair.  I wasn't sure that I would like driving to the fair grounds every day to clean out the cages and feed the animals.  However, it turned out to be a really wonderful experience.

We met new friends.  Learned to work in new ways.  And had full access to the fair whenever we wanted!  It was actually a lot of fun!

We had to go to mandatory "Barn Day", where we helped to set up the cages for the livestock.  We met the sweetest young men who were so patient and kind with the kids, allowing them to use the power tools, even if they were messing things up ;)

The cavies were at their new home for about one week.

Mary is all situated, but she's a fair veteran

We weren't sure how Twincky would react to the fiar, but he did alright.

The 4H clubs invited a large group of homeschool students out to the barn one afternoon.  Each 4H student who had animals in the fair were stationed by their animal and gave short presentations to groups of students.  It was good practice for Showmanship judging that night.

I think this was one of Nathan's first times holding the guinea pig.  Hannah is such a sweet and supportive sister.

Nicole, my girl with a plan, did a fabulous job of talking about how to care for a cavey in front of the homeschool crowd

Tuesday night was the Cavy "Showmanship" competition.  The cavies were judged first on their overall appearance.  We call it the "beauty contest".  There isn't much you can do for this part except have a clean cavy :)  It's all about how well they are built.  I don't have pictures of this portion, but I do have adorable photos of my girls in their showmanship uniform.  Aren't they a pair of cuties!

During showmanship, the girls were judged upon their knowledge of Cavies and how to check them out for any issues.  Since this was their first time, we weren't really sure what to expect.  However, the girls did a great job.

They both earned second place for Showmanship, which was wonderful!

We also had to attend "Barn Clean up" day

Nathan should receive a "Best Brother" Award.  This is boy has been SO supportive of his sisters.  He worked and cleaned, just like they did...and there was nothing in it for him. Zero. Nada. Nil. Nothing.  He is acting like a turkey in this photo ;)

A few of our friends got hurt during barn clean up.  Everyone stopped, gathered in the center and prayed for them.  How cool is that?!?

Finally, about a month after the fair closed, they had an awards ceremony.  It was really fun to see our friends again, and let the kids receive their awards.

Both girls earned the "Golden Shovel", which to me was the best award.  They received it because they worked hard to make sure that not just their area was clean, but the rest of the barn too.  They both were given a $50 Amazon Gift card.

The girls, working to keep their barn clean

We also had a lot of fun nights just hanging out at the fair.  The motorcross show was super cool to watch, the rides were fun to ride, and the funnel cakes are always good to eat. 

We spent one evening having a BLAST with our friends and their sweet children.  Emma Grace, Eli, Owen, Nathan, Hannah, and Nicole

Owen and Nathan were ride buddies

Nathan was FINALLY big enough to drive the bumper cars...all.by.himself.

 We participated in a cheesy magic show.

Hannah was a pretty funny and engaging volunteer

Nathan liked the magician's bird

Nate and I had some sweet times together hanging out while the girls worked. 

 Because we are such a fun family, hahaha.

 This is our buddy, Luke, and pig, "Pam", the big fat ham :) We had fun watching Luke and cheering him along.

 Nathan had a special affection for these turkeys

This is the sweetest photo of Hannah with her Papa.

 Oh yeah...Nathan and I participated in the fair too.  We both submitted artwork for the family living tent.  I won $75, and he won $10. 

 Nathan made a really cool mixed media scene out of perler beads, paper, and sticks/twigs.  He even won a ribbon.  Best of all, our friends Adam & Jessica bought his picture from him to put up in their nursery one day.

The fair was SO much fun!  We can't wait for next year.