THE 4-H FAIR.

all caps, period.
The kids had a blast, but I'm exhausted!

Monday afternoon was the chicken show.

Watching Jackson play with his loader was the most exciting part of the show.  Except for when that chicken got loose...


Tuesday morning we were up bright and early for the beef show.  Elizabeth and William both had dairy feeder beef, first couple classes of the day.

Elizabeth's class was first, she's on the far right.  In last place, not first.

William was really nervous- It was good he could watch Elizabeth before his turn.

They both placed in the bottom of their classes, but did an excellent job showing.

It's a parental requirement for our kids to participate in showmanship.  Unfortunately, showmanship classes are at the end of the show instead of the beginning.


Ryan gave the kids a few pointers while the older kids were participating in showmanship.

To me, this is what 4-H is all about; the judge took time with each of the kids, asking them questions about their animal.  Giving them suggestions to become better showman.

I did get a little teary eyed when he was talking to them.

We went home for a quick refresher before we headed back for the Dairy Show!

I have no idea how many dairy cows we took, but they were in almost every class, and sometimes, both of them were in the ring at the same time.  Elizabeth is 006, and William? double oh seven. (Would have been even more fun if he knew who James Bond was...)

Ryan is on the Dairy committee- He gets to stand in the ring and help the 4-her's with their animals.  Except when he gets distracted by the people in the audience.

The kids did great.  More importantly, they had so, so much fun.

I think Jackson may have had the most fun...

This is William's "Mama Brown Swiss" cow.  She won first place in the Brown Swiss category.  William was over the moon with excitement!

One of Elizabeth's cows won her class- fun picture of her discussing it with her dad.

Wednesday we rested.

Thursday was the goat show.  Elizabeth helped her friend E show her Pygmy goats, and then E returned the favor and helped Elizabeth show her goats.

William was more than happy to pose with his "non-walking" 4-H projects:

He made a drawstring Star Wars bag.  Easy, and he's been having fun using it!

Foods: monster cookies.  Foods Preservation: frozen monster cookies (selected for state fair!)

Collections- John Deere tractors of course.

Friday night was the auction.  Each kid is allowed to sell two items.  Elizabeth and William sold their chickens and feeder beef.

Lining up to sell their chickens.  The beef cows go to slaughter, we brought the chickens home.



A few of my favorite shots from fair week:

William making a "farm" for Jackson to play with while I was watching the Supreme showman.

William and his buddy G, bonding over an elephant ear.

Elizabeth (6) getting ready for 4-H fun night.

And that was that!