Kitsap County Fair & Stampede

My Cowboys

Trev and his "say cheese" smile....in the backpack.  Next year, we get him a cowboy hat :)

The county fair is in town this week and last night was the military appreciation day, so free admission to both the fair and stampede.  We have gone every year and last night was probably the best time we've had as a family and I think Scotty & Zac being old enough to go on rides together makes all the difference.  Bought the boys the wristband for unlimited rides and away they went. 

Of course we never miss the stampede, so we wandered on over to take our seats up at the very top of the bleachers like always, but we only stayed about a half hour into it, long enough to see the "buckin' horses" for Zac.

Before the national anthem, she rides around the arena to the song "God Bless the USA", while other gals on their horses are holding flags for each branch of the armed forces.  By the end of the song the horse is going top speed.....it is really beautiful, gets me choked up every time, and one of my favorite things about the stampede.  Nothing can possibly be more American than that!

Love that my boys know to take their covers off for the national anthem!

Talking to the calves in the pen

As much as Zac liked the rides, he could not get enough of the horse barn.  I think he went back three times wanting to see and pet them.  Thankfully Jay was there to do that tour with him.  He LOVES horses and unfortunately mommy is allergic, so I have not really encouraged his love for them, but now I think I must give in and tolerate whatever my allergies may do.  Especially since, in the boys plans, we will live on a farm someday.  Thus, I am going to look into a local stable and see about volunteering with Zac....Oy....the things I will do for my kids.... 

And what would the fair be without FAIR FOOD?  OMGsh, this was honestly the best burger I've had in a long time!  I even saved the last few bites for Jay since it was his burger to begin with.  But it was hard to hand it over....