NC State Fair 2016

Before we move on from autumn (Thanksgiving is tomorrow, but we have been listening to Christmas music in our home for weeks!), I wanted to be sure to put up some photos from one of our favorite family traditions: the NC State Fair.

The boys watching the blacksmith

Checking out the helicopter that the forest service uses to fight forest fires

All of the mums, and those gorgeous pumpkins in the middle!

Wind chime garden

Scarecrow contest

Miniature train

The FFA always has a little barn to show off their animals - one of the favorite exhibits for #farmerJames

Our punkins in front of this year's winning pumpkin

There was a smaller selection of produce entries this year... "Many farmers and growers were impacted by Hurricane Matthew and unable to compete.  Please support our farmers and buy local whenever possible!" #preach

Ugly 1000lb pumpkin.  Amazing.

Learning about our favorite pollinators

Mama pig & her piglets

Mama (dairy) cow

Stuart (on the far right) checking out this giant bacon-wrapped vendor ($10 for a bacon-wrapped grilled cheese, ugh).  100s of people were in line!

Learning about public safety and school buses!

Family shot in the stands at...

this high-wire pirate show!  New this year, and super fun!