I can still hear the sounds of the fairgrounds in my memory today and it isn't only because of our wonderful recent trip.  For a few years when I was very small we lived across the street in a craftsman-style bungalow that had been divided into three apartments. We had no air conditioning back in the day and on summer nights the windows would be thrown open at night to catch any snatch of air that might blow in for relief.  For that week of summer when the state fair was being held there would be the muffled voices of announcers wafting in with the breeze, bands playing, and later fireworks.  And cars.  Always the cars. 

It was with my head and heart full of emotion and memories that we arrived at the fair with our three youngest and our son's incredible in-laws who have become such wonderful friends. Understandably, it is a totally different experience for our children today.  One of the best parts of parenthood is looking at familiar places through new eyes.  That we did.  We spent the better part of a whole day exploring, listening to bands, watching shows, and wandering in and out of exhibit halls and barns.  There was a list of "Wisconsin food" to be sampled: fried cheese curds, cream puffs, and everything-on-a-stick.  

So. Much. Fun!