Within one week, our sheep-showing family had both the county and the state fairs. We weren’t able to make it to the county fair, but we made it to the open show yesterday at the state fair.

I didn’t take as many pictures as in the past, and I left my camera in the barn when we ventured to the Midway. But I think I captured the essence of what the state fair means to me: family and fun.

Here are a few highlights of the day, and if you’re inclined to see the rest of the pictures, they’re here.

Chaos in the ring…all the kids, some helpers, and smiles all ’round. It was a good day.

Ribbons and banners and smiles, oh my! Here Little D is showing Uncle Bob the ribbons and banners from the junior show over the weekend (which we didn’t attend). His lecture included nuances such as the lineage of the sheep that won and plans for future shows. He’s been paying attention for years now, and he’s my go-to guy when I have a sheep question at the show.

Nothing like a morning of running around a barn to wear a girl out. All the baa-ing in the barn couldn’t keep her awake!