Our family loves going to the fair!  We like to see the animals, watch the judging shows, eat ice cream and ride the rides.  The Winneshiek County fair is small and simple, but still very entertaining and fun.  This year, the girls and I decided to enter a few things in the flowers and vegetables division.  We had a great time putting together our flower arrangements and picking just the right snap peas to present.  And, we all won ribbons, too!

Sylvia’s award winning bouquet of all pink flowers (the category was In the Pink).

Lily loved the donkey at the petting zoo!

Sylvia loved the calf at the petting zoo (and so did I! Along with the adorable pot bellied pigs).

My award winning butterfly milkweed. It’s one of my favorite flowers – I love the orange!

Lily showing off the blue ribbon she won for her perfect snap peas!

Sylvia with both of her flower arrangements – she won a blue ribbon for each!

Lily again with her peas.

My grandpa passed away on Tuesday, July 9th, 2013.  He was 93 years old.  He was an amazing man – a wonderful husband, father, grandpa and great-grandpa.  He will be missed by everyone who knew him.  I found some old photos of him with the girls when they were little and thought I’d share them here as a tribute to his greatness.

With Lily in the comfy recliner, Feb. 2007

Out of the chair and onto the floor with Lily, June 2007

Lily with great-grandpa and great-grandma, June 2007

More Lily time, Dec. 2007

Sylvia and Grandpa with matching hats! Jan. 2008

Trying to pawn off old Nat’l Geographic magazines on the girls. I think we actually took them. 🙂 Aug. 2008

Lily being the goof-ball she is! Jan. 2010