Our Great Minnesota Get-Together

Since we were still spending time in Minnesota at the end of August, there was no escaping the tempting call of ....

Cheese Curds, Pronto Pups, Sweet Martha's Chocolate Chip Cookies and All-You-Can-Drink Minnesota Milk!

Ya you betcha, it had been a very long time for me, and Doug had never experienced this local gastronomic celebration ... Time for us to check out the Minnesota State Fair that is fondly referred to as the ...

Great Minnesota Get-Together!

From the moment we stepped off the shuttle bus, we knew that we made our first "newbie" mistake ... We should have purchased our tickets ahead of time! But my electronic genius of a husband quickly came to my rescue. Doug pulled out his phone and was able to buy our admission tickets online, and we proceded through the gates ready to explore.

"Newbie" mistake #2 was trying to figure out what to see and do. The map is not really helpful ... we need the expertise of state fair veterans. I am grateful that I asked my Facebook friends for suggestions, and also happy that State Fair veteran, former 4H competitor, and good friend, Mary Beth invited us to tag along with her and her husband for the day.

With her years of experience, we found our way to all the fair's "must sees" and a few "hidden gems". We enjoyed a concert in the park while trying some of the "unique" beer choices like Key Lime Pie beer and Birthday Cake beer. We admired the artistic talents of current 4Hers. We enjoyed the musical talents of local high school marching bands. We savored the goodness of "fresh from the oven" chocolate chip cookies, "oh you have to try them" cheese curds, and "a meal in itself" milkshakes. And best of all, we discovered the fun of the Llama and Alpaca Costume Contest.

What, may you ask, is the Llama and Alpaca Costume Contest?? The competition consists of llamas, alpacas and their 4H owners who utilize their training skills along with imagination and humor to design a costume for themselves and their animal. Points are given for the greatest percentage of costume coverage on the animal as well as the youth's ability to handle the animal during the competition. Llamas and alpacas are not particularly fond of having something covering their ears, face and legs. It takes a skillful and patient trainer to encourage their beloved pet to go along with the humorous parade.

"Robin" was all smiles as she took first place with her well behaved "Batman" llama by her side. 

The "SubHay" team used a humorous approach to remind everyone how much llamas love to "Eat Fresh" .. Hay, that is!

Winners or not, we thought that all the youth were "Incredible" superheros in the way they trained and handled their beloved animals. 

The Minnesota State Fair signals the end of summer when the Ferris Wheel's lights go out for the final time on Labor Day. And the arrival of September means that we will soon be starting our slow trek southward. While we continue to enjoy our travels and look forward to what RVentures await us, we have enjoyed our summer here with family and friends.

We are grateful for our many ...

Great Minnesota Get-Togethers!

Getting together for pickle ball ...
Can you believe that the women FINALLY beat the men??!! 

Getting together to stock up on some good summer reads ...
that's about a week's worth of books for Ella!

Getting together to spend time with this joyful little boy
while his mom and dad enjoy "date night".

Getting together for Spanish lessons
when our Colombian friends came to town ...
Necesito estudiar mucho mas!!

Getting together for coffee, croissants, and 'sista time.

Getting together to hang out at the Mall of America
with dear "old" friends from grade school.

Getting together with our sons at a new craft brewery ...
and collecting a coaster or two.

Getting together to welcome a new baby who is
destined to be an enthusiastic outdoorsman just like his parents. 

Getting together with friends from college
while enjoying a beautiful evening on Lake Minnetonka.

Getting together for ice cream
after a fun bike ride with the "Chain Gang".

Getting together to celebrate with the parents of the groom ...
how do our kids grow up so fast?

Getting together to take a walk, share a meal,
and "catch up" with dear friends.

Getting together to bike our favorite Minneapolis trails
... and catch a quick glimpse of Minnehaha Falls.

Getting together to show friends and fellow vagabonds
our favorite "hometown" hangouts.

Getting together to check out a friend's ultralight aircraft
... Doug is hoping that conditions will be better for a test flight next time.

I prefer to keep him on the ground with me for now...

For it is true that wherever we may roam ...

Together is always home!

Until next time ... Cherish all your get-togethers, ya you betcha ... And enjoy the adventures in your life!

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