Enjoying the '08 Indiana State Fair!

Today was a great day for the Manship family! Just daddy, mommy and Eli had a special day together at the Indiana State Fair.

Eli slept in a little bit this morning (er ... 7:15 am) and had TWO whole bowls of banana cereal (his favorite). Then, we headed to the Indiana State Fair. We arrived around 9:30ish. Mommy and Daddy hadn't eaten breakfast so we grabbed the chance in the Farm Bureau Cafe (which brought back 4-H memories for mom).

We started by looking at tools (dad's favorite!) and then went to look at all the cool playground equipment. Eli wasn't too enthused, but Daddy has some good ideas for a future yard. Then, we went to see all of the antique tractors and the pioneer village. They were really cool. We even saw a tractor just like daddy used to ride with Grandpa Manship when dad was a little boy.

Then, Eli had a ball looking at all of the animals. Absolutely loved it! He fed a goat, pet a cow, watched chickens, glimpsed a tiger, spotted an elephant and stared down a horse. No kidding ... Eli was eye to eye with the horse and clutching the metal stall with white knuckles trying to get through to the mare. (Daddy and mommy were impressed at how brave you were, Eli! You didn't get scared at all and reached right in to pet the farm animals. Mommy couldn't believe that you let the goat eat right out of your hand.)

We went to the FFA building where you had the chance to sit in a "tractor" all by yourself, Eli - what a big boy! (Look out Uncle Ross ... Eli just might take a whirl on one of yours). And we know he loved it. He liked watching the tractors that drove by us all day long and he grinned ear to ear sitting in the big John Deere seat.

Then, it was to the DNR area where you were fascinated by the fish, Eli. You were pounding on the glass trying to catch them. Mommy and Daddy laughed so hard. You were determined you were going to catch one with your bare hands. It was so funny!

A quick nap after all the effort to catch a fish ... and then it was off to see the world's largest boar, the milking demonstration, the newborn calves, the Belgian horses (again, seemingly a favorite for our little man), the llamas, huge pumpkins, the Holbert 4-H projects, exhibits about sports and agriculture in Indiana, and MUCH more. We all ate at the Pork Producers tent so that Eli could have grown-up applesauce for lunch (and dad could have his favorite BBQ pork).

We were all pretty tuckered out and we'd seen nearly everything, so we decided to leave. We then stopped by Grandpa Miller's for some fresh veggies from the garden and some fun. You got to swing and Grandpa played his favorite "boo" game with you as we sat on the porch. And, Marciann got you your favorite -- a wooden spoon to bang around with.

We love you so much, little E! Mommy and Daddy can't wait to spend our next family day together.