Indiana State Fair: The Madeline Experience

Two years ago, we snapped this picture during Madeline's first trip to the Indiana State Fair. Yes, we were those crazy first-time parents who take their child to the zoo and fair before their baby can hold her head up because we are just dying to give her those experiences.

I've tried to recreate "Madeline and the Cow: The Photograph" each time when we go back but this year was harder since the stroller has disappeared on our outings.

I think she's caught between a crinkle-nose smile and showing her disgust at the stink in the dairy barn.

When I look at those two pictures, I have no idea how the days, months and years have flown by, except to say they've left me with this beautiful little girl who is most definitely not a baby in need of a stroller. I'm pretty sure she's going to need her own Lemon Shake-Up next year.

(And before you ask, Madeline has a fake tattoo of a thumbprint on her arm, not a giant mole or anything. The girl is obsessed with tattoos at the moment. Can you tell I answered that question A LOT during the week she had it?)

You can always tell which are my pictures and which are Jenny's that I'm shamelessly stealing from Facebook. But how can I not include these??

For so many reasons, I love being a parent and Madeline's mom. One of them is that every experience is ten times sweeter, ten times better. I've always loved the fair and have wonderful memories of going with my parents and brothers.

But this year was my favorite fair experience because I got to watch Madeline really dig in and enjoy it. Only for her am I willing to share some of my funnel cake.

Since we went to the fair four times in two weeks, Madeline assumes it is now part of our routine and asks me about 20 times a day if we can go back.

Is it August 2010 yet? Nevermind, she'll be THREE by then!