What?? Elephant rides!!!

This summer has been so crazy busy, I have let the blog slip. But here you go, by popular demand...more Griff pics. So, a couple of weekends ago we went to the Michigan State Fair. Bruce and I had been there on a date before we were married (yeah, we're dorks like that!) , but had not taken Griffin yet. The thing is, the fairgrounds are on 8 mile and Woodward in Detroit...not exactly farm country. That is what is extra cool about it --- it gives many urban families an opportunity to get down and stinky with all kinds of farm animals, that they otherwise may never see. And, rumor has it that it was the countries first State Fair. Although we missed the opportunity for unlimited chocolate milk for 25 cents, we still managed to have a really great time. We were joined for the day by Griff's best bud Jake, and his family, Chris, Chanley and Casey Webber. We started out at the "Miracle of Life" tent. This is a huge space that has small pens surrounded by bleachers. In the pens are farm animals that are in the beginning stages of labor. The idea is that you can watch baby animals being born, although I was glad not to experience the heat of the moment...if ya know what I mean. Griff got to check out a bunch of newborn piglets, calves, and baby birds. He showed no fear and went right up to the animals to pet them. We also visited a petting zoo where he fed the animals bits of carrot. But, the best part of the day was the ELEPHANT RIDE!! They had a small circus that we happened by at exactly the right moment to watch the show and afterward offered elephant rides. The show was slightly terrifying for me to watch....I am a wimp that way...but Griffin, Bruce and the Webbers all really enjoyed it. Afterward Bruce and Griffin were able to ride Lovey the Elephant. After they got off I took her and the trainer's picture and Lovey reached out and nibbled my arm with her trunk...it was very cool!!! We spent the rest of the day enjoying the carnival fare, barns of livestock and a walk through the carnival at night.
Life surely has not slowed down a bit. Last Wednesday we were able to catch a Buddy Guy concert (thanks Patricia for watching Griffin), Friday we saw Ben Harper (thanks Tracy for watching Griffin) and Sunday we attended Vida's 1st annual MAD TEA PARTY - hats required (thanks Will and Jody for watching Griffin.) Our friends all pulled together and watched Griffin so Bruce and I could spend some time together...it was crazy that all our activities fell within the same weekend. Now we are rested, refreshed and ready to prepare for our vacation!! As anyone with a toddler knows...you must start a trip feeling fresh!!