state fair 2009.

I love the Minnesota State Fair. It's honestly my favorite part of summer (well, other than summer itself). I would probably go every day if I had the time and money. I've been there every year since I was born and wouldn't miss it. This year felt different since my Grandma wasn't there. She always loved going to the fair and couldn't wait for it. I made sure I did everything my family always does while visiting -- just like my grandma would've wanted. My mom wasn't sure if she wanted to go because of that, but I told her we had to in honor of Grandma. After all, if she was still around and we missed it -- she wouldn't have been happy! So, I'm glad we did. Here are some highlights:

I love crowds and people watching.

The family.

Can't go wrong with Sweet Martha. The cookies are good days after you leave the fair. It's wonderful.

French Fries at 10 a.m.? You know you're at the fair. I am a huge fan of French Fries. Mmm.

Gotta love the Grandstand. The huge letters on the top are beautiful and the inside is like 1,000 infomercials at once.
Not to mention you can buy a milk chocolate cow on a stick there!


You can basically get anything you want on a stick.

Ahhh, the food building. Everything from deep fried pickles to gyros.
I love the painted "FOOD" signs on the building, even if the 'F' is too small.

My sister and her giant turkey leg. (Sorry vegetarians.)

There is an endless amount of these your-face-into-the-board photo ops there. This one is my favorite.
"We're flight attendants, NOT stewardesses," said the flight attendant near by.

I am 21 years old and I've gone to fair countless times... yet I have never been on the Space Needle.
The Space Needle is a giant red, white, and blue amusement ride that goes up really high and slowly rotates, giving
the riders a bird's eye view of the fairgrounds. I am very afraid of heights and I don't like things that spin -- so you can
imagine my.... excitement to go on. I looked like this most of the way up.

No, I am not crying! Just closing my eyes. Haha.

Despite my fear of heights, I opened my eyes and enjoyed the view. It really was cool to be up that high and see all
activity below. I'm really glad I did something new. Maybe next year.. the Skyride? We'll see.

Tristan and I on the Space Needle... at the very top!