Belated coverage of August Cousin Event

The Cousins visited in August, over the weekend of the Nicollet County Fair. Here are some of them, strolling in the back way, near the animal barns.

 Just because it's cute.

Miles recently became educated in the ways of cow management, so he shared lots of information with all of us. Sadly, there was no sign of Dollop (Miles' calf buddy) or Dollop's mom Daisy. Cows don't travel from county fair to county fair the way carnival rides do, and since Daisy and Dollop are Steele County residents, we really didn't expect to see them.

Ethan was particularly fond of this goat. He referred to her as Queen Elizabeth because of the royal garb.

The Nicollet County Fair equivalent of Machinery Hill at the MN State Fair is more like Lawn Vehicle Flats. Some big farm machinery, but mostly smaller vehicles the kids still love to climb on and pretend to drive. This little red buggy was their favorite mode of transportation. Gustie sunglasses from Uncle Charlie makes the Cousins look especially cool.

Milkshakes from the dairy stand always taste good, although next year we need to remember that most of the kids, younger and older, as well as Gpa & Gma, were on overload half way through the big, thick, smooth shakes. Who will share with me next year?

We took this one for Angie, who was both learning and sweltering 
in Baltimore. We missed you, Angie.

Swimming. Jumping off the boards, balancing on the WIBIT, swimming under water, lounging on deck. It's the perfect way to spend an afternoon. Oh yes... and eating treats at the pool, too.

As with every Cousin get-together, I could post 100 more photos. I'll stop here, though, leaving you with a few last images. This... 

a Star Wars invasion...

...dogs and their proud owners... 

... and two lazy sisters.

Our ears have (mostly) stopped ringing from the noise. As always between visits, we miss those crazy, sweet, smart, huggable, smoochy, and wonderful grandkiddos. Happy start to the school year to all of them from Gpappy and me.