Iowa State Fair 2014

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We have a love-hate relationship with the Iowa State Fair. We look forward to it every year but sometimes when we're there we ask ourselves why we even like it (it's a ton of people, a lot of walking, and we spend $30 just by parking and walking in).

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The way things shook out this year, we actually went twice (once with Eric's mom and once just us). Last year we went without Rooney and kept saying "Rooney would love this!" Ha. You know what she did when we got there? Threw a fit for about 20 minutes. Fun fun! Why don't we do more fun stuff with the kids?

She was all better after some JR Mini Donuts!

She was all better after some JR Mini Donuts!

The weather was awesome this year. Usually it is SO hot but we had two cool days which definitely made it more enjoyable.

One of my favorite fair foods is the Tater Ribbon Fries with cheese ($8 for a huge plate, big enough to share).

One of my favorite fair foods is the Tater Ribbon Fries with cheese ($8 for a huge plate, big enough to share).

Bauder's is another favorite. I'm sure everything is good but I've only had the peppermint bar ($5)!

Bauder's is another favorite. I'm sure everything is good but I've only had the peppermint bar ($5)!

Corn dogs and root beer - the perfect combination!

Corn dogs and root beer - the perfect combination!

Cheese curds are a MUST!

Cheese curds are a MUST!

This 25-foot tall "American Gothic" replica sculpture was new this year.

This 25-foot tall "American Gothic" replica sculpture was new this year.

"Big Daddy" was the biggest bull this year, weighing in at 3,012 pounds!

"Big Daddy" was the biggest bull this year, weighing in at 3,012 pounds!

In case you missed my summer bucket list recap, Roo and I went down the giant slide together!

In case you missed my summer bucket list recap, Roo and I went down the giant slide together!

I thought this sand castle in the Varied Industries Building was quite impressive!

I thought this sand castle in the Varied Industries Building was quite impressive!

My co-worker submitted a photo of Rooney's friend Caleb and it was chosen to be featured on display!

My co-worker submitted a photo of Rooney's friend Caleb and it was chosen to be featured on display!

Notes to self for next year: Find the elephant ear stand, get over your fear of rejection and submit to the photography exhibit, and get a bucket of cookies instead of a cup!

P.S. What I wore to the fair last year, and also in 2011 (when I was newly pregnant and thought I had a bump)