TRACTOR SHOW!

From the moment that Mac wakes up and raises his sweet little head, two words will ring out from his tiny little mouth.  TRACTOR SHOW!  It will start off soft and almost like a question, "tractor show?"  As I carry him down the stairs in the morning, the words get louder.  By the time we reach the hallway on our way to the family room, he has broken out into a full on chant including arm movements.  "Tractor show, tractor show, tractor show."  You feel like you are at a rally for tractors and this is a routine that we have gone through for the past two months or so and it continues today.  He never waivers on his request, even if I suggest music or possibly Curious George.  He will just look at me like I have three heads, cock his head and respond very flatly, "tractor show."

Well, when several members of our family suggested we take the kids to Elnora for the 29th Annual White River Valley Association Antique Show, you better believe we jumped at that chance (Elnora is another wonderful small town in the county over).  Trent, my brother-in-law, said that it would be a lot like the State Fair but with more local fare.  Man, was he spot on with that description.

So, let's just say that I spent the first half hour in complete and total amazement.  I have never seen so many tractors, combines and other farm equipment in one place in my entire life.  The little boys have been enjoying John Deere tractor videos and I felt like I was living them right then and there.  I saw tractors from 1914, a Johnny Popper Model D from 1924, John Deere 1954 tractor...man, I could go on and on.  And if you thought I was excited, you should have seen the little boys.  You would have thought that they would have gone crazy but they just stood and stared.  So many tractors in one place...what was a little boy to do?!

We arrived just as the tractor parade was beginning and spent a good half hour watching all different types and brands of tractors, combines, mowers and other equipment go by.  One word, AWESOME! 

We spent most of our afternoon with the tractors.  The boys and Em finally warmed up, literally, and wanted to get on every tractor that they saw.  Thankfully, a few kind souls allowed our children to live out their lifelong dream of sitting on an antique tractor (ok, that might be a bit of an exaggeration but you can see the joy on their faces).

So excited that Aunt Penny could join us!

We did walk around a bit but it was hot and really, really crowded so our trip was a little shorter than I had hoped.  I had to laugh at this picture below because I look like such a city slicker with my sun hat and big glasses compared to the rest of the folks at the event.  Silly Leigh!

The event did not disappoint and we can't wait to go back next year.