Finishing up the summer fun

We spent yesterday getting the most out of the last of the carefree summer days. I took the kids to the county fair and then we went to see a baseball game.
At the fair, we got to see lots of really cool animals, including some stingrays (they had had the barb removed). The exhibit allowed you to pet them gently. We all did it, including Adrienne who was terrified and touched one only when it swam by her hand when she wasn't looking. She freaked out.
There was a climbing wall the kids could try as well. Both boys got halfway up and then were too nervous to continue, but Annika made it all the way and was able to push the button at the top to make the siren wail. She was so proud of herself and happy to be able to do something her brothers couldn't. The kids also got lots of free stuff, including lots of candy, pencils, and some gold bead necklaces. The beads were the biggest hit. Annika and Kade thought they were so cool, as you can see from the picture.
That evening we went to the ball game here in town. It was fun, and thankfully free, since after spending the day at the fair Annika and Kade were exhausted. We lasted until the seventh inning stretch and left after we sang "Take Me Out to the Ball Game". Burke and I both felt a sense of accomplishment at that feat, considering that we are usually packing up by the end of the third. All in all, it was a great day, and it was nice to be able to spend some time with the kids before they are gone all day.