Pre-Fair Preparations

In the photo below, our oldest son is seen preparing his sheep for show. He can shear, train, and wash animals on his own and has for many years. Now he and his brother are "grown up" with full time jobs. Their involvement in the Fair is minimal.

The two younger boys are just starting off as showmen. Last night we pulled their show sheep out of the pasture and put them into a separate pen. Then we spent some time trying to teach two small boys and two Spring lambs how to walk in a circle. 

I sent them to daycare today with homework...diagrams of sheep body parts and poster making supplies. 

I call this the "lots of crying" phase of Fair preparations. We heard cries from frustration, from the heat and hard work, and from the pain of toes getting stepped on (lesson #1 don't wear flip flops). Our new sheep have horns and yes, they know how to use them!

I feel as if I'm heading into something completely new, as opposed to yet "another year at the Fair." It's great fun to watch these two learn and grow. This year, they aren't just tagging along.