Hooray for fall breaks! Aaron had yesterday and today off from work, so we enjoyed a wonderful four-day weekend. Saturday he attended class at the university for most of the day, and we ate out at a pizza place in Oxford.

Sunday we played a little Settlers of Catan with some MTC-ers after brunch. We then headed to a nearby lake to soak up some sun (our Vitamin D levels are gettin’ much too low), and it gave Aaron a chance to grade papers in a relaxed setting. It felt good to get a sunburn!

Yesterday we headed to Jackson, MS for the Mississippi State Fair. I have to say – it does not even compare to the Great Minnesota Get Together. Read: all fairs are not created equal. Sure, there was a Midway, lots of food stands, a small vendor area, and a clogging stage (well, also a talent show stage and a couple rows of 4H booths). But it was so much smaller, and it didn’t feel as permanent–no real buildings or streets criss-crossing. I didn’t sense a fair culture. The biscuit making booth wasn’t even open! I missed the art and education BUILDINGS of the MN fair. Also, I saw a lot of cowboy boots and, in general, people did seem to dress more nicely at the fair down here. As far as food went, we settled on roasted corn on the cob, sweet potato fries, and these lovely cupcakes. We also walked away with a new jar of local honey! I guess I can’t complain too much – admission and parking were free because it was a weekday, and the kid’s crafts & nature-related displays were awfully cute. There was also a petting zoo, and how can someone really resist fuzzy animals? (even if their tongues are slimy)

Today was even more relaxing. We stayed at home, Aaron made his infamous Bulbasaur cookies (a recipe he invented – it involves pumpkin and nuts, and chocolate if you like), watched some Dr. Who, and got ready for the rest of the week. I also received my copy of Maureen Johnson‘s The Name of the Star, and Aaron’s copy of Mason Jenning‘s Minnesota album came, as well. I love it when things [that aren't junk mail] come in the mail.

Hope your weekend was just as pleasant!

ps/
Thanks to Aaron for the top & bottom photo!