The Grape Adventure

Despite the fact that I had just seen my family about two weeks ago or so the timing was perfect for another adventure.  This adventure I like to call The Grape Adventure! 

Mom and I have always had a dream to stomp grapes.  Dad has wanted to take a trip to the Iowa State Fair since the last time we went was nearly ten years ago.  We made our own itineraries, combined them and ended up at the Grape Stomp. 

I lost all hope when we had to sign up and they choose us by a bingo ball!  There were two pages for the 2:00 grape stomp.  It looked like our dreams would have to wait until another day.  However, the cycle for the Grape Stomp goes as follows; three stompers are chosen and they chose who their designated mucker will be to assist them,  the stomper stomps for 3 minuets,  then the stomper takes and squishes the grapes back and all the juice out while the mucker keeps the whole clear for the juice to run into the bucket, this happens for another  3 minuets.  Afterwards the juice is measured and the ribbons are awarded.  The Grape Stomp officials clean up and the cycle repeats.  This is done three times every hour.  Our luck came back when after the first three stompers were called everyone left!  Not us!  Mom got called to stomp in the second set, and of course I was her mucker.  Then I got called for the final set, and then she mucked for me!  Dream come true!  Mom managed to snag first place in her group of three with a total of 7cm of juice.  I got second in my group of three with 9cm of juice.  Many more fair activities ensued throughout the day.  We left to hit up another new experience, Joe's Crab Shack!  The family loves sea food, I don't eat it.  However, I knew they had to have some kind of non sea food options and if not...I would just have dessert :). 

Once again, success!  I only got hit with flying crab three times during the meal and the atmosphere and food were very enjoyable.  

This trip to the fair ended with heading back to my place to sleep off our food coma and leave in the morning for Northwest Iowa.  A family picnic was planned and some minor work needed to be done on my car. 

The food, family, and fun was a great way to end the summer.  Yes, end the summer.  This week starts the final stretch in preparing for the school year.  I realized a few things this weekend but mainly, I love my family.