Life is like a lollipop. Sometimes it's hard. Sometimes it's sticky. But mostly it's sweet.
1. Paper pyramids with facts about them on each of the four sides
The children also made King Khufu's Great Pyramid out of sugar cubes & frosting and set up a small scale version of its location in Giza.
Here's a closer look.
The first organ to be removed was the brain. The embalmers used a long hook to smash the brain and pull it out through the nose!
The removed internal organs (lungs and liver pictured above) were packed in natron (salt), before being wrapped in linen. Earlier mummies were buried alongside their dehydrated organs, which were stored in solid wood or stone jars.
The next step was to restore the body to as lifelike state as possible. It was stuffed with dry materials such as sawdust, leaves, and fur to fill the cavity and make the preserved corpse regain the shape it had in life.
After forty days the body, now completely dry and shrunken, was washed with water from the Nile. Oil and fragrant spices were then added both inside and out to keep the skin soft and elastic.
The nose was plugged with wax (we imporvised with crayons).
Make-up was applied.
Hundreds of yards of linen were used to wrap the body, and each toe and finger was wrapped separatley. Charms, amulets, and inscribed pieces of papyrus were placed between each layer of bandage. Egyptians believed that these charms had magical properties that would protect and bring luck to the body.
Then a painted portrait mask was placed over the mummy's head so that dead person's soul (Ka) could recognize its owner. 
The priests used special instruments to touch different parts of the mummy's face. The Egyptians believed that the mummy would not be able to eat, see, hear, or move in the afterlife if this ceremony did not take place. 
I keep forgetting that if I turn my camera in video mode, it doesn't automatically correct itself. Tilt your head to enjoy those involuntary movements and sweet two-month-old sounds.
Milking Mabel in her stable has always been a favorite activity for our children. Though Kennedy and Jackson seem to have moved beyond this yearly visit to her stall, Mikey and Harrison were very excited for the experience.
Ken and I took turns carrying McKinley in our respective pouches.
Though it was a very warm day, that didn't stop Jack from donning the junior fire fighter coat.
This was Harrison's first midway ride, unless we count our traditional Christmas/birthday carousel rides. He loved it.
Jack was thrilled to be tall enough ride the roller coaster by himself!
Our little kiddos loved visiting the kids. Some of the pens even had miniature play toys for the young goats.
The three oldest children were tall enough to go on the farris wheel. Dad was happy to accompany them. Thankfully they were all able to fit on the same seat.
Another fair tradition...scones!
The children are still talking about the cool 3-D movie we watched on the human brain. But they never told us what it smells like. Any guesses?
We finished our fair experience with a tour through World Vision's African exhibit. The children loved the hands-on activities. Dad enjoyed the drums.
I think this was my favorite year of "Doing the Puyallyp" yet.
Gram came in second place for her age group, finishing just under an hour.
The woman with Gram is 80 years old. She was the oldest participant in the race and the only one in her age group.
It is our family tradition to make and eat caramel apples on the first day of school.
Another first day of school treat was that Ompa stopped by. It was his birthday, so we shared some of our home made doughnuts with him.
