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Family Trip to the State Fair

September 20, 2019      Sarah Van Wagenen

Despite temperatures of 100 degrees, and less than ideal fairgrounds, we made the most of our family trip to the state fair. We had never been to the fair, as a family, but had decided to add it to our fall bucket list (check it out here). Overall, we’re so glad we went, it was a great adventure for our little family!

The Magic of the State Fair

At first, Kurt and I were a little bit disappointed. The fairgrounds were pretty small, and everything seemed dirty, but it didn’t take us long to see the magic that our kids saw.

Our first stop was to the petting zoo, where the girls got to feed goats, calves, sheep, a turtle, and a camel. Needless to say, they were so excited, and so happy to be up close to these animals. At one point, a goat got Lacey’s cup away from her and was going to town devouring the food. The girls were laughing and giggling so hard, it was infectious!

Dolly soaking up this moment getting to feed one of the calves at the petting zoo.
Lacey excitedly recounting her story about feeding the goat that took her food cup, to Dolly.

We got to watch a trapeze crew perform some amazing routines. It was pretty low-budget, but impressive. The looks on the kids faces as they watched in awe of what they were experiencing was darling. Even Grant was excited and pointing out everything to Kurt. He was so good about making sure that we were just as excited as he was about the sites and sounds of the fair.

Grant loved being at the fair together and pointed out everything exciting

The girls got to do several rides together and had so much fun. Lacey was pretty nervous on the first one, but ended up riding several more. Both girls were so proud of how brave they were doing the rides without Mommy and Daddy. They were so cute and funny. We got some great video footage of Dolly’s intensity “driving” her motorbike around the ride, and Lacey fearfully holding on, until she realized it was fun.

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We ended up having such a memorable and fun family trip to the fair. I’m so glad that we had added it to our fall bucket list. I love getting to explore and play together as a family. It’s the best!

I hope you’ll check out our fall bucket list here, and customize it for your family. Let me know what’s on your list of fun things to do this fall.

Sincerely,

Sarah

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Hi, I’m Sarah!

Hi, I’m Sarah!

My husband, Kurt, and I live in Birmingham, AL with our three little ones {4}, {2}, & {1}. My husband is currently completing a medical residency. Prior to living here we lived in Texas and Utah for schooling.

This is where I'll be sharing recent reads, favorite recipes and products, everyday style, details about our travels, etc. I'll also be sharing freebies I've designed, so don't miss out! I'm so happy to have you here!

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Celebrating 16 years of being married. 🍂🤎 Charmin Celebrating 16 years of being married. 🍂🤎

Charming little towns, covered bridges, winding roads lined with brilliant fall colors, and crisp autumn air that makes you feel happy and alive.

Some of our favorite places in New England.

📍 Waitsfield Covered Bridge, Vermont
📍 Von Trapp Family Lodge, Vermont
📍 Freedom Trail, Boston, Massachusetts
📍 Smugglers’ Notch State Park, Vermont

Save this for your future romantic fall getaway! 🍁

#NewEnglandFall #FallInNewEngland #RomanticGetaway #FallTravel #NewEnglandRoadTrip
🍁 Planning a trip to Vermont? These are 5 places y 🍁 Planning a trip to Vermont? These are 5 places you absolutely don’t want to miss!

After exploring Vermont during peak fall foliage, these were some of our favorite stops—from charming covered bridges to incredible hikes and mountain views!

🍂 1. Quechee Gorge & Covered Bridge
Two beautiful, quick roadside stops! Walk across the Quechee Gorge Bridge for views into Vermont’s deepest gorge, then visit the historic Quechee Covered Bridge for that quintessential New England charm.

🏔️ 2. Trapp Family Lodge | Stowe
One of our favorite experiences in Vermont! Beautiful hiking trails, breathtaking mountain views, adorable Highland cows, and incredible food. The entire property feels like something out of a storybook, especially in the fall.

💦 3. Bingham Falls | Stowe
A short but surprisingly challenging hike to a gorgeous waterfall tucked into the forest. It’s only half a mile round trip. The trail is steep, rocky, and absolutely worth it!

🍁 4. Smugglers’ Notch | Stowe
One of the most stunning scenic drives in Vermont! The winding road through the mountains is incredible, but make time to get out and hike. We took the Sterling Pond Trail and added on Elephant’s Head Cliff viewpoint via the Long Trail, which brings the hike to approximately 4.4 miles round trip. There are endless beautiful spots for photos, especially during peak foliage!

⛪ 5. Stowe Community Church
One of the most iconic fall scenes in Vermont! The church’s beautiful white steeple stands out against the vibrant red, orange, and golden mountainside. Such a picturesque stop in downtown Stowe.

📌 SAVE this for your future Vermont trip, and follow along for more travel itineraries, beautiful destinations, and adventures worth taking!

#VermontFallFoliage #VisitVermont #StoweVermont #NewEnglandTravel #falltravel
✨28 hours in Vegas ✨And somehow we packed SO much ✨28 hours in Vegas ✨And somehow we packed SO much into one day!

Good food, a little shopping, pool time, and Backstreet Boys nostalgia made this quick trip one for the books.

Here’s everything we squeezed in:

📍 Aria Patisserie — starting the day with something sweet
📍 Din Tai Fung — because the right order here makes ALL the difference 🥟
🛍️ A last-minute Ross run for Backstreet Boys concert accessories (think sparkly silver, butterfly clutch)
💗 Made friendship bracelets together (one of my favorite parts of the trip)
🌐 Saw The Sphere in all its Vegas glory
🎶 Backstreet Boys: Into the Millennium — the main event and SO much nostalgia
🎤 The Backstreet Boys Experience at The Venetian
🥐 Brunch at La Fontaine
🍩 A stop at Saint Honoré for donuts
☀️ Pool time at Fontainebleau with virgin drinks poolside

Vegas doesn’t require a week-long vacation. Give us 28 hours, a concert, great food, and a packed itinerary and we’re happy. 😂✨

#VegasGirlsTrip #vegastravel #LasVegasItinerary #BackstreetBoys #VegasFoodie
Hiking with little kids…they’re either half a mile Hiking with little kids…they’re either half a mile ahead or half a mile behind. I definitely prefer one over the other, but within sight please!

📍Artists’ Paintpot, Yellowstone National Park

#yellowstonewithkids #yellowstonenationalpark #hikingwithkids #familyadventures #outdoorfamily
Yellowstone with kids? Save this itinerary! From Yellowstone with kids? Save this itinerary!

From waterfalls and colorful thermal basins to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, bubbling mudpots, and wildlife in Hayden Valley—these are some of our favorite stops for a family day in the park.

I included how long to spend at each stop + how much walking to expect so you can actually plan your day without guessing.

📌 Save this for your Yellowstone trip and send it to the person planning your family vacation!

Follow @blossomandbecome for kid-friendly itineraries, family travel tips & adventures. 🤍

#yellowstonewithkids #yellowstonenationalpark #familytravel #travelwithkids #kidfriendlytravel
Sometimes knowing what to order at a restaurant co Sometimes knowing what to order at a restaurant completely changes your experience. 

Here are my top recommendations for food to try in Vegas. 

📍Aria Patisserie 

The Raspberry Rose macaron, a crisp, chewy shell, luscious raspberry filling, and a subtle floral rose finish. Sweet, tart, and perfectly elegant. 🌹🍓

📍Din Thai Fung

Order the Noodles with Spicy Sauce and use the “spicy sauce” to flavor as many other options as you choose. I highly recommend it with the Spicy Chicken Wontons and Pork Bao buns.

DO NOT leave without trying the Mango Shaved Ice and the Chocolate + Mochi XLB Bao Buns with a side of Sea Salt Cream 

📍La Fontaine (for brunch) 

Soufflé Pancakes: Ultra-fluffy, cloud-like pancakes topped with bright lemon curd, fresh berries, and airy thyme whipped cream. 

Le Traditionnel Eggs Benedict, smoked ham, potato bread, and truffled hollandaise. Amazing, so well done!

📍 Saint Honore 

Most famous for their creme Brulee donut and their beignets. We also tried the Passionfruit donut. All of them were standout donuts and not overly sweet, but so fresh and  absolutely worth the stop. 

📍Bellagio Patisserie 

Coolest patisserie design, famous for the mesmerizing chocolate fountain, a multi-tiered cascade of silky, rich chocolate. 

I recommend either a sweet or savory crepe + the Key Lime Tart. 

📍Guy Fieri’s Las Vegas Kitchen & Bar 

“Koreatown” Tacos are a fun Korean-Mexican fusion dish: marinated thin-cut ribeye, creamy avocado-lime mash, tangy kimchi, pico de gallo, spicy mayo, and corn tortillas. Best taco I’ve ever had!

📍Buddy V’s Ristorante 

Grandma’s Meatballs — tender beef, veal, and pork meatballs simmered in rich marinara and finished with Parmesan. A perfect family recipe! 

📍Salt & Straw 

I was encouraged to try Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper 🍓🍦—one of Salt & Straw’s signature flavors. It’s creamy strawberry ice cream with balsamic and a touch of citrusy black pepper that makes the strawberry flavor really pop. Delicious!!!

Pro tip: take your ice cream outside and try to time it with watching a Bellagio fountain show. 

#LasVegasEats #LasVegasFood #VegasEats #
Seeing the Sphere in Vegas is one thing… experienc Seeing the Sphere in Vegas is one thing… experiencing it during a Backstreet Boys concert is another! ✨

The visuals are INSANE, the sound is incredible, and the entire place feels completely immersive. Add the Backstreet Boys (live and in person) to it; total dream come true! 🥹🪩

#BackstreetBoys #BSB #SphereVegas #LasVegas #BSBArmy
“Love is like a butterfly, as soft and gentle as a “Love is like a butterfly, as soft and gentle as a sigh.” 🦋

There’s something about this footage of Dolly waving to the people lining the streets of Dollywood that feels especially beautiful to me now. Warm. Nostalgic. Joyful. So very Dolly.

I’ve been going to Dollywood since I was 4 years old. Some of my earliest and sweetest memories are wrapped up in that place.

Now that I’m grown, I’ve had the joy of taking my own children to Dollywood countless times. But last year was the first time I ever got to see Dolly herself riding in the Opening Day Parade.

Dolly was an exceptional woman.

She made the most of the life God gave her, and perhaps even more beautifully, she brought people up with her. She used her success to open doors, give hope, create opportunities, and make people feel seen and loved.

There was something extraordinary about the way Dolly loved people. She didn’t just shine—she made everything around her a little brighter.

The world will not be the same without her. But what a gift it was to live in a world with Dolly Parton in it.🤍🦋

#DollyParton #Dollywood #DollysLegacy #DollyPartonFans #Tennessee
📍 Saint Honoré, Las Vegas @ilovesainthonore Save 📍 Saint Honoré, Las Vegas

@ilovesainthonore

Save this for your next trip to Vegas!!
 
The dreamy crème brûlée Saint-Honoré donut—golden, crackly caramel on top, filled with silky vanilla cream, and impossibly decadent. 🍩✨

I can’t say what I liked more: the satisfying crunch of biting through the crystallized sugar? Or that it was the perfect amount of sweet but not TOO sweet? Or the vanilla cream in the middle? Just try it, you won’t regret it! So worth the hype and next time I’m definitely trying the beignets, that are highly recommended and also look delicious.

#donutsofinstagram #sainthonoré #lasvegasfoodie

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Celebrating 16 years of being married. 🍂🤎 Charmin Celebrating 16 years of being married. 🍂🤎

Charming little towns, covered bridges, winding roads lined with brilliant fall colors, and crisp autumn air that makes you feel happy and alive.

Some of our favorite places in New England.

📍 Waitsfield Covered Bridge, Vermont
📍 Von Trapp Family Lodge, Vermont
📍 Freedom Trail, Boston, Massachusetts
📍 Smugglers’ Notch State Park, Vermont

Save this for your future romantic fall getaway! 🍁

#NewEnglandFall #FallInNewEngland #RomanticGetaway #FallTravel #NewEnglandRoadTrip
🍁 Planning a trip to Vermont? These are 5 places y 🍁 Planning a trip to Vermont? These are 5 places you absolutely don’t want to miss!

After exploring Vermont during peak fall foliage, these were some of our favorite stops—from charming covered bridges to incredible hikes and mountain views!

🍂 1. Quechee Gorge & Covered Bridge
Two beautiful, quick roadside stops! Walk across the Quechee Gorge Bridge for views into Vermont’s deepest gorge, then visit the historic Quechee Covered Bridge for that quintessential New England charm.

🏔️ 2. Trapp Family Lodge | Stowe
One of our favorite experiences in Vermont! Beautiful hiking trails, breathtaking mountain views, adorable Highland cows, and incredible food. The entire property feels like something out of a storybook, especially in the fall.

💦 3. Bingham Falls | Stowe
A short but surprisingly challenging hike to a gorgeous waterfall tucked into the forest. It’s only half a mile round trip. The trail is steep, rocky, and absolutely worth it!

🍁 4. Smugglers’ Notch | Stowe
One of the most stunning scenic drives in Vermont! The winding road through the mountains is incredible, but make time to get out and hike. We took the Sterling Pond Trail and added on Elephant’s Head Cliff viewpoint via the Long Trail, which brings the hike to approximately 4.4 miles round trip. There are endless beautiful spots for photos, especially during peak foliage!

⛪ 5. Stowe Community Church
One of the most iconic fall scenes in Vermont! The church’s beautiful white steeple stands out against the vibrant red, orange, and golden mountainside. Such a picturesque stop in downtown Stowe.

📌 SAVE this for your future Vermont trip, and follow along for more travel itineraries, beautiful destinations, and adventures worth taking!

#VermontFallFoliage #VisitVermont #StoweVermont #NewEnglandTravel #falltravel
✨28 hours in Vegas ✨And somehow we packed SO much ✨28 hours in Vegas ✨And somehow we packed SO much into one day!

Good food, a little shopping, pool time, and Backstreet Boys nostalgia made this quick trip one for the books.

Here’s everything we squeezed in:

📍 Aria Patisserie — starting the day with something sweet
📍 Din Tai Fung — because the right order here makes ALL the difference 🥟
🛍️ A last-minute Ross run for Backstreet Boys concert accessories (think sparkly silver, butterfly clutch)
💗 Made friendship bracelets together (one of my favorite parts of the trip)
🌐 Saw The Sphere in all its Vegas glory
🎶 Backstreet Boys: Into the Millennium — the main event and SO much nostalgia
🎤 The Backstreet Boys Experience at The Venetian
🥐 Brunch at La Fontaine
🍩 A stop at Saint Honoré for donuts
☀️ Pool time at Fontainebleau with virgin drinks poolside

Vegas doesn’t require a week-long vacation. Give us 28 hours, a concert, great food, and a packed itinerary and we’re happy. 😂✨

#VegasGirlsTrip #vegastravel #LasVegasItinerary #BackstreetBoys #VegasFoodie
Hiking with little kids…they’re either half a mile Hiking with little kids…they’re either half a mile ahead or half a mile behind. I definitely prefer one over the other, but within sight please!

📍Artists’ Paintpot, Yellowstone National Park

#yellowstonewithkids #yellowstonenationalpark #hikingwithkids #familyadventures #outdoorfamily
Yellowstone with kids? Save this itinerary! From Yellowstone with kids? Save this itinerary!

From waterfalls and colorful thermal basins to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, bubbling mudpots, and wildlife in Hayden Valley—these are some of our favorite stops for a family day in the park.

I included how long to spend at each stop + how much walking to expect so you can actually plan your day without guessing.

📌 Save this for your Yellowstone trip and send it to the person planning your family vacation!

Follow @blossomandbecome for kid-friendly itineraries, family travel tips & adventures. 🤍

#yellowstonewithkids #yellowstonenationalpark #familytravel #travelwithkids #kidfriendlytravel
Sometimes knowing what to order at a restaurant co Sometimes knowing what to order at a restaurant completely changes your experience. 

Here are my top recommendations for food to try in Vegas. 

📍Aria Patisserie 

The Raspberry Rose macaron, a crisp, chewy shell, luscious raspberry filling, and a subtle floral rose finish. Sweet, tart, and perfectly elegant. 🌹🍓

📍Din Thai Fung

Order the Noodles with Spicy Sauce and use the “spicy sauce” to flavor as many other options as you choose. I highly recommend it with the Spicy Chicken Wontons and Pork Bao buns.

DO NOT leave without trying the Mango Shaved Ice and the Chocolate + Mochi XLB Bao Buns with a side of Sea Salt Cream 

📍La Fontaine (for brunch) 

Soufflé Pancakes: Ultra-fluffy, cloud-like pancakes topped with bright lemon curd, fresh berries, and airy thyme whipped cream. 

Le Traditionnel Eggs Benedict, smoked ham, potato bread, and truffled hollandaise. Amazing, so well done!

📍 Saint Honore 

Most famous for their creme Brulee donut and their beignets. We also tried the Passionfruit donut. All of them were standout donuts and not overly sweet, but so fresh and  absolutely worth the stop. 

📍Bellagio Patisserie 

Coolest patisserie design, famous for the mesmerizing chocolate fountain, a multi-tiered cascade of silky, rich chocolate. 

I recommend either a sweet or savory crepe + the Key Lime Tart. 

📍Guy Fieri’s Las Vegas Kitchen & Bar 

“Koreatown” Tacos are a fun Korean-Mexican fusion dish: marinated thin-cut ribeye, creamy avocado-lime mash, tangy kimchi, pico de gallo, spicy mayo, and corn tortillas. Best taco I’ve ever had!

📍Buddy V’s Ristorante 

Grandma’s Meatballs — tender beef, veal, and pork meatballs simmered in rich marinara and finished with Parmesan. A perfect family recipe! 

📍Salt & Straw 

I was encouraged to try Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper 🍓🍦—one of Salt & Straw’s signature flavors. It’s creamy strawberry ice cream with balsamic and a touch of citrusy black pepper that makes the strawberry flavor really pop. Delicious!!!

Pro tip: take your ice cream outside and try to time it with watching a Bellagio fountain show. 

#LasVegasEats #LasVegasFood #VegasEats #
Seeing the Sphere in Vegas is one thing… experienc Seeing the Sphere in Vegas is one thing… experiencing it during a Backstreet Boys concert is another! ✨

The visuals are INSANE, the sound is incredible, and the entire place feels completely immersive. Add the Backstreet Boys (live and in person) to it; total dream come true! 🥹🪩

#BackstreetBoys #BSB #SphereVegas #LasVegas #BSBArmy
“Love is like a butterfly, as soft and gentle as a “Love is like a butterfly, as soft and gentle as a sigh.” 🦋

There’s something about this footage of Dolly waving to the people lining the streets of Dollywood that feels especially beautiful to me now. Warm. Nostalgic. Joyful. So very Dolly.

I’ve been going to Dollywood since I was 4 years old. Some of my earliest and sweetest memories are wrapped up in that place.

Now that I’m grown, I’ve had the joy of taking my own children to Dollywood countless times. But last year was the first time I ever got to see Dolly herself riding in the Opening Day Parade.

Dolly was an exceptional woman.

She made the most of the life God gave her, and perhaps even more beautifully, she brought people up with her. She used her success to open doors, give hope, create opportunities, and make people feel seen and loved.

There was something extraordinary about the way Dolly loved people. She didn’t just shine—she made everything around her a little brighter.

The world will not be the same without her. But what a gift it was to live in a world with Dolly Parton in it.🤍🦋

#DollyParton #Dollywood #DollysLegacy #DollyPartonFans #Tennessee
📍 Saint Honoré, Las Vegas @ilovesainthonore Save 📍 Saint Honoré, Las Vegas

@ilovesainthonore

Save this for your next trip to Vegas!!
 
The dreamy crème brûlée Saint-Honoré donut—golden, crackly caramel on top, filled with silky vanilla cream, and impossibly decadent. 🍩✨

I can’t say what I liked more: the satisfying crunch of biting through the crystallized sugar? Or that it was the perfect amount of sweet but not TOO sweet? Or the vanilla cream in the middle? Just try it, you won’t regret it! So worth the hype and next time I’m definitely trying the beignets, that are highly recommended and also look delicious.

#donutsofinstagram #sainthonoré #lasvegasfoodie
📍Din Thai Fung, Aria, Las Vegas Only 16 of these 📍Din Thai Fung, Aria, Las Vegas

Only 16 of these restaurants in the country, but it’s well-worth the plane flight to get to eat here! Sharing some of our favorite dishes from this most recent trip. I’ve been twice now and ordered even better the second time. 

Tips: Order the Noodles with Spicy Sauce and use the “spicy sauce” to flavor as many other options as you choose. 

DO NOT leave without trying Mango Shaved Ice + Chocolate + Mochi XLB Bao Buns with a side of Sea Salt Cream. 

#vegasfood #lasvegasfood #foodiesofinstagram #foodietips

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