Mark's parents left their home in Pennsylvania in mid-August. After traveling for 5 weeks (down the east coast, across the southern states, and up through Utah) visiting their other children, they made it to our home just in time to join us for a day at the Puyallup Fair. We let Aubree play hooky from school, and left in time to get to the Fair just after opening.
We always have a great time at the Fair. I assumed everyone else does as well, but just prior to our excursion, I spoke with a few different families who stated they didn't like attending. The common denominator? Those families spent most of their time at the carnival.
Our kids had never even walked through the carnival section, but this time I'd gotten a package deal that included (essentially free) 6 carnival rides. I began to question whether that was a good choice or not.
However, with only 6 rides, that meant everyone got to choose just one ride. After circling the options, Bryce insisted he ride the train. I thought he might be disappointed when it was over, but he was just as giddy at the end as at the beginning. This boy loves trains!
Thane, our adventurous child, decided he wanted to ride on the roller coaster. With our limited tickets, that meant he had to ride alone. As we watched his face during the ride, we thought, "uh oh! I don't think he's liking this," but he hopped off exclaiming, "I loved it!"
While Aubree was still making up her mind, a kind stranger offered us 6 MORE free rides. The adults forfeited their rides, leaving each kid the chance for 3 rides a piece. While that was super fun for the kids, I began to see why the other parents disliked the Fair. Staying in the carnival section, trying to decide which rides to choose, got old quickly.
Having Grandma and Grandpa with us meant that the kids got doubly spoiled. Grandma asked if it would be okay if she got the kids pony rides. Parents were allowed to walk around the circle with the littlest kids, but when they put Graham on the pony, he was so calm and content that we decided to let him try it on his own. He may look serious in the picture below, but he really enjoyed riding! The other three enjoyed it as well.
Once we escaped from the carnival, we were free to explore our favorite parts of the Fair. We caught a comedy juggling act, checked out the FFA and 4H animals, and practiced our pioneering skills.
No visit to the Fair would be complete without our traditional stop at the creamery for ice-cream cones.
We happened to choose a beautiful, warm September day for our trip, so the ice creams were especially refreshing.
We stayed all day, and still didn't manage to see all we wanted. We quickly toured an exhibit hall, watched a session of mutton bustin' (Thane toyed with the idea of participating), shared a funnel cake with grandpa, and the kids all got their faces painted (for free - the best kind!).
Graham was extremely pleased with the train on his arm.
Ever since last year's Fair, Bryce has been planning to buy himself a bubble gun. He could talk of little else all day long, and was ecstatic when he finally got to buy the long desired toy.
Of course, with the excitement of the day, Graham didn't nap at all, but he still managed to conduct himself happily. Suffice it to say, however, he wasn't the only one to fall into bed thoroughly exhausted when we finally made it home after a wonderful day.
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