Going to the Puyallup Fair has become one of our favorite family traditions. This year we had the added bonuses of attending on Mark's birthday, and going with the Harp's. We loved getting to introduce them to all our best-loved activities. The biggest fail of the day, however, was not getting a full group picture.
Right off the bat, we discovered a new favorite adventure spot - a huge tent featuring outdoor PNW activities. All the kids had a chance to go fishing. They were paired up with an experienced fisherman, cast their lines into the pool full of fish, and waited for the tell-tale pull from the fish.
Thane was excited about the process right up until the fish came out of the water. "Look!" said his fisherman guide, "You caught a fish! Do you want to touch it?"
Not a chance!
In the same building an archery club set up an area where kids (adults too, I suppose) could try their hand at shooting a bow and arrow. This was Bryce's favorite part of the day. He kept asking if we could go back and try again.
Aubree refused to participate, but Thane and even little Graham took a turn trying to get a bulls-eye. We're definitely adding this to our yearly "must visit" list.
Aubree was disappointed that this year she was too old to ride the mini-tractor course, but she generously volunteered to help Graham.
Thane refused to get out of the stroller, but Bryce sped through the course.
Katie, at 38 weeks pregnant, was a trooper! She made pregnancy look way too easy.
Next we stopped by one of Aubree's perennial favorites, the pioneer village. Bryce thought grinding the oats was fascinating, and spent most of his time at that station.
Uncle Seth helped the littles drill through a log.
I convinced Thane to get out of the stroller (I think he was worried that if he left his spot, one of the other kids would take it...) long enough to try his hand at drilling as well.
We went through a few animal barns, a petting zoo, and watched the Draft Horse show. The horse show was snooze-ville. That will not be on the to-do list for future years!
We stopped by the carnival just long enough for each kid to do one ride. Bryce chose a train ride, and my other three chose to go on the Carousel (following Aubree's lead). I'm firmly convinced that with young children, the best way to enjoy the fair is to spend as little time as possible in the carnival section!
We did stop by the free face painting booth in the carnival area as well, so I guess there is some merit to the detour.
On our way out of the carnival, we realized we were just in time for a mutton-busting show. Bryce came up to me and said, "I've thought about it, and I think this year I'd like to try riding."
We found out the details of signing up, then walked around to discuss the idea with Mark. That's the point, however, that we realized the rodeo pen was better described as a mud hole! Since we didn't have a change of clothes for him, we opted out of riding this year.
So, though the mud was a deterrent for Bryce, it ended up making for an extra entertaining mutton-bustin' show!
Finally, we made our way to the most anticipated part of our visit - the dairy where we get ice-cream.
It seemed appropriate that we get ice-cream for Mark's birthday. Aubree, in typical fashion, declared it, "the best ice cream ever!" Mark concurred.
We always love checking out the "collections" exhibits. When the kids found a collection of owls, the couldn't wait to show our owl-loving Piper.
Aubree likewise found a collection of penguins.
Nellie spent her day cozy in my wrap. I'd feed her when we stopped for shows or activities, but otherwise she was content. Towards the end of the day, however, she woke up and wanted to see what was going on around her. She's my 4th kid to use this wrap, but the first I've ever turned forward facing. Once she could see, she stopped her fussing immediately. She's a very aware, curious kid!
Despite spending over six hours at the Fair, we still didn't hit all the places we wanted to visit. This Fair is great at providing tons of family friendly (and mostly free) activities. It's wonderful!
When we got home, Bryce let Mark pull out his wiggly front tooth...with pliers!
1 comment:
Oh, beware of those forward facing babies. Even when she was tiny, Malynn had to see everything that went on around her. She never snuggled, but was constantly watching.
We have always avoided the fair, because it seems we fall into the trap of the carnival and Dan hates crowds and traffic (so do I, but he's the driver). Your post makes me think we've missed all the best things!
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