It's Fair Time

One thing I really miss about living in the Midwest, the fairs.  Here, the fair signals the end of summer. In Minnesota, there are county fairs and festivals all summer long.  Starting at the end of May and going through September, one can get their fill of fried cheese curds (another thing I miss) and other food you associate with the fair and carnival rides every weekend. Bullhead Days, Waseca County Fair, the "big" fair: Steel County Fair, Hay Daze (yes, they spelled it that way), Crazy Days (made famous in the movie Cars), and well, you get the picture.  

Yesterday we decided to throw the kids in the car after Beau's nap and get out and enjoy what very well could be our last 80 degree day.  It was either Discovery Park Beach or the Evergreen State Fair in Monroe.  Hmmmmm, the beach has sand, rocks and endless requests from Lainey to get into the cold water.  On the other hand, the fair has fried food, cotton candy, scones and rides.  You know which I pushed for. 

Not sure where these concerned faces came from.  It was the first ride they went on. Perhaps they were looking to see if were still there?

Not my best photography work but one of my favorites of the day nonetheless. The look of pure joy is what  gets me out of bed in the morning. 

Lainey went on this same ride last year. Here are those pics.

Rides. Not just for kids, even if you are in the kiddie section at the carnival. 

I have no idea what his Daddy told him but I love this face. 

Also one of my favorites. 

I was looking through some of my shots when I noticed this girl looking up at me, making goofy faces.  

When we left the house, we were very apprehensive. Leaving the house at 4pm left us with no hope of making it home by bedtime.  We thought we were asking for trouble and were pleasantly surprised. I love going to the fair. Always have, always will. Whereas before it was about me, feeding my face and spinning around on rides until I couldn't see straight, now it's about seeing the same joys on the faces of my babies. And that I got in spades.  We got home around 9p and sat outside, in the backyard looking at stars, bundled up in blankets.  A perfect evening and I can't wait for the Puyallup Fair in a few weeks!