Thursday, August 24, 2006

Go Hog Wild!


. . . at the fair, that is. Wednesday was kids' day, so my youngest three got free bus rides to and from, plus a reduced entrance fee. I put off going until mid-afternoon, following trips to Costco and the orthodontist with Brendan.

First off, the bus is the only way to go to the fair as far as I'm concerned. There's no parking fee, no walking through a dusty lot, no waiting and waiting and inching to get out of the parking lot. In short, no frustrations. And the kids get a kick out of riding without seat belts!

First, we checked the price for tickets for the rides. Ouch! Then we decided to go look at a few things, like the animals. We all enjoyed that until finally, the blowing dust and animal whatever finally took it's toll on Kevin and his allergies were really making him miserable. Enough of that, we went back to the rides, I sucked in a huge amount of air, and made the purchase of armbands so they could ride as much as they wanted. Off went the twins and I hardly saw them again until I pulled them away at 9:30.

I hung out with Kirsten unti 6 when we went to one of the stages to see the local Irish dancers where we met some friends, the Davises. After they got a bite to eat, we met them at the rides where the girls could go on the rides together, and the moms could walk with them, watch, and enjoy some girl time of our own.

The Davises had to leave at 9, we did some more rides till 9:30, when we looked at some exhibits, then bought the traditional elephant ear and spent my very last dollar. It was time to go home! The walk to the bus seemed long, and my feet were aching and sore, so just sitting on the bus and listening to the drone of the engine and various conversations almost put me to sleep. By 11, I was in bed, sleeping.

The kids, especially the boys, told me over and over what a great time they had so it was worth every cent spent. Tonight I will return - alone - to meet with my friends in the smocking guild and we will demonstrate smocking for a couple of hours.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

I used to *love* our county fair as a kid. It helped that it was one of the largest in the country. See http://www.americas-fair.com/. I haven't been since I was in high school, but your account brought back happy memories.

Leeland said...

My! I didn't know you were back, Von! And all those wonderful things you're sharing...
Lots of hugs!

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a wonderful time, Von! And money definitely well spent. I hope that you and your guild friends have an equally good time together and draw some more people into doing needlework! :)

mainely stitching said...

It sounds like the perfect day to me!!

Wish I could catch your smocking demonstration.

Singular Stitches said...

Sounds like you had a fantastic time!!!

Cathy B said...

Sounds like fun - our Minnesota State Fair started today and runs through Labor Day. We're hoping to go this weekend...

Karoline said...

Sounds like everyone had a blast

Rachael said...

WHat fun- worth the aching feet and huge amounts of money to know that your kids had such a great time though. They will takes those memories with them for their whole lives.

Sharon said...

Hi Von, sounds like you guys had fun. Our fair here is not until October.