I told my sister we were going to the Spring Fair and she was all “oh that is so not my thing”.
We talked about how I insist on taking the kids to the fair every year and every year I post about a less than stellar experience.
I have a vision of happiness and cotton candy and excitement and hugs…I forget that my kids want me to buy everything we see. Perhaps the answer is for me to just start going to the fair by myself. Then I can have all of the happiness and cotton candy and excitement and hugs I want without the pressure of having to buy an overstuffed gorilla.
Pat and I took the kids to the fair.
And you know what? This time it wasn’t that bad. Nobody cried…unless you count our bank account when it realized it was empty….or Laina when Maile won an animal and she didn’t…or Kainoa when he realized the kiddie hot air balloons weren’t as fun as they looked…or Maile when she wanted ice cream instead of carmel apples…or me because I REALLY wanted carmel apples…or Pat after he lost his manly basketball challenge…but other than that it was actually fine.
The kids were enamored by the Doggy Air Fly competition that took place. I had to pry them from the haystack they were standing on and Laina’s decided to train Rudy to become a flying air dog despite our lack of pool.
My favorite moment was when Maile and Laina went on a roller coaster for the first time together and it knocked there normally serious “ride face” right off their…faces.
We’re getting better at this. And by “we” I mean “me”. Until next time Fair…and there will be a next time.
Karen, author of "My Funny Dad, Harry" says
Looks like a great time! I would have been right with your kids, enamored at the dog competition. Great picture of them on the roller coaster with big smiles! My first roller coaster ride was on a little one too and it really helped prepare me for the big ones–I love them! I think you should have gotten yourself a carmel apple though and let the kids get what they wanted–is there some rule I don’t know of that family outings require unanimous decisions?
Mama Kat says
No that’s exactly what we did…it’s just the ice cream was so far *insert whiny voice here*.
Katherine says
It actually looks like a good time. C’mon, it had dogs jumping into pools. It’s much better than the “Festival” I insisted taking my children to. That consisted on artsy booths, a “parade” and some folk dancing. But the kids got candy, so the crying was minimal.
Lindsay @ Just My Blog says
First of all, what kind of camera are you using? Those pictures are phenomenal. Secondly, I’m like you…I trick myself into believing that “this time” won’t be so bad each time the fair or something comes around. I’m always sure the girls will surprise us and we’ll have so much fun.
Mama Kat says
It’s just a regular old point and shoot. Canon I think. But I always spruce my pictures up a bit in photoshop or Picnik. HIGHLY recommend Picnik.com for quick and easy edits. There are so many cool effect to choose from too…and it’s free!
Jen says
You know sometimes things just work. It is rare and I have yet to experience this phenomenon but I can see here that does actually happen.
Allison @ Alli 'n Son says
How fun! My expectations often don’t meet reality either, for events like this. But sometimes it turns out better that way.
Love the title of this post, by the way.
Mama Kat says
Funny you should mention that. All of my previous posts about the fair have titles with a pun on the word “fair”.
Last night I turned to Pat and was all “what kind of cute title can I give this with the word fair in it?” His answer: “What about just…Weekend At The Fair”
So boring.
And that’s why Pat doesn’t blog. :)
Mel says
Fair season is upon us here…driving around on Saturday the boy noticed at least 3 of them…when the weather is nicer is the only response I’d give him…there is nothing worse than freezing your butt off and spending all your money…if I’m going to spend a fortune I at least want sunshine and warmth to enjoy! lol.
Looks like your crew had a blast!
angel says
OH see now I am so jealous.. Your fair i way better then our fair..but but we have canning competitions and livestock contests.. nope still not as cool…
Erin Im Gonna Kill Him says
What kind of Spring Fairs do ya’ll have there? Dogs flying into pools? This is like friggin Sea World. We’re moving now; my kids can’t grow up in a place that doesn’t have fairs like this.
Mama Kat says
Cool right? I have no idea…this is the first time they had a dog jumping competition, but it WAS fun to watch!
Jessica says
I love the last picture too, Kat! That’s one of those perfect Kodak moments and you managed to capture it!
Mama Kat says
Seriously I LOVE picture compliments!! Thank you!
Shannon King says
Wow, looks like you all had a wonderful time! I love to watch the flying air dogs on T.V. they are so awesome and boy can they get some distance!
Mama Kat says
I totally get sucked into shows like that…the dog shows too…and cooking competitions. ;)
KLZ says
I rather like the idea of you going by yourself and getting all the hugs you need. But mostly because I am amused by it. Looks like a great time! I kind of wish I’d been there.
Poppy says
Such a small world as I assume this is the Puyallup Spring Fair? I have to laugh because this is the family business (the carnival part) that I referenced in the Writer’s Workshop last week. I’ve spent a whole lifetime at the fair so it holds no fascination for me, but the more money you spend the better Christmas presents my kids get so I’m glad you enjoyed yourselves :)
Mama Kat says
Oh funny! Yes, that’s exactly where we were!
Mom Taxi Julie says
They look MUCH happier than they did last year! Maybe they just weren’t old enough before.
Mama Kat says
I think now that Kainoa’s nearly three they are definitely getting easier!
MamaOtwins+1 says
I love taking the kids to the fair too – although dear hubby usually chickens out.
Lourie says
That last picture is awesome. Little thrill seekers! hahaha.
Emmy says
Other than your bank account it sounds like overall it was a successful day. :)
And yeah, sometimes I wonder if things are worth it too.. and sometimes they just aren’t.
Mama Kat says
That’s the worst when you end up regretting it later! I took the kids to Build A Bear once and EIGHTY dollars later had serious buyers remorse!!
Tracy P. says
WOW!! It’s not every day you get a PERFECT SHOT of your kids on the roller coaster! You rock, Mama Kat. I would totally keep going every year regardless. I heart your persistence.
Los says
My mom instilled the fear of God in me as a child … I’m still afraid of roller coasters … sigh.
Jennifer says
Their face on that roller coaster is too cute. I’m glad y’all had a better time this year.
angie says
The fair is always fun for me too. I particularly love the animal smells and spending $47 on a churro.
kisatrtle says
That looks like a lot of fun…
Amanda says
I love fairs, I am 24 years old and I still look forward to going every year. We have one at church, the Ohio State Fair in August which is wonderful and our very hillbilly county fair that is on October! I wouldn’t miss them for the world, but I imagine taking kids would be different. My parents always did stuff like that with us when we were kids and those are some of my best memories!
Peg says
Yall look like you had a BLAST!
Jenn Calling Home says
So sweet. Brings back memories of similar outings with my girls when they were younger. Enjoy every fun-filled minute with your girls. (Don’t mind me. I’m just a super sappy perched-on-the-edge-of-an-empty-nest emotional type.)
rhonda says
Those are great photos Kat! That last one rocks!
Erin says
oh I so love the fair, and I am so bummed that you guys get a dog jumping competition at your fair. I’m coming up there next year!
And I love the pic of the girls on the roller coaster! So perfect!
Chris Weigand says
Wow we were there too. such a great fair.
Jannica says
one of the biggest thing I miss about WA is the Spring Fair…when we came home last Fall I got to take my son, and it was so fun! My husband had never had a fair scone, or an elephant ear, being from the East Coast and all, I introduced him properly. Awe, I’d love a scone right about now! Your photos were so fun to see, and how fun to watch the doggie jump!