mid-state fair

Today I took the kids to the fair. Since Darren doesn't like to go, and I don't mind, and Jason was DYING to go, I took the kids this afternoon. We braved the scorching heat because we knew the drunks wouldn't be out yet. Our trip to the fair began with the ever-exciting bus ride. We parked at Albertson's and caught the shuttle. Nothing like starting out your adventure on a stuffy school bus! The kids were free admission, just expensive in the urgent needs department. For example, we walked in the front gate and were immediately hit with the delicious smells of fried food. We tried to ignore the smells by going to the carnival rides. Jason was very brave and went on Dumbo all by himself. He had to be brave because Cameron wasn't tall enough to go on with me, so I had to wait with her outside. I think the bravest thing Jason did was allow the weird carnie to buckle his seat belt for him..... After Dumbo we headed over to the carousel where all three of us were able to ride. It was a hit. And because it was two in the afternoon, 100 degrees and we were the only ones on the ride the weird carnie let us go again for free (I know, you're probably in disbelief that there was more than one weird carnie at the carnival....amazing, right?). We went into the art room to cool off and found a kid's craft booth. Jason and Cameron spent some time coloring and painting while we all rested. After the art we went to the "Zoo to You" presentation of "Leopardy". It was a cheesy game show that brought out some great animals. A porcupine, lemur, boa constrictor and alligator all wowed the crowd of kids. Next up was a churro stop and then a visit with the fire men. Then, on to the sheep pens where Cameron absolutely flipped out. I think she was upset because she was eye-level with the animals and unsure of what they were thinking about her. On our way back to pick up our crafts and ride the carousel one last time we spotted the mini-train. Well, what self-respecting five year old train enthusiast would pass up a ride on the train? So off we went! Finally, we dragged our tired, heat-stricken bodies out of the fair grounds and back on to the bus for the ride home. Jason's last request: :"Can we go again tomorrow?"