For me, the fair signifies the official ending of summer & the start of Fall. The evenings are just starting to become chilly. Sunset is happening earlier & earlier. And everyone is busting out the plaid (and overalls)! I always enjoyed the fair as a child, and now love taking my own kids even more. Conor though... he doesn't love the fair. Not really at all. But he loves how happy it makes the rest of us, so he always comes along. And sometimes I even forget that he isn't a big fan of it because we're having nonstop endless fun!
This year we went on opening night since we were both traveling in the following days. I was nervous it would be packed, but it was actually the contrary. I don't really like big crowds, so this was perfect. And it also made buying ride bracelets worth it since there were no lines! We even bought one for Finn because he is a thrill seeker and must be doing everything that big brother does. He joined whenever he could but was so so devastated when he did have to sit out due to being not tall enough.
So our night... Full of farm animals! Finn's favorite part; however, Liam was almost too old & too cool for the animals this year. He only had rides on the mind. Caramel apples (Liam & I shared). Cotton Candy (all to myself). A sunset ride on the Ferris Wheel. This moment is always so nostalgic for me, and I'm certain that a Ferris wheel is not even remotely as cool at any other time. We played carnival games, where we won four fish (who lived less than a week), and then Liam won a monkey, who is now "little monkey", and he goes everywhere with "monkey". So yeah... two monkeys everywhere we go now.
And did I mention the rides? Because we seriously rode rides nonstop for hours. We logged a good 4 hours at the fair and at least 2-3 of them were straight rides. One of the highlights was the bumper cars since Liam was finally tall enough for it this year! Conor & I shared a bracelet (such sneaky rule breakers we are), so thanks to the trading off, neither of us were too dizzy come night's end. Liam could have kept going, but we had to tear him away eventually.

next year i'm totally coming out for this. and maaaaaaybe i'll consider bringing my thrill seekers too (MAYBE).
ReplyDeleteYou know, I used to HATE the fair too! Hate. I mean, why do you pay money to go to the fair to just pay more money to ride rides or pay more money to eat food that's bad for you. And then we took Mason for the first time and my WHOLE view changed. I was SO bummed that we missed it this year! I'm already counting down until next year!
ReplyDeleteYour pictures are always so beautiful! It inspires me to attempt to make it to our county fair next year!
ReplyDeleteAwww, I love a good fair. Drew completely disagrees, which is why we rarely go to one. There's no way I could take both kids by myself. Good thing the kids and I went with my parents while in Indiana. Looks like you guys had a great time. I love all of the photos. Just beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI'm cracking up over the four fish. I don't know why...that's just such a perfect ending to the fair lol.
ReplyDeleteI've only been to the Missouri State Fair once and we still talk about the pig races! Maybe someday we'll make it back for it with the girls.
I can never remember when it comes to town here. It is our yearly tradition to miss it. I loved going as a kid. Chris and I went once when we were dating and visiting his hometown. It was then that I realized he is a ride chicken. Although ferris wheels scare the heck out of me.
ReplyDeleteThe fair is my absolute FAVORITE! However, Scott is like Conor, a lover of the fair he is not.
ReplyDeleteYour evening sounds like the best. Endless rides (with no lines!) for hours?! Sign me up!
Looks like the kids had such a great time! I'll keep it in mind for when our baby is around that age. Seems like such fun
ReplyDeleteIt looks like it ended up being such a perfect night. You guys got so much fun in. Going at night is a great idea too! Such a special time.
ReplyDeleteSo fun! Why doesn't Conor like it? I love that your boys love the rides so much. I love a fair, but Noah is definitely not a thrill seeker (just like his parents) so we run out of rides fast ;)
ReplyDeleteAwesome pictures! This looks like so much fun!
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures..
ReplyDeletemy husband feels the same way about most fall activities.. apple picking, pumpkin patches etc.
I have not read the Night Circus.. it's been on my list for sometime now.
I've missed being able to read your posts! What a fun and perfect way to kick off Fall! Xo, Stephanie
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