The Champlain Valley Fair means the end of summer in our area of Vermont.
I took my grand kids last year and my grandson has been talking about it with the anticipation most kids might save for Santa Claus for the past year.
It rolled around again and I was chump enough to agree to take them once again. The age difference between my two grandchildren sometimes makes an outing a challenge. Also Kristen is entering that stage of wanting distance between herself and her grandmother--or adults generally. I told her she could invite a friend, leaving me free to concentrate on entertaining Dane. Or leaving Dane free to entertain me.
We negotiated. I regular check-in time and spot with the girls, not games that would result in having to drag around prizes until we were leaving, and he and I would take turns picking the activities and rides. That way we got to see the animals and the agricultural exhibits, ride the ferris wheel, and actually make it to the check-ins. That way Dane also got me onto to some rides that I thought I was done with my own children no longer needed my constant attention at the fair.
I took my grand kids last year and my grandson has been talking about it with the anticipation most kids might save for Santa Claus for the past year.
It rolled around again and I was chump enough to agree to take them once again. The age difference between my two grandchildren sometimes makes an outing a challenge. Also Kristen is entering that stage of wanting distance between herself and her grandmother--or adults generally. I told her she could invite a friend, leaving me free to concentrate on entertaining Dane. Or leaving Dane free to entertain me.
We negotiated. I regular check-in time and spot with the girls, not games that would result in having to drag around prizes until we were leaving, and he and I would take turns picking the activities and rides. That way we got to see the animals and the agricultural exhibits, ride the ferris wheel, and actually make it to the check-ins. That way Dane also got me onto to some rides that I thought I was done with my own children no longer needed my constant attention at the fair.
Fair food.
Exhibits
Stomach flipping rides
Strange crowds
A day at the fair.
And now, empty pockets.
I'm tired just thinking about it! You're a wonderful grandma.
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures. I would have been exhausted AND broke! Love the little piggies!
ReplyDeleteFairs are the perfect way to end a summer for kids. You worked out a great compromise. Some of those rides looked pretty scary though.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a perfectly wonderful summer time fun. I admit to enjoying fair food.
ReplyDeleteMy feet hurt just thinking about tramping around with grandchildren!
ReplyDeleteI wore very comfortable shoes. But I am lucky in the foot department--no major pains.
DeleteSmart idea on having your granddaughter bring a friend. I can't imagine trying the rides any longer, probably have to leave the place on a gurney and sign up for physical therapy. It looked like a great day.
ReplyDeleteMy problem is that I forget my age all too easily.
DeleteYou're such a good grandma! I never really enjoyed fairs, but I know I attended several with my children. Now, I just watch pictures of them (or live vicariously through blogs like yours!) My grandies are too young for those big rides, anyway. Glad you had a good time -- you did, didn't you?
ReplyDeleteI am not crazy about fairs and the crowds, but I do enjoy seeing the kids have such a grand time.
DeleteWow. You really went on those rides? I stand in awe of your bravery.
ReplyDeleteFair food is reason enough for me to want to get to fairs, although I've missed all of them this summer!
Those pumpkins look very impressive, and so does the ... what is it, a funnel cake?
ReplyDeleteFried bread dough. Is that the same thing?
DeleteI haven't been to the fair in over 10 years. Lol. Glad you all had a good time.
ReplyDeleteThe biggest favor I did for my grandchildren was not to take their parents to carnivals or fairs. This way my children felt slighted and vowed to take their children to everything.
ReplyDeleteAh, you were so wise!! That took foresight. Next life, I will remember that!
DeleteA,yes, those awful rides. Kids love them and I hate them. I cannot go on the strong ones, because I get sore at the end of the day. So you have shown me what I get to look forward to as my little ones grow.
ReplyDeleteGood for you! You are right, they get to that age.
ReplyDelete(ツ) from Cottage Country Ontario , ON, Canada!
Wow, you are a brave woman Olga! Not only for taking the children to the fair, but venturing onto the rides as well.
ReplyDeleteI haven't been to the fair since my children were old enough to no longer want to attend. But I certainly remember the feeling of having empty pockets at the end.