Red-faced, with dirt and chocolate-smeared cheeks, she couldn’t walk anymore. She rode on Dave’s shoulders as we made our way to the car, all the while complaining, “Please, more rides.” Then, just two minutes before she completely zonked out, she asked, “Can we go to the playground?”
What a day it was! We conquered the Puyallup Fair with gusto. We indulged in piglet, lamb, dog, and goat petting, enjoyed countless rides, witnessed extreme dog performances (including Guinness record-holding long-jumping Sounder), savored a deep-fried Snickers bar (imagine warm and gooey goodness), sampled free Darigold milk, marveled at a draft horse show, took a gondola ride, and played games galore.
Fast forward to eight hours later, and, silly me, I thought we’d be out in just two.
I’ve always been a fan of fairs. My downstairs mattress was even bought at a fair. I’ve sat through knife and pot and pan shows, sat like a retired woman for hours at bingo, and rolled balls to make mechanical horses move. However, having a baby and a toddler slowed me down in recent years. But not this year. Our 3.75-year-old dynamo, Evelyn, stole the show.
Using my fingers like spider feet, I moved from Evelyn’s back to her head, pressing gentle circles into her scalp. With her face smooshed into her pillow at bedtime just now, she said, “Mom, you give the best ‘smogges.’ And that guy with the moving piano, I want to do that.” She adores her massages, even if she can’t quite say the word correctly.
I’m certain that my account of the fair along with all the videos and pictures means you won’t have to go. You’re welcome. Enjoy that extra money in your wallet!
Love, Jaclynn
Going On 40 