There was one thing about our visit this year that was VERY different. Just after entering the fair park, my uncle turned to me and said, "Why don't we start with the Midway this year?" I almost fell over! Our tradition since I was a very little girl has always been to leave the games and rides until the end of the day. First we did animals, then crafts, car buildings, markets, etc, and only then (after mucho anticipation) did we head to the Midway.
My first reaction was like no way! that's not what we do! And then all I had to do was look at my four year old, who was already basically sprinting to the rides, and I was like well, why not? So after getting a few snacks, we headed to the kids' train ride that Avery had enjoyed last year. Maddie had like it too, of course, but this was the only ride we had found that was safe and enjoyable for her sister. We were so glad that she seemed even more excited to try it this year. It started the whole visit off so well.
Soon after, we found these swing rides that I just knew Avery would love, but the seats were too low and her legs were too long. I was so disappointed! Maddie did fit well and enjoyed herself.
I was so pleased to find another swing ride for bigger kids a little further into the Midway. It went just high enough to thrill, not scare Avery. And I could ride right next to her! SO HAPPY!!
I know it's hard to see our faces here, but we are both smiling and laughing, big time! We rode that ride over and over again :). Maddie and daddy rode too. Here is a selfie-- did you know Bub the hub took selfies?? Me either! You can see me and Avery in the background too.
I think Maddie must have rode 10 rides total. She is a daredevil, just like her mommy. She rode cars, bikes and airplanes, and even a roller coaster multiple times. This is how Maddie cheered when she measured tall enough to ride something she wanted.
And the joy on her face during each ride.
After spending some time in the Midway, we headed over to find a Fletcher's corny dog, which is another good tradition.
yum!!
Avery took a nap in her stroller while Maddie enjoyed the Little Hands Farm that we visit every year.
Big Tex Maddie
Farmer Maddie
We took our annual family pic in front of Big Tex, which is always a feat. We are missing Aunt Christine in this one, but I think we are all actually smiling/kind of looking. This year we were a smaller group than usual already, missing Grandaddy, Uncle Drew and Shannon, who weren't able to make it. We missed them a lot.
I tried so hard to get a pic of me and both girls. Getting Avery to look at cameras is challenging to say the least. At least we've got Maddie pose smile and Avery half smile!
Got a good one of all the girlies together too.
The girls wore matching dresses with their names monogrammed because why not?
At the end of the day, we headed back to the Midway and did a few more rides and played just a couple of games. The first one was a bust but on the second one, Bub the hub made an impossible basketball shot on the first try and won a prize Maddie had been begging for.
Her very own huge unicorn, as seen in "Despicable Me." The way her face lit up at her daddy winning that unicorn is not something I will never forget. We felt pretty satisfied after that and didn't need to play any more games! We did pick up one more thing on the way out.
"Birthday cake" funnel cake. OMG.
We arrived home exhausted and happy. This little one had us tuck in unicorn with her that night, as well as her other menagerie of friends. I had to laugh.
