I love local fairs and carnivals, but I hadn’t been to the county fair since I was in high school. To be fair, I hadn’t lived in this county since high school, but since we moved back exactly two years ago today, we still hadn’t gone to the fair. I was determined to change that this year, especially since Annie is now old enough to have fun.
When we arrived at the fair, the first thing we saw were the kiddie rides. Well played, fair. Annie was like, “OMG RIIIIIIIIIDES!” so off we went.
I LOVE rides. Love ’em. Mike doesn’t hate them, but he wouldn’t be sad if he never went on another one again. He had no interest in going on this one:
The swings are one of my favorite rides, so I went on it alone:
It was a lot of fun, and the view of the ocean was amazing (the fair is right next to the beach). Not to be outdone, Annie requested to go on the kiddie version:
She also went back on the bungee trampoline thing she first discovered last year.
She is definitely my daughter.
There were games to play as well. Mike and I usually play a few “against” each other, but Annie is now old enough to get in on the fun:
Mike, Annie, and my mom also tried the fried twinkie and fried oreo, but I passed on that because I’ve done enough vomiting in the last year.
But by FAR the highlight of the day for all of us was when Annie went on the pony ride.
While she waited in line for her turn, she turned to us and said, “That pony is lonely. He needs me.” She spent the majority of the pony ride petting her pony and talking to it.
It’s a good thing we have a tiny, grass-less backyard, because I’m pretty sure Mike would buy her a pony tomorrow.
What about James? James thought the fair was lame.
You’ll love it soon enough, little boy.
Paula says:
You are an awesome photographer! These pictures are so detailed and amazing!
I love the different looks Annie has. I also see the sheer enjoyment and concentration she puts into everything she does. I think you have a little dare devil on your hands. Tell Mike she doesn’t need no pony – that girl needs some bungee cords and a trampoline.
ryan says:
She is just the cutest little thing!
Jenn says:
I LOVE your pictures & the Palm Trees & Ocean make your fair sound that much more AMAZING!!!! I can’t imagine!!!! I just LOVE California!!! BTW…LOVE the picture of James!!! He just looks so disgusted!!! Ha ha He is just so darn cute!!!
Meg says:
The swings have always been my favorite ride — I will stand in line for an hour, ride them, get right back in line, stand again, repeat over and over. Annie looks so cute on the pony!
Katrina says:
James… was NOT having it. Not even a little bit. So funny
Amanda says:
Between the, “Because I’ve vomited enough this year,” rationale for not trying the fried twinkies and oreos and James’ face, this is my favorite post in a long time!
Love!
Sue says:
The photos of you and Annie are great, Heather, but the one of James really takes the prize!!
Lanie says:
What a fun fair! I would ride the swings too if they had views of the ocean (not so likely here in land locked Atlanta) :-).
Perhaps James is just wondering when it is his turn to ride on the pony…adorable pictures!
satchi Nitay says:
You’re looking great Heather.
Love the photos. Amazing to see Annie and James grow.
All the best,
Satchi & Nitay
Becky says:
My hometown was in the country so we would have a Fair Day every year where school was cancelled because so many kids were participating in fair activities. I loved it!
Also, I can’t believe it’s been two years since I read about you moving to your new house. Time is a funny thing.
Terri says:
James expression is like geez… I’m SO far above all this! He is just taking it all in. I’m jealous the rides at your carnival look much nicer than the carnival at our fair. We rated them all by the possible death/injury factor before we would let our daughter get on one. Sadly she only got to ride a couple things before we got out of there.
Heather says:
Oh yeah…when I was on the swings I definitely had the, “Hmmm…if this swing broke, would I survive?” thoughts! I clutched the chains a little tighter!
Tami says:
Loved all the pictures. especially the look on James face and Annie is adorable!! You are blessed)
Monica S. says:
Looks like a fun time! OMG, James expression at the end was priceless thanks for sharing~
sister says:
Ha! James has a look like “can you believe what these people do for fun?” His look is priceless!
Annie looks adorable in her little braided pony tails too.
Trisha says:
Annie’s concentration and follow through with her hands is intense on that ring toss game. Please tell me she won something!!
Heather says:
She didn’t, but she came very close!
Melissa says:
You have probably answered this a million times before but what camera do you use? Do you have special lens? You need to do some more photography tip posts, haha!
Thanks!
Heather says:
I have a Canon 7D, and I was shooting with a Tamron 24-70 lens!
Melissa says:
You are making me so homesick! I was born and raised in Ventura, but live in Las Vegas now, and I miss the fair so much. I really wanted to go this year but it didn’t work out for us. Maybe next year!
Glenda says:
Swings were my mom’s fav ride
Beautiful pictures. I’m sure next year James will have a little fun
Annalisa says:
James’ look looks more of a “there’s sun in my face, make it stop” variety to me. I remember it well, my daughter made the same grumpy face on her first summer’s outings. Funnily enough, it’s even harder to keep sunglasses on kids who act like that.
TonyaM says:
I love Annie’s expression as she’s petting the pony. And James….cracks me up! I’d like to see a “James Is Not Impressed” series of pics.