The Unforgettable Fair

I have always LOVED the NC State Fair. I  have lots of fair memories, lots of them including Crystal. This year the two of us decided at the last minute to live on the edge and take our kiddos all by ourselves! Neither of our familes were planning to go (weekends are just too crowded and no one could take off anymore work) so when we were chatting on the phone about it we decided that we would try to go (if Crystal was off work and kid were well etc.). She ended up taking Mitchell to stay with her mom so that we could better handle the WILD toddlers. Emerson was so excited I could hear her squealing before we even opened the car doors! We arrived just after the gates opened, wow I could tell I was on an adventure with Crystal! It was the perfect idea to be there early though because it was not crowded at all and all of the kids were in great moods.

We started the day at Cary United Methodist for famous ham biscuits and grits!

 

Next we started exploring the fairgrounds and exhibits...we tried all day to get group photos-it was a bust!

Tyson and Emerson looking at the camera...

 Juel looking at the camera...

 And no one looking at the camera! Excellent photography skills!

The trend continued as we went to see the big pumpkins and animals...

 

However Tyson and Emerson were willing to let their mini donuts be filmed...Yummy!

 

Next we headed off to see Smokey the Bear...

(Both kids loved holding Miss Crystal's hand all day...they typically refuse to hold hands, but they loved hanging out with her!)

 This picture cracks me up...look at Tyson's face when I was trying to encourage him to go hug Smokey! NO WAY!

 Next we went to check out the Village of Yesteryear,the Folk Village, and Flower Exhibits...it was a quick tour because rides were on the agenda!

 

First ride...the Merry Go Round! Tyson chose to ride in this interesting golden chariot??

(Look closely and you can see Tyson's little head. Ha Ha)

 

When we were standing in line for these flying elephants I told Crystal that I was afraid Juel would be too short to ride it. Apparently she heard me talking because as soon as the man opened the gate she pushed past the four children in front of us to run to an elephant! She was quite determined that she would not be left out of this fun ride. Emerson was also funny because she wanted to ride by herself! Tyson was a very serious elephant driver!

 

 Quite tragically Juel was too little to be permitted on the slide (even with me??)!

 She redemed herself with a roller coaster!

Emerson and Crystal wanted to ride a few more things, so my kids and I went to take a little break under a tree. It was nice to relax and just watch people for a few minutes.

 Next we headed to the "Kids Grow" exhibit and to the Safety Zone  and then we could tell meltdown mode was beginning. We quickly bought a bag of cotton candy and two candy apples and began our EXIT  just in time!

What a sweet day full of fun memories and making memories! As soon as we got home Tyson and Juel took a bath and a long nap. They woke up just long enough to tell Gee about their fun day, eat supper and a candy apple before going to bed at 7:00! Adventures with Crystal are very excitng and can make you tired!!