Deep Fried Fun

We all know that state fairs have a lot to offer - animals, musical performances, celebrity news anchors, the occasional pig race, and some stellar people watching. But let's face it, for kids, it's all about the FOOD, RIDES, and GAMES (i.e., the prizes).

THE FOOD

I showed you a sneak peek yesterday of our food experiences. We have dabbled in deep fried food in the past, but have found that the small size of the fried oreo is about all we can swallow, literally. We thought the kids would like them, but Charlotte gagged and Anson wouldn't even try it.

Instead, they went for the classic candy apple (albeit with candy corn) and a soft serve ice cream cone. Can't beat that! Russell and I dove into some onion rings and gyros, but they left us feeling a little, well, blech.

THE RIDES

The kids are pros now, and know exactly what they want to ride when we get there. We strategically avoid some nevertheless. Charlotte was content to ride a few kiddie rides, but Anson was more adventurous. I did manage to get Charlotte on some rides that really shocked her, but in pure Charlotte fashion, her surprise and fear lasted about a millisecond before the grin bust out. Now mind you, I was standing with two feet on the ground the entire time. I made Russell ride this hideously high thing where you go slowly to the top and then it drops quickly just when you are getting relaxed.

Getting Ready for Their First Ride

View From the Hideously High Puke-Inducing Kiddie Ride

Charlotte Clinging for Dear Life on Another High Ride

To Prove I Actually Did Ride Something...

Russell and Charlotte Keeping It Real on the Carousel

Charlotte and Anson on a Kiddie Roller Coaster (Yes, I was too chicken to ride it with them.)

THE GAMES

The kids always think they can win the giant panda and end up with the small plastic bouncy ball. This time around, though, they got pretty lucky and took home some choice prizes. Thanks to Russell, we also have a new member of the family, Coral/Lulu (a name has not been decided on yet), the goldfish. She survived a serious drop on the pavement where the water from the bag bust out, but a nice carnie gave us her large plastic cup with some water. It's a miracle the fish still lives.

Corall/Lulu in her New Home (a.k.a. the best thing I could find on short notice at home was a vase)

Charlotte Showing Off Some High Quality Loot

All in all, a successful evening!