I've been busy. It's not that I haven't been thinking about you. I have. But not that much. sorry.
I've been at the state fair. A LOT. Saturday we went to the fair with Rob's mom and step-dad (who were wonderful and helped us watch the kids and they had a blast with them there) around 2 in the afternoon. Anya and I left around 5:30, Rob and Ally stayed til around 9:30. We went back the next day around 5 or so. and stayed til 8 or 9. Monday we took a day off to let the kids readjust to their schedules, and go to bed on time, but we've gone abck the last 2 nights, and plan on returning every night 'til it's over. We're loving it. Each of us for different reasons.
Ally wants to ride every single ride there. We bought her a mega-pass that lets her ride anything she's tall enough for. She has no fear of anything. She walked right up to the Rampage (picture credit) thing and begged me to let her on. no dice. She's still too short. whew. but she IS tall enough for a bunch of things this year, and I'm loving seeing her enjoy herself so much. She rode the Octopus by herself, and really wants to be able to ride the Tilt-A-Whirl alone too, but the operators won't let her. When she rides the dragon roller coasters, at least half the time she has her hands in the air and a huge grin on her face. She's already talking about when she gets big enough to ride the Pirate Ship and the hang-glider thingy. This shouldn't surprise me. When she was much younger, she went on a smaller version of the swings that Rob and I thought she was going to kill herself on. It was ricketty and barely has a strap to keep her from falling out, and the whole time she was on it, we said to each other "I can't believe we let her on that." But she spent the entire ride with a shit-eating grin on her face and her hair blowing behind her. And when it was over, we had to drag her off kicking and screaming.
Anya, on the other hand, is a little laid back. She had to work up to riding anything by watching Ally go first. She likes to sit on something that moves slowly and lets her have a chance to wave and smile at us. The little kiddee cars are right up her alley. in fact, we rode them 4 times in a row last night. And we're using this as an opportunity to teach her about lines. She's also got a pass that lets her ride as much as she wants, but we make her get off and get back in line (even if there isn't a line waiting). The first time, she threw a god-awful tantrum. BUT! The second time, she climbed out ran to the gate and happily waited her turn again. I remember doing the same thing with Ally long ago. Anya likes to ride the train that goes about 5 miles and hour around in a little circle. That's her speed. She actually told me "I don't like high and fast" when we were watching Ally go on a ride the other day.
Anya is actually big enough for one of the small and slower roller coasters, but lacked the courage to try it. Until last night. She actually asked for it. But, of course, Ally decided that she wanted something bigger, and refused to go on it with her, so we watched as Anya's slowly built confidence melted away without her sister near her, and she cried to get off even before the ride started. That's when we decided it was time to go home. And talk to Ally about her big sister job duties (and being a brat). Tonight there is a standing threat of Ally leaving while Anya gets to stay and have fun. We'll see if it works out.
The kids have played a couple games, and Anya (the quintessential younger child) picked 2 balls when given a choice. One for her and one for Ally. Ally, of course, picked 2 things she would enjoy not sharing. We've done our best to make sure Anya knows that the balls are hers even though we're proud of her for sharing so well. We don't plan on playing more games though. We don't need any more crap in our house.
We spent one day without any rides. We saw the goat, sheep, and pig buildings. We walked all over Conservation World, and saw a bunch of fish and turtles. Anya is absolutely and completely in love with goats. Why? I have no idea. but she would be thrilled spending the day petting them. We went in the little piglet building (pee-ew) and saw all the little baby piglets nursing with their giant mothers.
We've had ice cream (a couple different kinds) corn dogs, fries (a couple different kinds), lemonade shake-ups(a coup...you get the point), pizza, BBQ, and hamburgers. We have yet to get some mini-donuts, Culler's french fries (they really are the best), dipping dots, cotton candy, or anything deep fried. Oh, and I want a rib-eye sandwich. We've got 4 days left, and Ally's not even close to running out of rides she wants to go on (again). Anya is just warming up to some of them. Ally wants to do the trampoline jumping, Anya wants to ride the train again. We haven't seen any of the animal shows yet (They liked the dog show a lot last year) and Anya would love it if we went to the petting zoo. We already went to the one where you feed the animals, but they were on the other side of the fence. This one lets you walk around in their crap with them and pet them. I definitely think we have enough to keep us busy for the next couple days.
Until then, the poor dog is lonely, the laundry isn't done, the bathrooms aren't getting cleaner, the beds aren't made (not that I usually make the beds. I mean, people visited us and I haven't gotten any of the blankets/sheets put back where they belong), the budget is being ignored, and the blog isn't updated all that much. But I'm still having fun. See you soon.
Oh, and here's a little photo fun to proove what a good time we're having.
pictures won't come up for me?
Posted by: Jan Williams | August 14, 2008 at 02:15 PM
ok, there now, better than 6 Flags, lines were much better I am sure. Next year we are for sure taking Ally to 6 Flags if she liked it that much!
Posted by: Jan Williams | August 14, 2008 at 04:08 PM
sounds fun!! we are taking our girls to a kid place this weekend and I'm excited.
and it's funny because our daredevil is our youngest.... nothing scares her. her older sister would hide behind me for most things.
have fun!
Posted by: leigh | August 15, 2008 at 08:11 AM
Our Royal Show is coming up in a few weeks. Himself has announced he will NOT be going so The BA and Small Boy and I may have to do the deed ourselves.It's so expensive! Yours looks good and not too many crowds. That's what Himself hates. The BA and I have diametrically opposed views on what constitutes a good ride. I like roller coasters and she likes things that spin. She wouldn't even consider going on a roller coaster until last year and I get sick on the Teacup ride!! Enjoy.
Posted by: arizaphale | August 16, 2008 at 08:09 AM