Meet Me At The Fair

Last Sunday was a first for the whole family... the State Fair. Chris and I had not gone on this kind of outing since we were "just friends" without a clue we would end up in love and married. So there we were all these years later and with our son. Not only a first for Chris and I as husband and wife but also our first outing of this type as a family. It made the whole experience... special.

The weather could not have been more beautiful. Though the temperatures have been dropping enough to make for chills and goosebumps, the sun came out in its Autumn glory and warmed up a blue sky. The air was perfect for an outdoor excursion. Traffic was being handled like a well tuned symphony (kudos to our guys in uniform). And even though tractor-pulled trailers transported us from the far out field where our car was left to wait, we chose to enjoy the walk back even after spending five hours eating, playing, picture taking, and rides. It was a good day.

Cameron doesn't care for heat too much, spoiled by AC and all. The only photographic evidence we have of this was taken by the park staff, a gift we payed $11 for upon our exit (a bit high for a key chain, I know, but OH that face, I can't resist that little boys face). That is what we get for forgetting the camera. OY! Still, my memory of the day is fresh and filled with firsts.

We were not in the park for long when a good friend we had not seen in a while approached with arms open wide for a great big hug. Her name is Kim and we used to be in drama together at church. A couple of years ago she was diagnosed with breast cancer. One of those "you have got to be kidding kind" because she was one of the healthiest people I knew. Her family found another church that fit all of their personalities and so contact became few and far between. But there she was at the Fair looking great. What sticks out the most though about our reunion is something that she said. She is still battling cancer and had lost a friend to the disease just days before. So before we parted ways, she gave us all an extra special hug and very clearly told us that she loved us. This was followed by the statement, "You never know when it will be your last chance to tell someone you care." May I never forget such words!

After Kim and her family went off to enjoy the festivities, we too began to explore. Chris happily bought a day pass for the rides while I just passed on the rides all together in order to introduce our son to the sights and sounds of people having fun, including watching Daddy whoop it up while being spun high up in the air. The first ride, though, went to Cameron. Not only the first ride of the day but Cameron's first ride period. Daddy and Son enjoyed the magic of the Carousel. With my cell phone I caught what images I could and loved every minute of it. Chris was beaming like the proud Papa he is and Cameron, though never smiling, soaked it all in and had fun. We were so proud.

Another first (and a Fair must) was the funnel cake. While Chris was being spun high up in the air, as previously stated, Cameron and I indulged in a bad-for-us goodness. He was only allowed a few bites but the vote was clear... funnel cake ROCKS. Because Chris was intent on trying all the daredevil rides, he too only allowed himself a sample of the fried and powered sugared dough leaving Mama with the rest. That, plus an ice cream cone later on, made for an unhappy tummy for me but HEY it was the Fair and that is what you are supposed to do!

As Chris finished his final ride, Cameron settled down for a nap and never has a nap looked more comfortable. As he laid back in his stroller, right arm propped behind his head, and one foot up on the stroller dash we snapped photos, again on my cell, and quickly texted them to family. Cameron was the image of "Ah, this is the life."

We didn't see any animals and we only saw but a small section of all that the park offered but we figured that would be for another year, when Cameron is a bit older and more able to appreciate it. As for this trip, well, it was for Mama and Papa. It was a great family event to share though we have got to STOP forgetting the camera!

Now you would think that was the end of the story. Family goes to their first Fair, turns their stomachs on the rides, eats junk food, buys overpriced memorabilia, and goes home happy. Now all of that is true but there was one more first waiting for us, one that Cameron kept hidden until bedtime. There we were going through the nighttime routine with baby on the changing table, Daddy changing the diaper, Mommy brushing the gums, BUT WAIT, not just gums... a tooth. Yes, Cameron has cut his first tooth, lower left of center. We were so excited and, well, shocked. We had heard from several people the effects teething can have on a usually happy baby. For a first tooth, this one came in under the radar and capped off an already wonderful day. Good work little one!