JUST ANOTHER DAY AT THE FAIR

May brings lots of things to our part of the country. Usually oppressive heat and dreams of the end of another school year, and our annual trip to The Fair.

This year, we missed the oppressive heat. Really, just a little. It got down to 54 degrees and rained on us. The Mom bit back her gut feeling to make everyone take sweatshirts and we all suffered for it.

The fair was losing its hold on The Kids in the recent years. They were getting too big for the kiddie rides and the bigger rides were either too tame after coasters at the amusement park, or still too scary for a few of us.

Thank goodness for The Littlest Nephew. He has saved our fair going days for a few more years.

He has given us another 10+ years of excuses to go to the fair.

We're still trying to figure out the exact year we began coming to the fair. The Kids were teeny, we know it's been at least 9 years from the pictures, but I'm pretty sure The Boy was at least a baby, if not still in my stomach, the first year we came.

The Aunt and The Uncle were kidless, obviously, and I can't help but look into the future and see the years where The Dad and I are hitting the fair with The Littlest Nephew as our kids are heading off to their own adult lives.

The Kids took their responsibilities as oldest cousins seriously. As we were watching them take such care with their cousin and ensure he enjoyed the rides, The Aunt mentioned that when TLN is The Girl's age, she would be old enough to have her own kids. She'd still be on the young side of course, but the truth hit me hard. By the time TLN is getting bored with the fair, we could be starting an entirely new generation going. TLN will then be the one responsible for ensuring the safety and smiles of another.

Sometimes I really want to punch The Aunt in the face.

Then, I watch TLN. A little unsure of his first coaster ride. I see The Girl leaning over, wrapping her arm around his neck so his gigantic head doesn't flail around, yelling "Whee!" over and over again, and I feel tears brimming that she has turned his fear into smiles and giggles. She gets off and we all tell her what an amazing job she did. She has no idea what we're talking about. She's just having fun with her cousin.

The Boy, while not quite ready to take on the full responsibility of TLN, does his part. His part involves the less hands on moments maybe. Although, he's always ready to jump in and play with his cousins. He's more the comedic relief.

The one who doesn't care what he has to do to get the laugh from TLN. Or the rest of us. He's happy to make others happy. He's also the patient one. He's not much of a ride enjoyer. He doesn't mind sitting back with the adults and catching up on life.

I never would have thought that a day at the fair could show us so much.

Our spinny apples have been replaced by bears. I think bears are cuter and they get the job done just as well.

Although it is just a little odd to be sitting in a bear's tummy with The Uncle.

As long as The Littlest Nephew flashes me that grin, I'll sit in a bear's belly, spinning just enough to not make The Uncle puke on me.

Another year, another fair. Another wonderful family day.

 

Comments

[Lisa Flaherty]

What a fun day! It is so cool that you have this tradition that will continue to the next generations as the kids grow and the roles within the family are changed and passed down. You have such amazing kids. Now I'm getting a little teary seeing how they are growing up so much! You are the best mama!

[Shay]

I'm so glad you found a reason to keep going. It so sad when something like that dies out because kids grow up.Let's hope you arent grandparents too soon (Take it from someone who knows all about that !)

We have the same thing here every year with the Christmas Pageant ( like Macy's Thanksgiving Parade )Little P has been too young to go the last couple of years but this year- watch out!

[Shay]

Oh! I meant to say ...I love the blog makeover too! Very nice!