Taking the Scenic Route

He ran up to the guy handing out maps and enthusiastically reached out for one.

 

In the FFA building, looking at a few animals.

 

When he saw the giant slide come into view, he ran to the front of the stroller, blocking it so we all had to stop because he wanted to go down the slide.  (the slide is a permament fixture on the fairgrounds and really tall).  He loved it.

 

Then the traditional “Pronto Pup” lunch.  Zora wasn’t sure initially, but enthusiastic once she got a taste.

 

My big helper (otherwise known as “you aren’t moving fast enough”)

 

We split up so Grandma could go with Zora and Zane could go ride some rides.  Last year we stopped at one ride because he was just not too sure about it, but this year he seemed slightly more enthusiastic.  We ended up having to buy a lot more tickets than we planned, but he was having more fun than I think he has had in…well, almost ever.  He was so animated and excited we almost couldn’t believe it.

First, the fun house.  (otherwise known as motor planning in the extreme).  The exit barrel is turning.

 

Here is where we really get going.  Zach said he talked nonstop all through the ride.

 

Then he wanted the flying ride.

 

And then about fainted with excitement seeing the roller coaster.  (He spends hours on Roller Coaster Tycoon video game, so this place was like his game had come to life and he was beyond excited)

 

Pulling on Dad’s hand, wanting to go back to the ride…

…until we pointed out this ride, the “older kids” roller coaster.

and then the log flume caught his eye.

And we decided to finish up the rides with the grown up coaster, with both Zach and I riding with him.  He adored it.  The seats spun every time we turned the corner.  I think Zane liked it more than me.  lol.

 

Meantime, Zora had fun in the play/learn center for kids.

 

I think mom wore her out.  lol

 

After we met back up again, we did the traditional train ride.  Zora’s first and only ride.  (this was something I did growing up, and I think my mom did too.  It weaves through the fairgrounds as a permament fixture)

 

Zane sat in the front, in the “coal car” and thought that was pretty neat.

 

One last ride, on the (fairly) new ski lift thing that runs across the fairgrounds.  Some alone time with Grandma before heading home.

 

On our way out, we said goodbye to the animals.

 

This is Zora a few seconds after being told no.  (after she tried to walk behind the cages)

My little pistol.

 

To say Zane had a good time would be the understatement of the century.  The only downside is that he is obsessed with going back.  When we got home, I needed to make a quick run to a store.  When I left, he was beside himself upset, convinced that I had gone back to the fair without him.  He put on a shirt, asked for a specific pair of pants (and then asked for them to be put in the dryer because they were damp), then found and put on socks, and asked for help to put on shoes.  He also got Zach’s shoes, slid them on his feet, and pulled at his arm saying “Time to GO!” over and over.  Zach asked where he wanted to go, he said “to the car”.  Zach asked where in the car, and he said “to the playground, to the parade”  (he couldn’t retrieve the word “fairgrounds”). 

Every time since the fair that anybody has left the house, he wants to go with us, convinced we might decide to go to the fair.  Every time it is apparent we are going home, he starts to cry, insisting we “go back, go back”, and when we say “where?”, he says fair/rides/parade/playground.  He is just heartbroken we aren’t taking him back there.  He carries around the map with him, telling us it’s “time to go!”.  He won’t take off his shoes until it is apparent we are definitely going to sleep just in case we decide to go.  I have never seen him so driven.  I wish we could go.  It is beyond fun to watch how much he enjoyed it.