a cold day for the fair

I love pictures.
They remind you of the fun you actually had, even when you can't remember it.

Like this day at the State Fair. Way to cold. Way to gray.


These kids do not seem happy to be holding such a big cotton candy.


At least one person thought it was real.


Joaquin really played the part here. (FYI, I used the 1960s edit from picnik on these shots.)


So I'm sure they planned it this way, but we definitely got trapped on this circle of food and rides. The whole reason we even went (OK... the whole reason I went) was to see the giant pumpkins, crafts, and farm animals, but we couldn't find any of those the entire time we were there. Really bad maps. Really bad set up.


The bull ride was definitely worth it though. Only, don't do it after you eat. Isabela's face started looking a little iffy for a few minutes. But both kids were able to hang on tight and not fall off.


We hadn't even planned to go on rides. But one look at this, and Diego eyes lit up. How could we say no?


"And that one, too!!"


"OOOOhh, and look over there!"


Isabela and I headed to a row of cut-outs while the boys were on the ferris wheel. But there were no steps! Really?


Someone's happy.


Well, at least this one didn't need a step.


Now, this one was hilarious. As Diego tried to situate himself at the top of this slide, his body started turning and he ended up going down spread eagle, head first. He just laid there like a rag doll and went with it.


And his first ride all by himself!


I wasn't sure this flimsy rope would hold him in.... and he seems to be wondering the same thing.


And the bumper cars. Am I the only one that hates these? I don't think so. They don't go the way you want. You get jammed up with whiplash and spend half your time trying to figure out how to get your car to actually go.


But Joaquin sized it up pretty quick. After his first pile up, he stayed away from the other cars and just did laps around everyone jammed in the middle. Smart boy.


Then there's the fast one. Diego and Joaquin were dying to get on this. To me, it's another one that looks fun, but really isn't. Speeding in a fast circle with you head bobbling around is not for me. Joaquin doesn't look too sure, either. He's a second guesser, like me. Makes a decision, then wonders if it was a good one.


It was.


And their eyes are on to the next one.


So I figured the day was quite a disappointment. No giant pumpkin. No prize cows. No hand-stitched quilts. No turkey leg for Juan Pablo. No cotton candy for the kids.

But I saw some smiles, too. As my camera reminds me, the day was not all lost.

There are good days and there are bad days, and this is one of them. Lawrence Welk

Or this was both of them. -Me.

warrior dash

Fire. Mud. Water. I've never seen Juan Pablo happier. Enjoy the pictures.

sightseeing

Our one and only sightseeing trip while Juan Pablo's dad was here was to DC. I know it seems we must go there a lot...and that's because we do! There's so much to see! And we keep seeing the same things over and over again, so there's still so much to see.

This time, Juan Pablo hatched a great plan to bring the wagon to cart the kids around. He actually pulled it through the museums, too. Too bad Diego didn't want to sit in it. I still had to hold him almost the whole trip. Coupled with the fact that my lower back has been hurting, I ended up in the wagon with Diego at one point. We got chuckles and fingers pointed at us, but I dug my head in a brochure and enjoyed the little ride.


First stop: Air and Space.


We got separated for the entire museum without planning, but ended up meeting at the entrance right on cue.


Down the mall a ways...this time Abuelo pulling. I'd say Joaquin always gets the most use out of the wagon.


This great book fair was happening the same day. And being that I love books, I really wanted to see it. (No one else did.)


I was the most excited out of everyone to see the Magic School Bus.


But we headed on to the Natural History museum. The kids remembered this cave from a story we read recently, Ghost Hands by T. A. Barrow., a great book by the way.


Pit stop at the bathrooms and a look at a cool totem pole. Then we hit the museum shop. We always do. And it always takes a LONG time.


By this time, Diego and I are ready to go. So I decide to head out to the book fair with him while the others continue on in the museum. Best decision I've ever made. I sit in the first tent, in the first chair I see. Turns out it's the PBS tent and a show is getting ready to start. Front row seats.


Then we saw some famous people and got our picture taken. No lines whatsoever.


And Diego loves these characters...the cow at Chick-fil-A taught him not to be afraid.


Look how happy.


We met up with everyone again and headed over to the sculpture garden. Still warm enough for a little dip.


And some beautiful flowers.


We finished the day off with a wonderful meal with my uncle and aunt. The kids were crazy in the restaurant. I'm glad we lost no arms in the carousel door. Another great day in DC.