All year, Emma looks forward to one particular week. As soon as that week is over, she begins the countdown to the next one. The week of the County Fair. In our house, it is a Big Deal. She can easily spend hours in the animal barns, is very willing to go through the art & baking exhibits, and isn't too pushy about going on rides. All in all, a very good fair-going companion!
This year, we discovered something else (or rather, had it reinforced): Emma is a very good big sister. For the first time, we decided to take George with us to the Fair on the day that they have unlimited rides for a set fee.
We had no idea how he would handle it. The Fair is a LOUD place, there is a lot of WAITING in line involved, it is usually HOT, and sometimes you have to SHARE the seat. Guess which things can be troublesome for George?
However, while the Fair was setting up in previous weeks, we drove by and George said, "I want to go on Roller Coaster." Okay dude, if you're going to use a full sentence, completely unprompted, I'm going to honor it. So, we went.
And it was awesome. SIX FULL HOURS of awesome. George was fairly wide-eyed and quiet at first, taking it all in. Emma took him by the hand and excitedly suggested several rides to go on. By the end of the second ride, they were in cahoots and took off running for the ROLLER COASTER! A small roller coaster, but still!
From then on, he knew what to do and it was non-stop until we left. I even got to go on a couple!
His favorite ride was the blue, slightly larger, VERY LOUD roller coaster. He kept his hands on his ears the entire ride, but loved every minute. This was the only time we had any problems, but only because he would get frustrated by waiting in line. He would come racing off as soon as the ride attendent released him, run down the stairs and back round to the entrance. Sometimes he could get right back on, but often there was a line. And George does not like lines. But we dealt with it. And got back on. Approximately 102 times. Approximately.
And then we ate wonderfully nutricious food. Yum!
It was all so much more fun than I had hoped for. And now there is one more thing that we know George can handle. I'm starting to wonder what he
can't handle, something to think about.
8 comments:
FANTASTIC! I am so proud of George ... hey, to me the fair can be scary! I am so happy for all of you ... and that George tackled and handled the fair so well. And Emma! She really is a great little girl, isn't she?
I had to read all this to Don and he was as excited as I was! Emma is such a sensitive and caring sister! I think it is wonderful that you give George the freedom to try these new things rather than overprotect him from them. I have seen too many parents refuse to do this for fear of their child's possible reactions. You are letting him spread his wings, showing that you have confidence in him and I believe it is this belief in him that will help him shine! What an awesome family y'all are!
I love the sentiment . . . what can't he do. I just had to remind myself of that last week!
Great pictures! I love reading your updates!
Love the photos! And Nigel likes roller coasters too!
Way to go george!!! Oh and emma what a great big sister to share her most exciting time wit her brother :D I love love love the pictures!!! SOOOOOOOOO FUN!
Hi Meg,
We're a fair-going family, too, and this looks like a lot of fun. Sounds like the craziness is hard for your son and I'm so glad to see that he had a great time.
Thanks for leaving the very supportive Battlestar Galactica comment---I HEAR ya in that it is all about the drama. We're on episode #1, where that strange platinum blonde lady is killing all sorts of people after she seduces them. Definitely a soap opera!
Your pictures are gorgeous. I loves the Mamas and Babies shot. What kind of camera are you using?
Sweet. I'm pretty sure I would be pouting and crying after six hours of the fair, so this is great stuff. Kudos to all of you!
Wow, very cool!
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