One of our favorite events of the summer is the Ohio State Fair. It has to be the coolest fair in the country. The food, the rides, the entertainment, the extremely odd people to gawk at, did I mention the food? It’s the REAL reason we love the fair. I missed out last year. I was a tad busy…

That’s Ethan at one month old. Ha! Goofball!

Tony’s family came down this year to enjoy the feast. However, the kids seem to have taken over. They have one thing on their brains: RIDES!

Tony and Mason

Papa Tom and Corinne

Stephanie and James

When you get off the Skyride, it lands you in Kid Kingdom (my own name…catchy, eh?). This ride was the ride of 2008 for my kiddos. I honestly cannot tell you how many times I waited in line, went up 100000s of stairs carrying two scratchy “Magic Carpets” just to whiz back down in a matter of seconds. Bah humbug! Actually, it was worth it for the scream and giggles it got out of Corinne and Mason.

I think I got a nosebleed this time.

Corinne and I racing down (I tried to explain physics and basic laws of nature…she didn’t get it. I won.)

Maybe this was the nosebleed trip (I never got a nosebleed. Just venting.)

Mason loved this ride more than chocolate milk (which is saying alot).

This ride ran a close second. Bumper Boats!

The first ride of the day

The pictures continue, but I’ll spare you. They loved the mini-ferris wheel, the swings that go around in a circle, the roller coaster, the funhouse, blah, blah, blah. It was a kids’ paradise. Of which they partook for HOURS. Where was Tony during all this family bonding you may be asking yourself? On food runs: getting Crystal Light, chicken on a stick, corn dogs for the kids, more Crystal Light, fried garlic/bacon mashed potato balls wth dipping sauce (DELICIOUS!), more corn dogs, french fries, yet another Crystal Light refill, funnel cake, etc. etc. The day of happiness ended with Tony and I trying out a new fried food. The mashed potato balls didn’t count because they contained a vegetable which is borderline healthy. We tried fried oreos. Pretty good. Nothing mind blowing, but I can’t knock them. The kids were easier to please for their dessert:

Funny how those disappeared once we made it to the van… Overall, another fabulous year gorging and getting a sunburn. But do you know what, I honestly can’t wait until next year!

-g.