St. Ann’s Fair

Last Thursday afternoon, we headed to Midland. James’ Mom had her right knee replaced and we went to help out around the house as she recovers. While there, we went with my parents to the St. Ann’s Fair on Saturday morning. I have fond memories of going every year with my family as a kid.

Jessica took quite a while to warm up to the fair. I guess she is not a big fan of crowds. We started off at the carnival rides, thinking to beat the crowds. Although, she initially seemed excited about the carousel and little train, she then was quite adamant against going on the rides, so we moved over to the fair games.

Jessica with her Nanny

She “fished” up a flying pig that she became quite enamored with. The entire time in Midland if we asked her where the flying pig was and she didn’t have it, she would run around looking for it repeatedly saying “flying pig.” Jessica did the stuffed animal walk (like a cake walk) and she won a hippo that she also likes a fair amount as it has joined the crowd of stuffed animals that share her bed. She tried dropping a washer in a fish tank game, but then insisted on Papa dropping the washers. She got into the Plinko-like game that used metal balls and actually dropped all of those herself.

Jessica Playing Plinko with Papa

We stopped at the anti-abortion booth to visit with the lady I used to baby-sit for. I can’t believe that her oldest is in college. I remember repeatedly watching The Lion King with him when was but two years old, Jessica’s age. Jessica got a tootsie pop there and she sucked on it the rest of the time we were at the fair.

Jessica Enjoying Her Lollipop

We did the fishing booth again, before moving back over to the carnival rides.

Daddy Helping Jessica "Fish"

My Mom took her on the carousel and stayed standing with her even though she kept saying no. Once the ride started, she enjoyed spinning around. See the flying pig in her hand?

Nanny Holding Jessica on the Carousel

Next, James and I took her up on the Ferris wheel. She also didn’t want to go on it, but once we were on it, she enjoyed smiling and waving at Nanny and Papa who stayed on the ground as we went around.

Jessica Smiling at Nanny and Papa from the Ferris Wheel

My Mom then took her on the carousel a second time. This time my Mom basically forced her to sit on the giraffe midway through the ride. At first she didn’t like it.

Nanny Sitting Jessica on the Giraffe

Unhappy Jessica

By the time it came to a stop, she had started enjoying it enough to start sucking the lollipop again. She even smiled for me. I don’t know what it is, but lately every time she obliges my request to smile, she kinda squints up her eyes and they end up closed for the photo.

Lollipop-Sucking Giraffe-Riding Jessica

Saying Cheese