There is nothing like being a parent to bring perspective. As a kid it’s impossible to truly appreciate what our parents go through to make sure we have fun. From the planning, saving, arranging, packing etc. Now that I’m a parent, and take care of all the “behind the scenes” stuff for outings, vacations, etc. I have a whole new understanding and appreciation!

I have such fond memories of the county fair growing up, we looked forward to it all year. My parents always made sure we got a day at the fair and sometimes the rodeo. It never crossed my mind as a kid that while they seemed to be having fun, there were other things their time and $ could have gone towards that they would have enjoyed a whole lot more.

It’s not that we didn’t have fun, but if Mark’s going to take a half day off from work, on what will probably be the last 75 degree day of the year, then I would have loved to be at the beach, or a park playing & hiking.

That’s the thing about being a parent though…sometimes our joy isn’t in the doing, it’s in watching our kiddos joy in doing. That joy…Her big hugs while she’s saying Thank You over and over…that makes it totally worth it!

What I didn’t eat, but Sky sure did!

But, I have to say Sky’s level of excitement and the fun she had made it all worth it. Even if Mark and I had to skip eating any of the yummy fair treats…we made sure Sky enjoyed an iconic scone though.

Scenes from the fair…