Haddam Neck Fair

We are fair people.

 We like the rides.  The food.  The fun.

Even when we lived in San Diego, and West Palm Beach, we would find local fairs to attend.

 Although, those fairs were much bigger than the one we went to today.  But the idea was the same.

Today we went to a fair in Haddam Neck (yes this is a real place) which isn't too far from our home.  Today the weather was beautiful.  Sunny and breezy - a perfect day for a fair.

 We went just in time to have lunch there, and since we are lovers of crazy fair food, it was perfect timing.

 We watched a dog agility show while we ate.  Some of the dogs made us laugh.  One decided that half way through the course was a good time to go to the bathroom.  This same dog also saw a giant puddle of water in the middle of the course and decided it was time to take a swim.  At least it was amusing!

We watched the tractor pulls next.  I wish I would have taken more pictures of the tractors - they were all painted.  There was even one woman!  She had a purple tractor.

But the idea was to pull this heavy weight as far as they could to win. It was really loud - and kind of crazy - but the kids loved it.

 Cainan did cover his ears a few times, because they were loud, but he didn't want to leave when it was over.

 The kids rode rides

and they looked at all the animals.  We saw many animals that reminded me of our Cow Patty Bingo last year!

We had a great time at the fair this afternoon, and I am glad we decided to go.

 When we first moved here, and went to a small fair like this - I was unsure what to expect.  The fairs we have attended in the past were large, and crazy, and held thousands of people.  But these are small, and relaxed.  And today I found myself fitting in.  Enjoying every minute of watching the animals and riding the crazy rides.  And I even got to see some of the students from my school, since this was their neck of the woods.

 This evening we made smoothies and watched a movie, and had ice cream.  It was a great day as we say goodbye to summer.

 Tomorrow we are off to church and then hope to spend the rest of the day outside.  We are getting our yard ready for fall.  Thanks to Hurricane Earl (which missed us, but our schools were cautious anyway), we had put away most of our porch furniture and swings.  So this weekend we will continue to pack up summer and get ready for the cold.  It is supposed to be nice weather, so the kids will play on the playset, and enjoy the fresh air.

 Our church called us the other day, and told us that in another month, they are having a bizarre and want to give all the money raised to our foundation.  We were humbled and so excited.  I am bringing Finley's Fighters shirts to them tomorrow that they want to wear at the bizarre.  Our church family has been nothing short of amazing since we found out about Finley's diagnosis.  They told us that they can never do enough.  We are so lucky to have them.

So many people have come forward for our family.  As I tucked Finley into bed tonight, I felt so lucky to know that no matter what - we are surrounded by love.  And faith.  And prayer.  That every night, we are not the only ones on our knees asking God to protect her sight - just a little longer.   And I tuck my other two in and thank God they are Finley's siblings because I know they will always care for her.

Vision Walk is one month away.  Please join us in Pittsburgh on that day and walk with us to support our girl!

See you Monday.