Dutchess county fair

We got to the Dutchess County Fair in Rhinebeck later than we meant to and decided to hit the livestock barns first... five buildings of cattle and other beasts blissfully unaware of their prize-winning attributes. High points were two enormous gray heifers (truly giants among cows) and nine nursing piglets.

Then Ruby said she wanted to go "on the party." I think she meant on the rides, but when we got to the front of the ferris wheel line she said no, she was "tired." Shep meanwhile was game and he and I handed over our tickets and climbed into a gondola car. I wouldn't trade anything for having seen the look on his face while we rode up and over the top and back down the other side, then down, backwards and up again. five revolutions and each one a monstrous thrill. I don't think I've ever had such fun on a ferris wheel, just by virtue of having shared it with him. His expression was pure awe at this completely new experience called "carnival ride," and from the wheel's top-most point an intoxicating view of the crazy lights and all-ages crowd, a real old country fair experience (hydraulic arm-powered rides & ATM machines notwithstanding).

Then we spent a while watching some of the scarier rides in wonderment. J went on a hang glider sort of ride, sitting next to two teenage boys while the rest of us watched. Ruby liked it so much she wanted her mommy to go again, and threw a small fit when that didn't happen. With S&R growing wild eyed and tearful from over-stimulation and exhaustion, we played our one and only game: Duck Pond, the only game seemingly designed for toddlers (pick a duck, prize every time, etc.), then grabbed some lemonade and fries (since nobody's eaten well) before heading for the exit. It was 10:30pm. Everyone cried and wanted to stay of course.

Trying to find our car in the vast grassy darkness of the fairground parking lot, Ruby declared she'd go on the ferris wheel next time.