Spring Carnival!

After our usual busy Saturday morning activities (Gymboree class for Nick, My Gym class for Max), we went home to rest and prepare for more excitement. Thankfully we didn't tell Max what was coming, because when we finally did, he went nuts and we barely kept him from running out the door and down the street. It was time for Spring Carnival at the elementary school down the street!

They have this carnival each spring, and the first few years in our house it was an annoyance of cars practically parking on top of each other in the neighborhood. After Max came along, it became a nice diversion to just walk through it with Max in a baby carrier. Each year we have enjoyed it on a new and more exciting level - and Max doesn't even go there yet. There was much to do, and we tried to do it all, but ultimately had to focus on the things that were most interesting this year.


First, we had to ride the train. Max had a blast sitting up front and ringing the bell:


After two train rides we went to bounce in a bouncy house and slide down a bouncy slide. There were much bigger kids that were playing a bit rough for mommy's liking, so we moved on after having some fun times in each area.

Then we went in search of some water, and found Joe McDermit performing. We had seen him at another event a few months ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. He's great at getting the kids engaged, and happily let kids come join him "on stage". It took a moment or two for Max to decide he wanted to join in, but he had a great time dancing around when he did... (he's the second from the left)


After a while, we went back toward the train and found a petting zoo. Max got to go in and he went right toward the bunny. The goats were neat too, but "awww, a fluffy bunny!"


After a few minutes the petting zoo keeper announce it was time for him to sit down (it was a bit hot), so we departed and continued to our original destination... the TRAIN again!

And here it is, in action!

After a few rides of the train, I decided that I needed to take Alex up on his offer to trade boys. I could not get him to move away from the train easily, but finally worked up enough enthusiasm about the POLICE SUV that was on display in the direction of our house. It had music booming through the sound system, and was open for kids to climb in and pretend to drive. And that is just what Max did.


I joked with another parent that we hope this is the one and only time our child is in a police car, and he pointed out that the backseat of the police car was really the only part to avoid. I agreed and encouraged Max to have his one visit with that piece of real estate. Afterward we said hello to the police officers at their table and Max got a police badge temporary tatoo. Very exciting!

We did finally make it home, and I traded boys with Alex. They went back to the carnival and stayed until the booths and attractions were taken down. I gave Nick a much-needed and desired bath.