I must admit when Amy brought up the idea of having a vacation at home this past Labor Day weekend, I was skeptical. "How relaxing of a time can we have staying home?", is what I was thinking. Three days at home is nothing compared to a full week or more in a location that includes a nice hotel, sightseeing, etc. How was this going to be even close? But, knowing my wife, I put my trust in that she knew what she was talking about, and let go. I even turned off my work email, on my iPhone, so I wouldn't be dragged back into reality. I was all in!
We had our little town's Sunset Fest, which is an end to summer festival. Carnival rides, fair food, games, concerts, a parade and fireworks, are all part of the Fest, to help say goodbye to summer. Saturday morning was the kick off, well for us at least. We started with the parade. It was great by small town standards. Almost an hour long, and the people walking the route were throwing candy, fliers and even some were handing out Freeze Pops! It was Americana at it's finest. The sirens on the fire trucks were too loud, Miles didn't like them but he did end up sitting on the curb, in my lap anyhow, as they went by. Maybe like me, he was taking a long time waking up that morning. By the time parade was over, we were all ready for more. I felt the stress melting away, minute by minute. We only had the older twins and Miles, this morning, and things were looking up. We made our way over to the carnival and walked through, seeing what rides and games would take our money. The flashing lights gave way to the food area. "I'll take, 'Things That Are Fried', for $200, Alex!" Snickers, Twinkies, Oreos and Mars bars, were all on their way into pancake batter then the deep fryer. What could be bad about that? Pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs and a tub of cheese fries with bacon, were on the menu that day and we all had our share. We then doubled back to the carnival.
It was a day of firsts. Emmett had his first ride on a Ferris Wheel with Lydia. Emmett didn't seem stressed at all by the Ferris Wheel. He did look a little concerned when it would stop and the basket would sway a bit, but when it was rolling, he was having a ball. It was so nice to see him not stressed and having fun. It set the course for a good day. Miles was eager to look at the rides but not really up for trying any. He would say he wanted to ride something, but when we got up to it, he would back down. Then he saw the train. It was just a little ride that went in an oval for about two minutes. He made sure to tell Amy and I that he wanted to drive the train, so we worked it out to be in the front of the line. When the operator opened the gate, Miles was up to the front in a flash. I belted him in and told him I would be right outside the fence. He looked skeptical but held it together, after all, he was driving a train! Watching him go around that track was one of the best moments as a father. My little boy, who only an hour ago was clutching me because the fire truck was too loud, was now riding a carnival ride, by himself. Truly bittersweet.
Miles then decided he wanted another ride. He wanted to ride the helicopters. The kiddie ride that goes around in a circle and will go up and down at times. He had said he did not want to ride this when we first passed, prior to the train. Now, with his new found courage, he wanted in. Amy took him this time, to pick out a helicopter and to get him situated. He picked one that a little girl was in, she was three we found out from her father, and they were pilot and co-pilot. I thought that once it went up and down the first time, we would have a upset boy on our hands. I couldn't have been more wrong. HE LOVED IT!!! He was rocking the steering wheel back and forth, pushing the horn button and just having a grand old time. Mr. I Don't Want To, was actually having fun. I was having a blast, too. Seeing this all through their eyes, side by side with my best friend, it made for a great day. The perfect start to our Staycation.
To be continued...