Kings County Fair 2011 - BONUS!

After 14 days of rain we finally had a splash of sunshine, sneaking past the clouds in Brooklyn. Hallelujah! So, where did we go? To Pasha's indoor ice hockey game! Well, there just happened to be a county fair camped out in the parking lot at Aviator Complex.  So, while Pasha played, Olesya and I wandered around the fair, played a $5 fishing game, ate a $4 corn dog, drank a $2 water, and rode a few kiddie rides.

Kings County Fair May 21, 2011

When Pasha was Olesya's age I was at one of my fibromyalgia peaks and an exhausted, stay-at-home mom. I distinctly remember being so relieved when Igor would take him to Coney Island without me, some of the few times I had alone to rest. But, I sorely missed the joy of seeing him skipping around the park and experiencing his first wonder wheel ride. So, having this one-on-one experience with Olesya at the fair was just perfect. We arrived early and even before the gates were opened, so we got to the carousel while the workers were still napping, waiting for the first guests to show. Olesya and I were literally the only two people on the whole carousel! When does that happen in NY?

That's joy, isn't it?

Shortly after, Olesya's little friend Anna and her mom caught up with us for some yummy treats. I loved watching the two almost-3-year-olds joyfully licking and munching their larger-than-life treats. (sans regarder *sigh*)

Anna and Olesya (we call them Dora and Ramona)

Pasha picked up a second game of hockey while we rode the Wiggle Wurm and some rather rickety roller coaster. After the game he and his friend Tebo came along and shared a giant bag of cotton candy before calling it a day. (I should have captured a shot of that jumbo cotton candy bag, which was pretty much as big as Olesya! It took 6 of us to eat it!!)

Pasha and Tebo with hockey helmet hair and cotton candy. 

 

Our little family day was loads of fun, even more so because it was an unexpected bonus. Like a weekend getaway, but without the stress of planning or packing.

Olesya's Cotton Candy Sugar Shock

 

 

I love family time more and more these days. Especially when we allow ourselves to stop and be thankful for the moments we share, to talk about them...and more importantly, to listen...(even when my 9 year old just has to say it 3 different ways)... and when we allow ourselves to reflect on the beauty we can enjoy in the midst of all the mess. The beauty that is family.