We Are Fair People

I don't remember much about the conversation, but a student once told me, "Monson, we [his family] are not fair people." His tightened face was smeared with disdain.

Wow. Not only was he turning his nose up at the Iowa State Fair, he had put those who attend one of Iowa's most celebrated events into a category. And he considered that category of people beneath him. I was a little offended by his attitude.

That's certainly not a viewpoint that we're going to teach Charlotte. We love the fair! In fact, we like attending the local county fairs as a warm up. A couple of weeks ago we drove over to Adel to check out the Dallas County Fair.

I had thought we'd spend our time looking at the animals in the barns, but the free entertainment was too good. The first show was the Pat Davison and Family circus act (juggling, plate spinning, hula hoops, and unicycling). Char thought they were cool. Up next was illusionist Adrian Van Vactor. His act was sharp, and his illusions were impressive. Char turned and told me, "He's magic."

In between the two shows, we visited balloon artist Mr. Nick for a princess crown.

Since the carnival wasn't open, Char was content to take a horse ride. 

When the ride was over the owner encouraged Char to brush the horses that weren't in the lineup. She spent some time making Wild Thing "pretty".

We shared some freshly cranked ice cream, and then it was time to go home. What a fun and easy-going afternoon. The only hiccup was that Char didn't want to leave, and she got upset as we walked to the car. That didn't last long, though.

Now that I think about it, I shouldn't have felt offended by what my former student said. I should have felt sorry for him. Look at all the fun he missed.

Dinner and a Show

The Iowa National Guard hosts a series of free concerts at Camp Dodge in June. All you need is an ID to get in, and you can bring your lawn chairs, coolers, and picnic baskets. Tailgating is allowed, but we buy dinner from the concession stand. 

The food is prepared by Trostel's Greenbrair, and Daphne and I get the grinder made with Graziano sausage and topped with a gooey cheese sauce and pickled jalapeños. I go for the candied bacon for a side (really healthy, I know). Luckily, the handmade chips are good for you. 

The Tony Valdez Large Band show was rained out, but they were rescheduled on July 2 - my birthday! Charlotte grooved to the Latin beat all night. Here she is getting creative with the camping chairs' carry bags.

I love how Char's dancing evolved into a magic act.

Some Views from June

The blog has been still for awhile, but we haven't. In June I took two classes for grad credit and Daphne took one. Char's been to Zoo Camp, Safety City, and St. Charles. Here's some other stuff we've been doing.

This one of my better ideas for killing time. I trace a few chalk outlines of Char's body, and then she gives herself some chalk outfits.

Char's newest favorite color is yellow.

We spent an afternoon in Story City during their Scandinavian Days celebration. After lunch in a local church we headed over to check out their carousel.

We're posers.

When we're at the Des Moines Arts Festival Charlotte is distracted by the downtown water features. This is how she got the one-day nickname, "The Girl from Soggy Bottom". She didn't like the name, but I thought it was funny.

American Dream Machines has an open house during the Arts Fest, and I like to do a little window shopping. The two VW Beetles for sale are much nicer than the one in my garage, but the '57 is priced at $26,900 and the '66 is $19,900, so I think I'll be driving mine for awhile.

Char likes the water, Daphne like the art, and I like the cars. What we can all agree on is the food. "I don't know much about art, but I know what I like." Yum.

Adventureland has been a popular destination, and although I don't enjoy them at all, the Dramamine medication does let Daphne and I to join Char on the "go around" rides that she loves. Lady Luck, Der Flinger, The Lighthouse, and the Scrambler are among Char's favorites.

For my money, the Sky Ride is the most terrifying ride in the park. I'm fine riding solo, but when Char sits next to me the chairs seem so flimsy, and my mind fills with worst-case scenarios. I put on a brave face so Char won't catch my fear of heights, but nothing feels better than the moment when our feet touch the ground.

 We spend a lot of time in the local libraries (I have six different cards). It's always a bonus if they have superhero capes for you to wear.

Char likes to pick out her own books, but I look them over before we take them home. Here's one we left on the shelf.

Sorry Ruby Roth, your illustrations are cute, but I'm not teaching my daughter that consuming milk and eggs is mean or disgusting.

I guess "P" is for Propaganda.