A New Perspective on the Fair

Steven won tickets to the State Fair so we packed a bag full of snacks, juice boxes, and extra clothes for Audrey (just in case) and off we went! We built up the fair and told the girls about the rides and the animals; they were so excited. Audrey really wanted to see some goats and ride the carousel. I was in such a good mood when we arrived. The sights and smells of the fair remind me of my high school days when my friends and I would go to ride all the crazy rides and eat fattening food on a stick. When the Fair comes to town it also means Fall is just around the corner bringing with it brisk, cool air and beautifully colored trees.

As soon as we arrived to the mid-way (where all of the rides are located) my mood turned sour. My dear, sweet Audrey was fascinated by the rides and wanted to ride one . . . NOW! There was one tiny problem; we had no money or tickets yet and the nearest ATM was far away. We tried to explain that we needed to buy tickets first, but she just wasn't buyin' it. She was screaming and hollering like no body's business. ***before I proceed I should mention that Audrey has been sick over the past couple of days and perhaps it was too soon to take her out*** While Steven and Madeleine went to an ATM to get cash, Audrey and I went to a nearby tree and sat underneath it. I was hoping this would help her calm down, but it didn't. After screaming for what seemed like an eternity I picked her up and headed for the van. I planned to take her home and lay her down for a nap while Steven and Madeleine stayed and enjoyed themselves.

We started on the long walk back to the van, Audrey screaming all the way. I am pretty sure everyone was looking at us. It was 94 degrees and I could feel my face and neck turning red (in part due to the heat and in part due to my temper about to flare). I am sure we were a sight. The Fair does not have a parking lot per say, you park in the grass and every row looks the same. Panic came over me because I could not find our van!! Audrey is still screaming (actually shrieking by this time) and we are walking up and down every aisle. I even stopped and started looking around aimlessly. At this point tears started streaming down my face. I called Steven and he tried to explain where we were parked, but it didn't matter, I couldn't see through my tear streaked contacts anyway.

So, what did we do??? We turned around and headed back to the Fair. Yes, we took the LONG trek again! Audrey is still screaming mind you, only now she has stepped it up a notch and is saying "I want my daddy"! About a half hour later when we re-entered the Fair I eagerly handed her over to Steven and she stopped crying almost immediately (grrrrrr).

Our first order of business at this point was to find shade because Audrey and I were hot. Once we found a place to sit and rest we noticed that Audrey had broken out into a rash (enlarge the picture to the right and you will be able to see the rash on her face). Her face, chest, and arms were covered in red blotches. To prevent dragging this story out any longer, I'll wrap it up quickly. After spending a ridiculous amount of money on hot dogs we let Audrey ride two rides then we high tailed it out of there thinking we were going to have to take Audrey to the ER or at the very least an Urgent Care Clinic. Once we made it to the van (Steven found it without a problem) I called our pediatrician's office and was patched through to a nurse on call. When I explained that Audrey had been running a fever the past two days, but this morning it broke she explained that the rash is probably Roseola (after a fever subsides, and just when the child appears to be recovering, a red rash appears). She said she does not need to be seen and the rash should go away in 1-2 days.

When we got home I put her in a cold tub of water and we had a long talk. She very softly and sweetly said "I am sorry for yelling at you, mommy" and I know she meant it. I am also happy to report that by this evening her rash looks a lot better!

At the beginning of this story I painted a pleasant picture of the fair. Well, we can just erase that because I am pretty sure that my experience today has been burned into my memory and we probably won't try to go the State Fair again.

I am looking forward to tomorrow; a nice relaxing day at home. I hope all of you have a relaxing and safe Labor Day!