"I'm fine doing this EVERY OTHER year" - Kenny Ward

There's an episode of "How I Met Your Mother" when Ted Moseby is discussing with a coat check girl at a club all the things in life that are supposed to be "fun" but really, when it comes down to it, are a lot of work.  Their examples include:  loud clubs,  New Years Eve parties, parades and so on.  I want to add to that list - the Houston Rodeo Carnival.  I'm all about doing adventurous things even when kids are tired and cranky, because eventually they get over the crank, smile, and have a good time.  And we DID have a really good time. Each kid got to ride a few rides, watch a magician, go through the Kids Fun Farm(twice), have sugary snacks, and see baby animals. And on paper, we did great.  And for them, it was probably wonderful.  But as the parents, we made some major mistakes.  

#1 - Lanie doesn't like to walk (bring a stroller)
#2 - it's hot in March (don't come at noon)
#3 - it's crowded during spring break (come at another time)
#4 - it's easy to get lost from one another (make sure cell phone is charged)
#5 - log rides look easy, but can be scary (don't take Lydia on any ride involving heights and falling)

By the time we were leaving (7 hours later), the weather had cooled off and it really was pleasant. It would have been nice to have escaped into the actual rodeo to watch the bucking broncos, the mutton busters, and the Wells Fargo race, and to explain to the kids that THIS is what the rodeo is all about, or "the radio" as Lanie kept calling it. But, there is a limit to fun and our time was up so we headed to our Reed Road bus and discussed our favorite part of spring break all the way home.

And because our spring break was jam packed with fun and friends, the Carnival didn't make anyone's top 2 list.  Nevertheless, it got top billing during Lanie's prayer last night as she thanked God for the wonderful day and for the fun time at "the Radio. "  And we all laughed and forgot that we waited in ridiculous lines in the heat, got lost from each other, spent too much money, rushed to a few stinky porta-potties, and didn't win a huge stuffed Scooby-doo. Well, I'm actually glad we didn't win the huge Scooby-Doo (but don't tell Elijah that).

Lydia - after the log ride

Elijah - after the  log ride

 This spring break has worn me out on picture-taking.  I was totally lazy at the carnival.  This was my only posed picture. And we were about to leave the park, after 7 hours (have I already mentioned that?) - still smiles, despite the tiredness.