Stuff That Matters In Life

It is our family tradition to go to the Los Angeles County Fair every year. With Elliot in college now, this was the only weekend that fitted his schedule to go with us. I wasn’t sure if he would want to come home for it, but he definitely did. It is something we do as a family, and I am glad he didn’t “outgrow” it. (Thanks Theresa, for the free tickets!)

This is the first year we sat down and saw the Chinese acrobat show in its entirety. It was fantastic. The most amazing feat: picture a lady balancing 3 stacks of glasses half filled with liquid, total about 24 glasses, on her nose. If doing the splits and a backbend without spilling a drop wasn’t enough, she stepped up onto a giant ball of about 6 ft high (with the aid of a short ladder), and walked the ball up and down a teeter-tooter ramp. Wait, that’s not all. At the same time she is hula hooping and in each hand twirling a round cloth like pizza dough! That is the ultimate in multi-tasking I’ve ever seen!

We also got to test drive the Trikke. I didn’t try it though everyone else did. Mike said it’s kind of like skiing motions.

Here’s Audrey on the Trikke.

Amy on the Trikke.

Another highlight was deep-fried avocados! Could’ve used some bread to soak up some of the dripping grease though.

We saw the usual Vita-Mix and got their samples of smoothie and tortilla soup. Every year we fight the temptation of buying that $400 machine that pulverizes everything you throw in there, including the apple core and carrot tops. One day, if I have a really good year in real estate, we may succumb to the temptation.

There were lots of booths selling the now stylish Bohemian ruffle skirts. Wonder how long that fad will last. Audrey bought one a month ago to wear to my cousin’s wedding. I think I will wear it tomorrow.

For the first time, we saw booths promoting Islam.

Spend $10.80 for tickets for Elliot, Audrey and Amy to go down the giant slide. Sure looked like fun.

Audrey and Amy together on the right, Elliot down the middle.

Last thing before we left, we always play the same arcade game every year – try to get a pingpong ball onto glass dishes floating on water. You get 25 balls for $5, and if you don’t win a price, they give you one anyway. Every year, we bank on not winning so Amy can get the small prize that she likes. In fact, last year, Audrey got a ball into one of the dishes to be eligible for a mid-size prize, and Amy said, “Aw, I wanted the small one!” This year, she got the small prize, a little dog we name Pong.

It was a great day! There is nothing better than spending a day together with my husband and children.

10/27/2005 Resized images to 450px -Elliot