It seems like everyone in town is out at the fairgrounds tonight. The sun is already starting to dip behind the mountains, taking the afternoon heat with it. With it being the last weekend before school starts, we all had the same idea.
School.
I still can’t believe that Max will be starting Pre-K. I keep wavering back and forth between being excited for him and being anxious as hell. When did my baby boy get so big he’s ready to start full-time school?
“Can we ride the ponies?” Max points to the carousel.
“Let’s do it.” I squeeze his hand and walk over to get in line.
“Can we play a game too?”
“I think I can manage that.”
It’ll mean less money to go toward fixing up my car. Every little bit helps, but I want to give Max the best night I can. I saved every penny this week to make sure of it.
“Can I ride the blue one?” Max asks.
As the ride slows to a stop and everyone gets off, I follow him toward the one he points at.
“Whatever color you want.”
I help him up onto his chosen horse and buckle him in. The ride starts and the horse moves up and down in time to the music as we go in circles. I stand with Max, snapping a photo of his happy face.
By the time we’re done, he’s dragging me off toward one of the game booths.
“Can you win me something cool?”
“I’ll try.”
“Good luck, Mommy.”
“Thanks, Baby.”
I hand over a few dollars to the lady, hoping an easy bottle toss will win Max something. I do my best, but my aim is terrible. The young woman manning the game isn’t paying much attention as I keep trying, but only knocking down one off the top.
“Ahh, nuts.”
“Sorry, Max. Why don’t we go get a treat and then go on some more rides?”
“Yes.”
Max swings my hand in his as we wait in line at the food stall. “Uncle Chase could have knocked them all down.”
“Uncle Chase has a better arm than Mommy.”
“Maybe you can practice with him.”
“Okay.” I laugh, burying a kiss in his hair.
As I tell Max everything they have to offer, his eyes grow wide. “It’s not a real elephant ear, is it?”
“No. They just call it that because it’s so big.”
“How big?” Max asks as we step closer to the counter.
“The size of your face.”
“My face?” He giggles. “Can I get that?”
