A Trip to the L.A. County Fair

Today we went to the fair, and the kids had a great time! As you can see from the pictures, they were able to go on a lot of rides, and they even experienced another first.

I took them to the horse races! Their grandpa was a compulsive gambler, and he spent at least 4 nights a week at the "track". As a kid, I thought this was what all dads did, but now that I am older and wiser, I know it is a habit that set my dad apart from others.

Instead of choosing to think about the negatives that are tied to gambling, I choose to keep my dad's memory alive by teaching my kids in real ways what made their grandpa who he was. And, the one thing that defined him MOST was the horse races!

I can remember, as a kid, he'd bring home the free Santa Anita or Hollywood Race Track tee shirts, bags, and cups. He would be pleased because he didn't need to buy us backpacks! We would beg my mom not to make us take that free bag out in public! That is a random memory, but a real one!!!

So today, the kids and I spent a good deal of time at the horse races. We bet, but we did not win which was a great opportunity to teach my kids about the odds and also to tell them what they could have purchased with the money we spent betting. They asked many questions about grandpa such as, "Did grandpa win a lot of money"? and "What did grandpa do with the money"?
Of course, dad lost more than he gambled, but when he'd win big, we always knew. He took us shopping post haste. We also got to go out for a nice dinner. That was the cool part of having a dad who played the ponies! Their were bad parts of course, but you know all of us are a mix of good and bad habits, right?

I may be crazy, but I want my kids to remember their grandpa for who he was, to enjoy what he enjoyed, and to learn from his mistakes. I think my dad would agree.

And, yes, those are Obama hats! I've made my decision. The hats were given to the kids at the fair so no flames about using my kids as political advertising!!!! Their noses did not get sunburned so it was a win/win. And, I NEVER thought I'd say this, but I agree with Lindsey Lohan when it comes to Sarah Palin!!!! I must say I am truly a Ron Paul fan, but that choice went away far too quickly.

QUOTES:

Mom: Zack, go to the left.
Zack: Mom, you are a genius! That is the way I wanted to go!!!

Mom: Zack, do you have your soccer bag?
Zack: Yes, mom. Thank you for make suring!

Mom: Burped and said excuse me
Sophia: It's okay, mom. It's no big deal.