The kids and I headed out this morning at about 9.45 over to the Village Fest in Prairie Village. From the website, I knew it would be tons more fun than our neighborhood’s bike parade and when I asked Nathan which he preferred to go to, he of course said the festival. Especially since cotton candy was involved.

I should mention that although I was able to disguise this little outing to the kids as a leisurely thing to do, we were indeed on a time schedule. See, we needed to be leaving the festival by noon or shortly thereafter, have lunch, and then be back home so that the kids could nap so they aren’t complete bears when we go to Worlds of Fun tonight for their festivities.

So, we get to the festival at about 10.20 or so and head over to where Mr. Stinky Feet had the stage, listened a bit, then went over to check out all the different vehicles that were on display. I didn’t get any shots of the cool vintage Ford Mustangs that were on display (I’m partial to imports), but Nathan was in awe of military Humvees and the Chinook Helicopter display.

We also got to meet some real live military officers who happened to have several machine guns and other weapons on display. I seized this opportunity to do a quick lesson about guns and what they are, who can use them, why they’re dangerous, etc. Then Nathan was permitted to touch them (although he wasn’t particulary interested seeing as how I had pretty much scared the crap out of him about how dangerous and serious they are). I was actually relieved that he was given that opportunity. Now the curiosity is satisfied.

Anyway, we then headed over to start walking around the fair a bit more when someone announced that the Elite Frogs were about to do a parachute jump. Nathan wanted to stay and wait of course, so we took a front row seat right where they’d be landing! Although it was at least a 20 or 30 minute wait until they finally jumped (the plane circled a few times up in the air waiting for the right wind conditions), it was WELL worth the wait! We got to see four parachuters come down. It made me want to do it so bad!!

Afterwards we walked around some and came across the puppet show being put on by a great little company. The only downside to the show is that it was located right next to the pony rides corral and it was SMELLLLL-EEEEE while we were trying to enjoy the performance.

Then on our way out we were entertained by a fabulous marching band and dance troup. Oh, and of course, it was finally time for some cotton candy.

On our way out, I spotted this little wagon and thought it was so sweet and really sums up what this holiday is all about. I am proud to live in and be from this country and even though I feel that many men and women are paying the price for inept leadership that is taking this country through a senseless and never-ending battle, I am still grateful to live right here. And, I am grateful for the freedom and liberties I have to write about such inept and corrupt leadership.