Before my family moved to Indianapolis, we had lived in several different states; Florida, Alabama, Missouri, and Illinois were the ones I remembered the most. I honestly don't remember going to a state fair ever, until we moved to the great state of Indiana! I really didn't know anything about Indiana, couldn't point it out on a map. There aren't many people that can. In Missouri, my family would go to Six Flags St. Louis almost every year. That is where I rode my first wooden roller coaster, The Screaming Eagle. I have been hooked on roller coasters ever since, I think it's still there... My other two favorite rides were Bat Man and Mr. Freeze. I can still hear my dad yelling "I'm Batman!" the whole time we rode it! He's the best. Since we aren't close to any amusement parks we look forward to going to the state fair. It's really not quite the same but over the last fifteen years I have acquired many fond memories at the state fair. 

My first time ever at the state fair was with my best friend Cody and his cousin Cory, whom I had a major crush on. He had the prettiest brown eyes I had ever seen. I was fifteen years old, had butterflies in my stomach, the smell of funnel cake in my nose, and a cute boy holding my hand. I was in heaven. He asked me out by buying me a zippo lighter with "I am yours, you are mine" and our names engraved on it. So romantic. I saw this as symbol of our love as an eternal flame. Well, the flames weren't eternal and neither was our love. I will, however, remember that night forever!

I can remember going with so many of my friends throughout the years. It's even more fun going with my family. Having a niece and nephew is so much fun, and watching them experience the fair for the first time is just as delightful as eating deep fried cookie dough. Now that the kids are in Texas, and we are all getting older, it's hard getting everyone together to go to the fair. Even though we can't go as a family, I'm thankful for the memories of when we did. I can remember watching Jillian ride the carousal with her Mimi, and looking at the animals with Callen. I feel like the atmosphere at the fair has changed a lot over the years, I can't quite put my finger on it. Maybe I miss the feeling of doing something for the first time. You know that feeling? Being thrilled... My spirit must be longing for adventure.