Do The Puyallup (on the cheap)

Here's how to enjoy the big ol' Puyallup Fair on less than $20:

1. Be lucky enough to be part of a family where your grandmother, who has worked in the Campfire booth at the Fair for 34 years, always gets you free tickets.

2. Eat dinner at home. Go to the Fair for dessert. I got my annual ice cream dip (with nuts!) and Bryan and Zoey opted for soft serve.

3. Don't take any children over the age of three. Zoey wavered on whether she'd rather have her photo taken with Dora or ride one ride. That's right. One. She was totally
happy to ride the fire truck around in circles for approximately two
minutes, and only had a mild tantrum when it was time to get off. I escaped total conflict by telling her every child only gets to ride the ride once per year. She can ride it again next year. But I have a feeling next year she won't be buying that story any more.

4. Know somebody who works the scone booth. Be very nice to them. They will reward you with scones. Mmmmmm.

5. Animals are free, people. Spend lots of time in the barns. I wanted to have someone take a picture of the three of us (next week is Bring a Picture of Your Family Week at preschool and our last family shot was when Zoey was, I don't know, 10 months old) but by the time I remembered, we were on our way to the Exit gate, walking through the Clydesdale barn, and, well, I figured a family photo in front of a large Clydesdale ass wasn't the Christmas card photo op I was hoping for. Maybe next year.

6. I think we got out of there having spent $16 and some change. Not bad.