Bouncy Fun

In my last post, I promised that I would be revisiting the play area of the fall fair I unexpectedly found at the end of last week’s bike ride.

But the story actually started earlier this summer when Husband turned 60.

I wanted to do something special … but Gilles didn’t want to go anywhere, he didn’t want a party, nor did he want to do anything out of the ordinary to mark the occasion.  All he wanted was to have “the boys” come home as usual for a family dinner.

But an idea was starting to take shape that had all the makings of a Giggle Fest, and with the help of a very good friend, I managed to secure a bouncy castle for the day.

You know we’re all adults, right?  You know, of course, that wasn’t going to stop us.

This is what the backyard looked like BEFORE pandemonium started

There’s a reason why these things aren’t intended for adults. We are over-grown children with too much energy and imagination to spare, and as a result, a simple idea quickly deteriorates into a very questionable activity.  In fact there is an entire TV show devoted to these kinds of scenarios.  It’s called The Science of Stupid.

In our case, the bouncy castle morphed into a makeshift diving platform …

Note – the pool is 9 feet deep here

While I was rather concerned that this little adventure could easily turn into a visit to the ER, I can’t remember the last time I laughed so much that I couldn’t breathe.

So, let’s just say that this was my most recent memory concerning bouncy castles.  Enter now the Sunderland Fall Fair.

It was Bouncy Castle Heaven.

… and since it was a fall fair, all the bounce areas had a country theme … well, except for the 5-stage “combat zone” obstacle course.   That just made my jaw drop.  Where were these things when I was an 8-year-old?!

Anyway, back to the country theme ….

The Little Red Barn

The Smiling Cow

What’s a farm without John Deer tractor equipment?

… or other heavy equipment?

So while the adults were inside the arena “tripping the light fantastic” on the dance floor, I was longingly watching the children while they were having the *real* fun of the fair.

This would be perfect for our next party … but I’m going to need a much bigger backyard … and maybe more insurance.