Let's Go Fly a Kite!

We're always on the lookout for ways to get out and enjoy all that our city has to offer. In September, we learned of the Frank Mots International Kite Festival at Veteran's Park and decided to check it out. Jonah had received a couple of kites as gifts at Easter - one from Grandpa Gregg and another from the Easter Bunny - but we had yet to give them a try. It was a gorgeous fall day, so we decided to head down to the lakefront with a picnic lunch and our kites.

As we parked and approached, we were wowed by some kites of extraordinary size, including a Nemo, teddy bear, and octopus, as pictured below. (Unfortunately, it is really difficult to gauge size in this picture. Trust us, they were huge.)

The event started with the national anthem and a 10 gun salute, which surprisingly did not disturb Jonah, despite our close proximity to the military men. After that, there was a grand "opening," and all with kites were invite onto the field to put their kids up at the same time. Jonah and Daddy had a good time working together to put the kite into the air. At times, Jonah insisted on holding onto the string, but at other times, he was more interested in the tail (pulling on it, straddling it, etc). The two of them were able to get the kite in the air a couple of times, but never for very long, in part due to the wind (and lack of practice), but also due to other kite fliers who were inexperienced, strings got crossed with ours, etc.

I'm being independent and am going to hold the string winder.

I'm flying a kite!!! Look at me!

Playing a game of "straddle the tail."

Pulling on the tail. Who knew this could be so much fun?

Returning the downed kite to Daddy.

We had a great time getting our kite up and eating a picnic lunch, but we didn't stay too long because there were some groups scheduled to perform/demonstrate their kite-flying skills, meaning we had to get off of the field. Start times for the demonstrations weren't as advertised and we had a disinterested (by that point) toddler who was ready to move on.

It was a good thing we left when we did because on our way back to the car, we discovered that the fire department was out with a truck for kids to check out. We got one of the last fire hats they had to distribute, and Jonah had an opportunity to sit up in the front seat of the truck!

Getting situated in the passenger seat.

Look at me! I'm in the front seat of the fire truck!

I LOVE fire trucks!

These firefighters made my day!

It had been years since Ben and I had flown a kite, so it was great to get out and show the fun to Jonah as well. I'm not certain whether we'll return to the kite festival next year, as we can likely create our own fun with a trip to the lakefront on a day of our choosing. And our new, larger back yard may also afford its own kite flying opportunities.