Out from behind the lens

Sometimes, I have a hard time with my camera.  I've read several little essays about parents who miss seeing such important things because they are behind a camera, still picture or video.  While prepping for our night out at the carnival on Friday, I decided to leave the camera behind.  Of course, once we were there, the light and the colors were so perfect, I sorta regretted the decision.  Oh well, next time right?
Anyway, Friday night was the first time that Sam got to ride on any carnival rides.  The very first time we went to the Lake Shore VFC carnival was when Sam was about 4 months old and in a carrier the whole time.  Tom was just shy of three and Joe was 4 1/2.  It was fun to actually be able to have Sam ride the rides this time.  He was a little nervous at first because he's not a fan of noisy things.  A couple of rides and he was good to go. 
Joe and Tom have absolutely no fear when it comes to any ride.  They would ride every single thing time and time again if we'd let them.  We let them ride almost everything.  There's one spinning ride that was playing that was enclosed and playing music not suitable for kids that I wouldn't let them ride.  I also draw the line at the Zipper.  Other than that, they can ride until we say it's time to go.
Part of the fun of the carnival is that there are no lines to wait in, if you go on a week night.  The kids can also pick where they want to sit and have a great time.  The smiles on Sam's face were pure joy.  No other way to describe it.  Too much fun.