Riverfest, Helicopter Ride, and Karate

For the last 41 years the city of Wichita has celebrated River Festival, or how it is most fondly known as, Riverfest. My family and I were lucky enough to be able to visit during a weekday this year. The first thing we did was having funnel cake! It was definitely a huge hit with the kids!

In the Kid's Corner there were lots of activities. Ares had a ton of fun in the bouncy castles, and then they all became star struck with this banjo player. He was very talented, and we all sat and enjoyed him for a long time.

 

 

Next up was Ares' first ever helicopter ride! The reason I had wanted him to do this was because when I was his age I went on my first airplane ride with my Dad as a birthday present. It was amazing! I still remember the pilot asking me where I wanted to go, over the Topeka flood or over my house. I surprisingly chose the flood. I remember all the houses surrounded by water, and even a trampoline submerged under the water in someone's backyard. Now it was Ares' turn to feel that rush of excitement as he was flown through the air! His Aunt Lindsey braved the flight with him, and they both had a great time looking over our fair city. 

 

 

 This is the Wichita Wagonmasters' float. I tried to look up the history of this, but the most I was able to find out was that it was started by a group of select community leaders who started this in 1973. Apparently they got the idea for the Windwagon Smith (the wagon's name) from an old Disney cartoon that featured an Admiral sailing his wagon across the prairie.

From left to right it is Jude, Kyle Ann, Lindsey holding Ceridwen, Kira holding Brigid, and Ares.

 

 

After our fun filled afternoon was Ares' karate class. He has been practicing a lot, and when I talked to his instructor last night I found that it has paid off. He did really well at lessons last night, and next week he will test for his first stripe.