It was a Six Flags day
Today my hubby and I took Number 1 and 2 to Six Flags. They each earned a free ticket at school through the reading program by Six Flags. I have not been in quite a few years and man I am getting old. First, my 9-year-old is afraid of most "big" rides. He is just now at 48 inches so it is OK because he can ride the kiddie stuff this year. My 6 1/2-year-old likes the "big" rides, but at 44 inches tall there is a limitation to what she can ride.
We started off with the log flume. This was something they all had done last year when a broken foot, and a 3-month-old baby at home prevented me from making the trip. Oddly enough Number 1 got nervous about it, but in the end, decided he liked it. Next, we headed to the Mine train. I recall this being a little faster than first assumed and was nervous for my two kiddos. I rode with number 2 and hubby with number 1. 2 was scared for the first half, even held her tummy, and then said it was OK at the end. 1 said he hated it, especially the dark hill at the end. I liked it except the first half as well. After that, we headed to the Highland Fling which was basically a high swing. 2 was the only one who did it, after getting to the front and ducking out then watching it and heading back. I wished I had done it with her as it was pretty slow.
Next, we walked to Thunder River. I was not prepared to get soaked this early. I am always cold. Hubby says I would wear a sweater in the desert, and it is not hot yet. Everyone else felt it was hot, but I still had my jacket on. Much discussion went on about whether there were hills, or mountains to climb on this ride (PUHleeeease). Until the distraction of Mr. Freeze launching people from 0-60 in like 3 seconds and going backward at the same speed back inside. The kids debate how old you must be to go on it, what kind of person would like it, the fact that they will NEVER go on that, and on and on and on. Wheeeew, I am tired already. The question are we there yet keeps popping up in my head:) Once on the ride, another family of 4 makes idle threats about who was going to get the wettest. Slowly but surely we all get wet. My hubby and kids seem to get equally soaked. Lots of smiles and little complaints later we head to get a drink refill and to the kiddie rides.
Lots of waiting for parents, and riding for kids later hubby takes 2 to ride the Screamin' Eagle. This is the oldest roller coaster and is wooden at that. It is long, but with no twists, or upside-down maneuvers seems to be the best choice for young unsure children. 1 and I finish the ride he is on and then meet them there. We wait and wait and wait some more. We played one game that guaranteed young children to win (2 prizes even and he shared with Sis). Then, they come walking out. A grin on both faces lets me know that regardless of her wary statements 2 liked the ride. Apparently, Daddy told 2 that they would slow the ride down for her, and she even got upset when he didn't ask the attendant and asked herself. The attendant looked at him, he winked at her and she smiled and said sure. Thank goodness for people who get it sometimes.
We detour to a Pizza joint for lunch and decide that 1 should try the ride as well. 1 is not so hip on this and even declines my monetary bribe. We head that way despite the refusals. Once in line 1 is getting iffy about the ordeal. Thank goodness you cannot see the ride moving in this line. As we approach our destination 1 is getting questionable and breaks out in tears. I encourage demand, anything to get him to continue. My monetary offer was even ignored. I think the firmness in my voice and the little sister who had already done it once standing nearby finally put him over the edge. He got on the ride. I was nervous for myself and him. Truth be told I no longer enjoy roller coasters or thrill rides. I must be getting old. I prayed under my breath for the Dear Lord to take pity on us both and make it go by quickly and safely.
As the ride begins I remember that this child does better with much explanation. So, I talk. I suggest he take note of the view and other rides as we climb higher than planned. I talk through each turn, saying how much passed, how much is left, and what is up ahead. I remind them to breathe, put back in their seats, etc. I yap the entire ride until finally we stop in the tunnel awaiting our turn to exit the ride. He says he survived but he isn't doing it ever again. Thank you, God!!!
I remind him that he now has bragging rights to all that he in fact did. This will mean something once at home I am certain. We then head to the water park for more fun and then an attempt at one last ride. We waited 40 minutes before both kids had to go potty bad enough that they could no longer wait. Yes, I shout in my own head. We make our way out and home. Pancakes, bacon, and cereal are dinner at 8:15, and off to bed.
So much in so little time. How quickly we forget that amusement parks are just a bunch of waiting for 3 minutes of adrenaline. Yep, time to accept I am getting old. Next year I sense the babysitter is unavailable and darn I will have to stay home.......
We started off with the log flume. This was something they all had done last year when a broken foot, and a 3-month-old baby at home prevented me from making the trip. Oddly enough Number 1 got nervous about it, but in the end, decided he liked it. Next, we headed to the Mine train. I recall this being a little faster than first assumed and was nervous for my two kiddos. I rode with number 2 and hubby with number 1. 2 was scared for the first half, even held her tummy, and then said it was OK at the end. 1 said he hated it, especially the dark hill at the end. I liked it except the first half as well. After that, we headed to the Highland Fling which was basically a high swing. 2 was the only one who did it, after getting to the front and ducking out then watching it and heading back. I wished I had done it with her as it was pretty slow.
Next, we walked to Thunder River. I was not prepared to get soaked this early. I am always cold. Hubby says I would wear a sweater in the desert, and it is not hot yet. Everyone else felt it was hot, but I still had my jacket on. Much discussion went on about whether there were hills, or mountains to climb on this ride (PUHleeeease). Until the distraction of Mr. Freeze launching people from 0-60 in like 3 seconds and going backward at the same speed back inside. The kids debate how old you must be to go on it, what kind of person would like it, the fact that they will NEVER go on that, and on and on and on. Wheeeew, I am tired already. The question are we there yet keeps popping up in my head:) Once on the ride, another family of 4 makes idle threats about who was going to get the wettest. Slowly but surely we all get wet. My hubby and kids seem to get equally soaked. Lots of smiles and little complaints later we head to get a drink refill and to the kiddie rides.
Lots of waiting for parents, and riding for kids later hubby takes 2 to ride the Screamin' Eagle. This is the oldest roller coaster and is wooden at that. It is long, but with no twists, or upside-down maneuvers seems to be the best choice for young unsure children. 1 and I finish the ride he is on and then meet them there. We wait and wait and wait some more. We played one game that guaranteed young children to win (2 prizes even and he shared with Sis). Then, they come walking out. A grin on both faces lets me know that regardless of her wary statements 2 liked the ride. Apparently, Daddy told 2 that they would slow the ride down for her, and she even got upset when he didn't ask the attendant and asked herself. The attendant looked at him, he winked at her and she smiled and said sure. Thank goodness for people who get it sometimes.
We detour to a Pizza joint for lunch and decide that 1 should try the ride as well. 1 is not so hip on this and even declines my monetary bribe. We head that way despite the refusals. Once in line 1 is getting iffy about the ordeal. Thank goodness you cannot see the ride moving in this line. As we approach our destination 1 is getting questionable and breaks out in tears. I encourage demand, anything to get him to continue. My monetary offer was even ignored. I think the firmness in my voice and the little sister who had already done it once standing nearby finally put him over the edge. He got on the ride. I was nervous for myself and him. Truth be told I no longer enjoy roller coasters or thrill rides. I must be getting old. I prayed under my breath for the Dear Lord to take pity on us both and make it go by quickly and safely.
As the ride begins I remember that this child does better with much explanation. So, I talk. I suggest he take note of the view and other rides as we climb higher than planned. I talk through each turn, saying how much passed, how much is left, and what is up ahead. I remind them to breathe, put back in their seats, etc. I yap the entire ride until finally we stop in the tunnel awaiting our turn to exit the ride. He says he survived but he isn't doing it ever again. Thank you, God!!!
I remind him that he now has bragging rights to all that he in fact did. This will mean something once at home I am certain. We then head to the water park for more fun and then an attempt at one last ride. We waited 40 minutes before both kids had to go potty bad enough that they could no longer wait. Yes, I shout in my own head. We make our way out and home. Pancakes, bacon, and cereal are dinner at 8:15, and off to bed.
So much in so little time. How quickly we forget that amusement parks are just a bunch of waiting for 3 minutes of adrenaline. Yep, time to accept I am getting old. Next year I sense the babysitter is unavailable and darn I will have to stay home.......
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