Great America

Today we took the kids to Great America - Steve took the day off as a birthday celebration. We weren't sure what to expect in terms of what they could actually ride on but thought we'd have fun none the less.

My dad used to take me down every year for my birthday and I have such fond memories of those trips. I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate this year than honoring that tradition!!

Although I can't post pictures right now due to my mac disaster if I could you would see ...

-Braden going on his first ride(the swings) with daddy and loving it
-Olivia waiting patiently when she was too little to ride
-Braden, Olivia and Daddy going on the Octopus (Olivia's first ride) and her scared face when it started to move - tears followed by hands covering her eyes!
-Braden holding Olivia's hand when she was afraid and offering her comforting words
-Braden and Olivia on the kiddie rides in Buggs Bunny Land which I remember from when I was little :)
-Braden's first rollercoaster - he got right back in line when he got off for a second round
-Blue Cotton Candy in the watering mouths of us all
-Braden and Daddy shooting water guns at passing pirate ships and then riding in one themselves
-Olivia falling dead asleep in the stroller after a fun-filled day
-Braden and Daddy waiting in line patiently for the last ride of the day - an adult rollercoaster, "The Whizzer."
-His exit from that ride with a HUGE smile on his face
-Braden falling asleep no more than 3 minutes after we got into the car

I LOVED today even though my job was picture taker and waiter. Braden asked while we were leaving how come mommy didn't go on any rides and we had to explain that they didn't let people ride when they had a baby in their belly. That seemed to be a sufficient answer to him.

It was such fun watching them ride many of the rides that I remember and feeling so happy that they enjoy amusement parks. It was great to see Braden take Olivia under his wing and care of her when she was afraid or nervous. I am so happy we decided to go and I look forward to next summer with baby three tagging along!!