Memory Lane

It's finally arrived. We have big kids. It's time for super fun family activities without worrying about diapers, strollers, feedings, naptime, sippy cups, or tantrums!

I have to say, I thought I would be really, really sad when this day arrived. But to be honest, it feels amazing! Yesterday, we had one of the best afternoons EVER.

We let the girls take naps after lunch. When they woke up, we went about our business like it was a typical Saturday afternoon. After a while, we told them we had a surprise for them. Lauryn guessed we were going to the zoo. Allison guessed we were getting on the boat (because I put the same pink hat on her that she wore on the boat a couple of months ago...I guess in her mind, it's her official "boating hat"!)

We stretched the mystery out a little bit longer and went out to eat an early dinner. When we got back in the car, we finally told them we were going to Six Flags!! I had the camera out so I could always remember their reaction (and of course...because it just makes good blogging sense).

Lauryn just sat there for a good five minutes with a gigantic grin on her face! She's been asking when she could go to Six Flags and we told her once she turned five we would take her. She's been so patient waiting for this day to arrive!

Allison was so funny, too. When we told them the news, she grinned really big. After a minute or so of letting it sink in, she looked at us and said, "I love you." So cute!

Brent and I both have soooo many memories of our trips to Six Flags as kids. I remember thinking that kids who lived in the area were SO lucky. They could go to Six Flags whenever they wanted! Of course it was also my 8-year-old-logic that didn't consider the fact that it required everyone's parents to spend actual money to get us in the gate.

We tried the "kiddie" section of the park first. We figured we'd ease them in slowly to make sure they weren't traumatized. So we figured the little ferris wheel was a good start.

You can see a lot of neat rides from this little ferris wheel!

So they liked the ferris wheel, but they didn't love it. They had their sights set on other attractions.

Higher attractions.

Something more like this:

These are those parachutes you can see from the highway. The ones that go straight up into the air and drop down, freefall-style.

Now, I'm all for honesty. That's why I don't mind telling you that I freaked out just a little on that parachute with all the holes in it. Lauryn was sitting next to me, smiling and waving at all the cars driving by, twisting around to see the view.

I wanted to scream, "Hang on with both hands! For the love of all that is good, don't let go of the safety bar!!"

But I figured that wouldn't go well with our initial game plan, otherwise known as Whatever-You-Do-Don't-Panic-in-Front-of-the-Children. So, jumping into her lap and curling up into the fetal position was not an option.

Whatever.

I made it.

But she'll have to ride that one by herself the next time.

The afternoon high was 95 degrees, and we were definitely sweating. But it actually wasn't too bad because by the time we got there, the sun was starting to set and there was lots of shade. We did still take advantage of all the "misting machines" around the park. Those were not around the last time I was at Six Flags! What an invention!

This picture is for my dad. (Hi Dad!) Yes, that would be my 2-year-old and my five-year-old after riding their first roller-coaster. Twice. We got off the first time and they begged to get back in line and go again!

Getting ready to go on the "love boat". I have no clue what the real name is, but it's a boat that goes through an air conditioned tunnel. The BEST ride on a hot day. And always the ride with the longest line!

So, how is it that I have a kid tall enough to ride almost every single ride at Six Flags? When did that happen?!?

Lauryn drove us around in the antique car...another classic ride I LOVED as a kid!

We laugh at this ride. This was back at the kids' section on our way out, after both girls had been on the big rides in the main park. I think it raised us five feet off the ground. Lame-o.

Lauryn hesitated, but eventually got up the courage to dance with Bugs Bunny.

I realized that they don't have a clue who these characters are. They just have never seen any of these cartoons! When I told Lauryn the rabbit's name was Bugs Bunny she asked, "Why? Does he have bugs on him or something?"

Tragic.

You can kind of tell in this picture, but Allison was SO groovin' to the music. She had those hips going like nobody's business!

She loved Bugs Bunny!

How fun to realize that we are making some of the same memories from our childhood with our own girls!! How fun it was to realize what amazing kids we are blessed with. They didn't complain one time of being hot or tired. They walked the entire park without any trouble (we didn't even bring the stroller!) It really was one of the best afternoons I can remember!