Idlewild

It's voted the country's #1 amusement park for kids for a reason. This place is like a major county fair that meets up to amusement park quality. The rides are perfect for the kids all the way up to the grandparents. Leila measured in just a tad bit taller than the required 36" to ride on most all of the big kid rides so once we left the kiddie section, this family was all about the roller coasters and log rides.

I should back up-- I have been having a few solid days of Murphy's Law syndrome and when the forecast predicted heavy thunderstorms all day, I had my doubts about going, but it turned out to be one huge blessing because it didn't rain until it was time for us to head home. That meant we had no crowds, no hot sunshine, no lines at the rides, and it felt like the place was all ours.

However, back to the things that can go wrong, will go wrong... I had no memory card in my camera for this trip so I have no photos of all of the awesome faces and adventures of my kids. These are recorded snippits so my brain can pull up some still frames when my memory will need jogged:

Gage's first roller coaster ride... and Leila's first roller coaster ride. A few times throughout the day I asked Gage, "You aren't having a good time are you?" And he implored: "OH YES I AM, MOM!" Apparently, not to be confused with a mediocre good time.
The 3-story cargo net that Leila and Gage climbed.
Gage sticking his head in a "Lion's Mouth" for a drink.
Leila's expressions of amazement and love during our tour of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. She was so mesmerized.
Playing in the fountains and making wishes. Gage's 3 wishes-- to stay until dark, to eat dinner at Idlewild, and to live there.
Leila's mad driving skills on the cars
Brother and Sister in a convertible rolling through the park-- I swear in my mind, I flashed forward 10 or so years and nearly cried right on the spot.
Leila getting down and dancing like mad with one of the side shows while Gage rode the Howler with his dad.
After I got motion sickness (from holding Leila into the Spider during our ride, which she loved, but maybe should not have been on) I let Austin take the two kids on all the big kid rides that were left to enjoy. So much laughter.

It's a successful day trip when we're back to the norm at Austin Lake the very next day, but it felt like we had been on a week-long hiatus. Here's hoping to another trip just as exciting in July! :)