Amusing Amusement

One summer when I was in early grade school my parents decided to take us to Lagoon, a nearby amusement park.  We were all so excited.  My mom had us ride our bikes around collecting aluminum cans for money so we could go to "Lagoon."   We would watch for cans on the side of the road as we drove and quickly pull over and grab a can and drive off.  I guess we were going green before it was popular.  Really we were trying to get spending money at Lagoon.  We took in our cans to the recycling place and got our little money and off we went.

Like most true adventures there must be mishaps along the way.   We took our traveling trailer and loaded up.  Before we were even out of town our trailer's tire blew and blew a hole in the trailer.  Quite exciting and I was afraid we would not make it to Lagoon.  Well, we did and it made it all the more exciting.  I remember driving up to the park, there were people all around The sound of the Big White Roller Coaster and people screaming made my heart beat crazy.  Inside the park there was such confusion but we found that white roller coaster and I was terrified but went on it. The trip was a success and we decided to go back a couple years later.  Once again we collected our cans, saved our allowances and off we went.  This time I was way too terrified of that white roller coaster and cried at the thought of going on it.  After the trip I was very disappointed that I hadn't gone and from then on I try to overcome my fears and go on all the rides I can.  I actually still get that crazy heart beat and the thrill of going up the first hill of the roller coaster gets me every time.  By the time we reach the top I can't help but explode in screams.  I just love it.  There are better and smoother rides there now but I still enjoy that old creaky roller coaster.  Unfortunately they are replacing the old white wood with new brown wood, but it still has the same thrill.

This year we went with the family.  Alex is leaving for college soon and we really wanted to do something exciting, so off to Lagoon we went.  My mom is absolutely a joy to go on roller coasters with.  She taught me that if you scream it just makes it that much more fun.  So, as children my mom embarrassed us terribly, but truthfully we love it.  Now as a mom my kids get a similar kick out of going on the rides with me.  As a couple of the girls were a little hesitant this time I encouraged them to scream and it just makes it that much more fun.  How I so love watching my kids go on the rides and enjoy themselves.  Cassandra was priceless to watch as she went on the Tidal Wave, a big boat that swings back and forth.  It was her first time on a "big" ride and she jumped right in her seat. Then as the boat began to swing her eyes got huge, her mouth hung open and at every swing she sunk a little lower in her seat.  I couldn't stop laughing,  The people facing us were laughing too and I think a bit afraid of Cassie losing her lunch, but she didn't.  As we got off I asked her what she thought.  She said it was ok but that she didn't need to go on it again.  By evening she was telling everyone it was one of her favorite rides and by the next day wanted to do it again and did.  Isabella enjoyed herself so much.  She even went on big rides and laughed and squealed.  I had almost decided to stay home with Isabella and Aidric but I am so glad we all went together.  Some friends went with us also and it was a good time.  

Now we are getting ready to settle down to school and send my oldest boy off to school again.  I'm sure it gets easier but not yet.  He has been so busy with work and activities this summer that I feel like we didn't get to spend much time together.  I look forward to Alex coming home for Christmas and think of how much Aidric will change in the mean time.  Aidric is just now starting to sit up, grab things, and roll over.  By Christmas he should be doing all those with ease and crawling and pulling himself up to things.  Time just keeps on going, so I am so thankful with the time we get to spend together and getting trips here and there as a family is priceless.  Well, hope you enjoy the pictures and give your family a hug.   Have a blessed day.

Alicia

Off we go

Rattlesnake rapids everyone enjoyed but got quite wet

The girls on the swing together

Aidric putting his feet up and enjoying the day

Latisha with friends on blast off.  It shoots you up hundreds of feet and drops you.
Sierra and Danika went on it also.

Alex and Sierra on the wild mouse

everyone exhausted on the ride home.  Very thankful for our motohome.