Six Flags

Around 3:00 on Thursday we started our drive to my parents' house, and we arrived at 7:00. If you don't have traffic or make any stops, you can make the trip in 3 1/2 hours, but traffic and stops usually add at least 30 minutes (especially considering we hit rush hour traffic in Harrisburg). Nadia blew out seven candles on an ice cream roll, we ate our ice cream, and then she opened her gifts. She got a Spirograph and a board game (one that helps you learn to count money) from my parents and stickers from Uncle Maurice. We had a terrible time getting Oliver to bed that night (it took over 2 hours to get that boy to stay in his bed!), but eventually we all got to sleep. The next morning the kids played for a couple of hours, and then Grandpa joined us at Six Flags, which is a very short drive from their house. It was Nadia's third time at the park, Ian's second, and Oliver's first time. Paul hadn't been there in more than ten years (we took my niece, Jenna, there when she was very young).

We had a wonderful time! I had been worried about the weather, but not one single drop of rain fell on us. Today was a very different story. We were glad we weren't there today because it rained cats and dogs for many hours! The weather was ideal for the dry rides. We would have appreciated it being a bit warmer out for the wet rides and wave pool and such. There were basically no lines for the rides. Grandpa watched the kids at two different points so Paul and I could ride a roller coaster, and both times we just walked on to the ride. There were times when Oliver was the ONLY child on a ride. The biggest downside of this park is that you need to be 48 inches tall to ride almost every water slide and you need to be 48 inches tall (and in some cases 54 inches) to ride any roller coasters aside from the kiddie one. The kids couldn't even ride the swings or the bumper cars, and Nadia has been riding those at other amusement parks for a few years. But everyone still had a lot of fun! We didn't bring Oliver last year, and I am glad we didn't because a child under 36 inches can do almost nothing in that park. He was *just* tall enough to ride most of the kiddie rides and also able to ride a couple of the bigger rides with an adult.

Last year we didn't watch any of the shows, but this year we went to three of the six shows. The kids especially enjoyed one that included a lot of special effects (tons of bubbles, lasers, large beach balls, etc.). I didn't bring my camera with me last year because Grandpa and I were there with four kids (Susie, Rachel, Ian, and Nadia). Since we had a one-on-one ratio this year of adults to kids and had the stroller with us, I did bring my camera, and so the kids enjoyed taking pictures with characters. Oliver has finally gotten over his fear of people wearing large costumes. I guess we could have gone to Sesame Place this summer after all. We'll definitely have to go next year! In light of the height issues at Six Flags, I wouldn't want to pay to go there until the kids were at least 48 inches, but since we received 3 free tickets and Oliver was still free, it was definitely worth spending a day there! Hopefully Nadia will be at least 48 inches tall next summer. I think she will. I think our seven year old had a wonderful birthday week!

This morning we went to Lowe's. Originally I thought they'd be doing the project with Grandpa (they've done two with Pop Pop in the past), but my parents had other commitments today. Usually Paul just takes Nadia and Ian, but since weren't at home, all five of us went. They had an extra kit so we let Oliver join in the fun. He's definitely not ready  Ironically, the project today was the most difficult of any they've done before. I'll save the apron they gave Oliver today for the future when he is old enough. For now I'll just keep registering Nadia and Ian for these projects. After building Captain America's motorcycle, we started our drive back home. On the way back we stopped and spent two hours with one of my former roommates. She cooked a delicious lunch for us, and we enjoyed chatting with she and her husband. I wish we lived closer, but at least we can see each other about once a year.

Here are just a few pictures from the last two days. I have many more!