beach consolation prize...

as a we're-definitely-not-getting-2-go-2-the-beach-this-summer (because of this) consolation prize, we decided 2 take the kiddos 2 Kings Dominion on Friday...unfortunately, the boys couldn't come with - but we still had a blast with the 3 youngins

just like every other year, we go up on the Eiffel Tower 1st - 2 check out the park, see what's new/gone, decide our plan of attack 4 the day ;0)

we started in the kid zone...so that every1 could get their feet wet with the small roller coasters...

& so the girls could get in some of what Jaden calls, the "boring rides"

it was so funny - cause even tho he's way too old/big 2 enjoy the kiddie rides, he sure got excited when he saw Little Bill! ~lol~ he was OBSESSED with Little Bill when he was small, so i guess he's just remained a fan throughout the years...notice the hand shake tho - vs a hug, or something else equally childish ;0)

(& do u think Little Bill's helper is ready 4 her shift 2 end? ~lol~)

we worked our way around & hit Scooby Doo's roller coaster & his Haunted Mansion (1 of the kiddos absolute fav - the 1st 1 they ask 2 ride every year), we watched the Crypt a few times (it has cool water & fire special effects), but of course none of the kiddos were interested in riding that 1!

then we hit the Avalanche...all 5 of us could ride it - Gabby & i were 2gether, Jaden went on his own, & here's Curtis & Corinn...

he said she enjoyed it, but held on 4 dear life! ~lol~

next up...the Volcano!!!

yep, last year Jaden chickened out at the last minute...this year, he was determined 2 ride it! we stood in line 4 about 45 minutes total (Curtis & the girls hung out in the kiddie area which was close by)...during the 1st 20 minutes of our wait, Jaden was cool...but the longer we waited, the more nervous he became

by the time we could see others ahead of us getting on the ride, he was saying he had changed his mind & didn't want 2 ride it after all...he said "u go ahead & ride & i'll go out the emergency exit" ~lol~ but i gave him a little pep talk & promised him that he could close his eyes, squeeze my hand as hard as he wanted, & scream at the top of his lungs if he needed 2

we boarded the ride & he started repeating 2 himself "i'm brave & i can do this, i'm brave & i can do this..."...the ride took off & the screaming began! i think he probably kept his eyes closed 4 90% of the ride...& he definitely screamed louder than i've ever heard him scream b4 (& he barely had a voice the next day 2 prove it)...but when we got off the ride, he says "i can't believe i did it!" he was super proud (even with tears in his eyes) & couldn't wait 2 tell dad what he had done! ;0)

by this point, it was well in2 the 90's out, the sun was blazing down on us, & we all were HOT!!! we went ahead out 2 the truck 2 sit in the AC & enjoy our picnic lunch...then we came back inside & hit the water park

1st up, the lazy river...

Curtis waited on the bridge 2 catch pics of us as we floated underneath again this year

we also hung out in the wave pools 4 a while - i guess since we were missing out on the ocean waves this summer, we took our time enjoying the fake ones ;0)

& the kiddos spent a ton of time in the huge water playgrounds - going down the slides over & over again...Jaden & i rode some of the bigger water slides 2gether too, while Curtis kept an eye on the girls

after we got our fill of the waterpark, we headed 2 the bumper cars...

then 2 the ride that Gabby was most excited about...the Drop Tower! last year (at only 5yrs old), she rode this with me twice! this year, it was a total piece of cake 4 her!
on our way up...

almost 2 the top...

Curtis was able 2 get us on video this year...we're all the way 2 the left - u can see us (mostly me) sticking our legs out so that daddy can see where we're sitting



it was so much fun!!!

daddy went along with the crew on the Log Flume...he wasn't thrilled with the idea of getting wet again - but look at all their faces after coming down the hill! looks like he was having fun 2 me! & yeah, he did get pretty wet too ;0)

another ride that we hit every year...the 3D Spongebob movie/ride!

a new attraction is the Ferris Wheel...

the gondolas r big enuff 2 seat the entire family too!

Corinn was a little scared 2 b up so high (& oddly, Jaden acted a lil timid as well)...

but it was a beautiful & relaxing 10-15 minute ride! the sun had just set & the sky was so pretty...all the park lights were coming on & it was cool 2 see everything from way up high at this time of day



since she was super brave on the Ferris Wheel, we stopped by Corinn's fav next - the carousel...

then Jaden, Gabby & i rode the Rebel Yell in the dark - sooooo fun!

& lastly, the Triple Spin - another family fav...

we caught 1 more kiddo photo as we headed out of the park at closing...

& as usual, our worn out kiddos fell fast asleep in the car, almost as soon as their seat belts were buckled!

it was a good day - a fun family day

the best kind!!!
♥

ps. thx guys 4 the prayer as Curtis looks 4 another job! he had his 1st interview 2day & it went well...the guy told him that he had 1 job in mind 4 Curtis...but after seeing his size, thinks he'd b better suited 4 another (better paying) position...he told Curt that he'd let him know 1 way or the other in a few days...it's def not his dream job - but a paycheck! he's filled out tons of applications & we've got a few friends here & there, putting in a good word in 4 him...i even sat down & created Curtis' very 1st resume ever on Thursday night 2 send 2 a couple of places...please continue 2 pray that the right (at least, right 4 now) job will come along very soon!