What Fun Is

Last weekend my dad's company had what has turned into their annual Lagoon Day. (My dad assures me that Abbie is a big factor in the decision making process each year as she begins asking in May when we can go to Lagoon.) This year did not disappoint. Abbie is old enough to go on the "older" kid rides, most of which were not around when I was a kid. Savannah is old enough to go on the rides herself, although she definitely loves to go with her sister.

Last year Abbie was a big fan of the Puff the Magic Dragon ride. The ride is a tiny roller coaster that circles over minor hills three times and then is done. Little did we know that this enjoyment was only a precursor of bigger and more exciting interests. Cautious, sensitive Abbie LOVES fast roller coasters. Her favorite ride this year was  the Jumping Dragon ride in which you go very, very, fast around a short oval track and then go in reverse (similar to the Music Express ride.) Unfortunately for her no adult was able to go on the ride more than one time with her without getting slightly ill. Thankfully she had parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles that were willing to help her out.

Savannah last year was just content to go along for the ride but this year she definitely had an opinion on what she wanted to do. She loved the new Odysea ride in which you circle a giant squid in a flying fish and try to avoid being squirted -- or in Savannah's case try to get squirted. The fast rides were a little much for her, but she loved rides where she got to imitate that she was driving a vehicle so all of the classic kiddie rides were fun. Although like her older sister, driving the cars was one of the big winners.

A surprising hit was the hay bale maze that was set up for little kids as part of Frightmares. About two-thirds of the way through the day both girls wanted to return to the maze's coloring table. When it was time to head to dinner they both completely ignored their grandpa and went right on coloring until they decided they were done. (It doesn't help matters that which it comes to all things granddaughters my dad is wrapped around their fingers.)

All in all it was a great day, despite periodic phases of complete exhaustion. Thanks dad for another wonderful year. We all -- but especially Abbie and Savannah -- are very, very grateful.