Eight Hours in the Family Fun Park

Load 'em up in the old 'family truckster' and take 'em to the amusement park. Well, we skipped the world's largest ball of string, and instead saw the ubiquitous PA attraction known as "the rear bumper of the car in front of you in construction traffic". The kids also learned the valuable "don't try to cut in line by zipping down the shoulder of the road when there's a cop in the SUV ahead of you who is not afraid to block your path" lesson.

We surprised the kids with a trip to the wonderful Knoebles Grove. This park is how amusement parks used to be long, long ago in a galaxy far, far away. They encourage picnicking with a large, covered picnic grove just full of picnic tables just outside the park. I'd say outside the park gates, but I don't know that there are "gates" since they don't charge an entrance fee. I'll wait a moment while you recover from the shock. No $40 entrance fee for a parent who is not going to ride a single ride. The park instead sells tickets, or on weekdays, all-day ride bracelets. But wait, you say, the lines must be out of control at this place... Nope. I think we waited longer to get through the construction traffic on the way.

There is an extensive "kiddie" section to keep the little ones happy. We sent C off with her aunt and uncle to ride the roller coasters while hubby and I took the little ones (L and her cousin) and let them ride the rides with reckless abandon.

We spend eight hours - EIGHT HOURS in the park... but we had a lovely picnic then spent ages on the rides. I think L and cuz went on every single kiddie ride available, and C went on some roller coasters more than once. L was tall enough to ride the flume with the rest of the gang. If you look closely, you'll note that Uncle is soaked, and Daddy is suspiciously dry. Someone ducked! It was a very long day, and once back in the truck, we couldn't keep L awake for the short drive to the restaurant where we would have our long overdue dinner. Happily, she wasn't too cranky. The inlaws are going to Disney. Frankly, I think they're insane - a nearly 3 yr old, and an infant. Not my idea of a great time. I think MY girls are still too young to really appreciate Disney. Better them than me. I'll stick to my favorite family fun park a lot closer to home.