Criddles in A-land

A day at Adventureland has been a family tradition since we were very little and my Dad's employer, American Federal, had a family day at A-land instead of a Christmas Party back in the day when we could still have Christmas parties and not Holiday Gatherings. Sorry off the soapbox now - any how Mom would dress us in matching outfits and we do every ride and end the day swimming at the Adventureland Inn pool.

So fast forward about 25 (more like 30) years - Aunt KT found the deal of the century - 2 hotel rooms and 8 tickets to Adventureland for $100. So how could we resist? The whole crew enjoyed a gorgeous day after a brief but wicked 9:30AM thunderstorm. Just FYI the crew consisted of Nanny & Papa, 5 parents, 6 children ages 6,5,3,2,1 & almost one, 3 strollers, and enough illegal snacks for an underground militia.

Our first stop is always the little train that skirts the edge of the park and gives a glimpse of the rides to come. Thad & SBG had the front car. This cheese-y squinty face is going to be really familiar to you by the end of this post.

The Tea Cup Family - in the Papa, June, Lulu, Lions, Bubba (hiding) and KT, Mac, Mini, Scott

Tea for two...

and two for tea

The two babes (Lulu and Macky) chillin' - which they did a lot of - very well I might add
All Bubba has talked about with regard to our trek to A-land has been "doing the BumperCars with Dad". They even ignored the rules and did a head on collision with Uncle Scott and SBG. Uncle Scott laughed,SBG not so much :(
Then it was time for a little lunch at Soda'N Sounds. Thad said they must have known he was coming when they announced their country theme. The kids loved it and I loved this picture of SBG scooting in to get the very best spot in town between Mini and June.

A little dancing was in order for a rousing tune
Papa found Lulu's dropped bow. How did I know that?

Aunt Klions coached us all day on the rowdy rides to do NO HANDS.
Here are Thad & SBG complying on the Underground Railroad ride.
Action shot at "Infant Ocean"

Attempt by Aunt KT to get 4 smiling cousins to look at the camera Those who dared the LOG RIDE. "Someone" told some others of us that those in the front don't get wet. Uncle Scott, Amelia & I listened and were soaked. Notice the tall, baseball cap wearing dry guy and his dry son. I'm not going to name any names.

5 out of 6 enjoying the car ride

Following instructions for the FrogHopper. We were so glad that SBG passed the 36 inch mark to do this super fun ride.

She started out saying she liked it but as it kept hopping (aka jerking and bouncing) her face got miserable. As the tears welled up she said "It not working" "It broken". Needless to say the smoother rides were more her thing.

Cuddling Cousins

Sibling Super flyers smiling at Mr. Tom (the Adventureland Retiree) who was trying to help we get their pic

Same song, 2nd verse

Nanny, June, Mia & Bubba do their TIRED pose as we were heading to the car
Phew! What a day! A million memories made and no worse for wear other than 2 Bandaids for Bubba (one from Aunt Lions and one for a random YMCA day camp counselor), a few sunburns, some very grubby children (and probably adults too)!

We noticed a couple families with matching shirts and one saying something about it being their annual family tradition since 1978. I say next year we have 14 matching ensembles (or maybe 15 - one never knows the plans of a certain sister :)

Thanks for a great day family!!