The summer's first trip to Knoebel's!

As we pulled out of our driveway yesterday to go to church, I saw nothing but blue sky. Not a single cloud. And I knew then that it was going to be way too nice to have an around-the-house day. Shortly after lunch, we all decided that it would be a good day for our first trip to Knoebel's as a family of four. We ended up calling Jeff and Judy to see if they'd like to join us since it was super short notice and we had been talking about making a trip to the park together sometime this summer. Next on the schedule is a combined trip with the Richard side of the family! We left our house around 3:30.





We tried out the third row seat in the Highlander. Let's just say that it's not exactly meant for fully grown adults, but we'll probably be glad we have it when we're hauling around two children and a friend for each of them on a family outing. I'm still having trouble fully extending my legs after riding back there 25 minutes to and 25 minutes from the park.



Joshua had an absolute blast, as he does every time we go. He's getting braver and more daring, although it's not good for Mommy's heart to see him so willing to go onto the big rides. I just know that any moment, my half of his genetic makeup is going to rear its ugly head and he'll be puking his brains out. But so far, that has not been the case. He rode the big Whip with Grandma, the kiddie roller coaster (almost stopped my heart) and a few other rides that weren't kiddie rides. He decided that he wanted to go into the haunted house, but exclaimed in no uncertain terms after leaving there that there would be none of that EVER again. He was repeating to us (but really to himself) multiple times on the way home that none of those things were real, it was just for pretend because some people like it when they feel scared like that. I had envisioned many middle of the night meetings, but I think tired won out over scared last night, thank goodness.





Lauren is still a bit too young for the fun, but she did seem to enjoy the hustle and bustle of the park. She sat in her stroller some, but seemed to prefer being held (surprise surprise). She snacked on some cheerios and puffs, had some baby food and even had a feeding in the car while we were there. She did get to ride on the big carousel with me and she was smiling from ear to ear while we were going round and round.





We got home just in time for tubs last night and had two sleeping children before 10:00. I think it's fair to say that a good time was had by all. Can't wait to go again soon with Nana and Pap and Aunt Libby, Uncle Zig and Brooke!!

One of his favorites-- the mini-whip!
Trying desperately to keep his little rump from sliding across the seat!



In case there's any doubt that he's grown, check out the photos I posted here from our first trip to Knoebel's when Joshua was not quite 2!

We all got a kick out of the fact that, in true Joshua fashion, he spent the duration of the ride trying to figure out how it worked. He'd stare at the gears, levers and mechanics to try to see how it was doing what it was doing. Analytical personality, huh?

Lauren and Grandma enjoying a bench in the shade and a few sips of water.

Helicopters this year.......Helicopters on first trip to Knoebel's!

Riding with Daddy on the roller coaster

The BIG Whip with Grandma...he loved this!

And Miss Lauren, riding like a big girl in the Maclaren stroller. Forgot how much I loved this thing until we got it back out last night. She actually rode better in this one than she does in our big stroller. Next year, she'll get to ride a lot more!


And you can't go to Knoebel's without riding the carousel. I was really stupid and forgot to give the camera to Jason so that he could take a picture of Lauren's first horsey ride. That's what happens to you with Child #2......your brain is so occupied with keeping track of everyone and all of the junk you have with you that picture taking gets complex.