Today we joined Dawn, Victor, Lori, and Livie for a trip to Kiddie Acres, an amusement park for the toddler crowd. I had driven past this place before, and honestly didn't think it was even open -- it looks a little, um, past its prime from the road. But on the glowing recommendations of Dawn and Lori, we decided to give it a shot. And it was totally worth it.
This place is a miniature carnival, without the freaky carnies. I promise, Tommy. :-) Some real sweet kids work there, and we pretty much had the run of the place. We tried the little cars first -- and, as Dawn so helpfully captured on film, John insisted I ride with him until he got the hang of it. Yeah, he loved it, but it wasn't so pretty for me. You know the really big Shriner, the one who's barely holding on to his little motorcycle in the parades? There's the mental image you should have.
Anyway. We tried planes next. John liked the planes, though we could hear a very calm, distinct "No. No. No." as the propellers started turning.
And we did the train. And John's first and second carousel rides. No pictures there, because I was suddenly preoccupied with holding a toddler on a carousel horse while trying to maintain my own balance and dignity on a spinning platform. Kinda forgot about that whole pregnancy ruining your sense of balance thing.
On to boats. The boat ride will go down in history as the first non-forced, pleasant interaction between John and Victor. Only took them 2 years to figure out that yes, they are friends, and yes, they can acknowledge each other's existence. They babbled at each other until the boats started moving, and then resumed their stoic silence.
Oh yeah. Back to the whole balance thing. When it's hot, and you're pregnant, and you've just gone for two spins on a carousel, it's not a good idea to follow the boat movement with a camcorder. I'm just saying.
Next came the pony ride. (And Nana, I did not let him get bitten.) Tex the Pony looked quite content with his life of toting toddlers, and well-fed, too. John beamed through most of it, though he was a bit confused by the size of the pony and insisted that he said "Hee Haw" instead of "Neigh."
We rounded things out where we started, with another ride on the cars. Each of the three carnival kiddos seemed to have a blast with their morning adventure.
Can't wait to do it again. When it's cooler.
3 comments:
Oh, if only I could post a comment with pictures! I didn't get that Shriner vibe at all and you did eventually manage to get your feet into the car, right?
ruth, if it makes you feel any better, remember that you're much smaller than i am, and the first time i went to kiddie acres with livie, i had to do the same thing. you're right; it was extremely uncomfortable and for me, that was without the added "enhancements" that being pregnant can give you in terms of dizziness/balance. you're a good sport, mama! i'm sure john greatly appreciated your riding along with him.
Where is this place?
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