Last weekend we made our second Texas Cousin Visit to Six Flags trek. We hit the park on opening day, which we discovered a couple years ago is THE day to go - the weather is not beastly hot, and the crowds are not there yet. If you can put up with workers going a little slower than usual (some are still learning the ropes), you are blessed with being able to ride some rides more than once without having to go back through line.
This was Alex's first visit to the park and, other than a couple of the really small rides at the State Fair last year, his first time to really ride amusement park rides. Both my kids LOVED it, and can't wait to go again next year. Part of the joy may have come from being with the cousins, though poor Emma got stricken with the flu that morning and had to stay back at the house with Gramma and Grandad.
We walk in and our greeted by Looney Toons characters, which my kids have pretty much no idea who they are (except we have a Tweety pez dispenser so they are slightly aware if him). Alex wasn't too sure in this photo about being next to a big costumed guy.
All of us minus the two dads on one of our first rides (love the joy on both my kids' faces). We all enjoyed the kiddy rides, except Max hit the point where he was actually too big for a couple of them and had to just watch.
Alex waiting in line with Jim to go on his first-ever roller coaster ride. He had a slight look of fear on the first big downhill, then a look of excitement on his face for the rest of it.
Grace with her favorite riding buddy.
The view from our ferris wheel gondola.
I had to put this picture in, just to show my sister squeezed into this ride that was clearly not made for adult behinds. It's the one ride I told Jim ahead of time that I refused to ride, because I remembered how uncomfortable it was. Oh, and the kid on the end next to Grace was just some random kid that rode with our group.
The Mini Mine Train ended up being Alex's favorite ride of the day. A prime example of getting to have multiple rides without having to go through the line again. It was the only "big" coaster he was tall enough to ride on, so I think he will have a blast once he reaches 42" and has access to a whole new set of roller coasters out there.
Alex and his favorite riding buddy.
And for those of you old-timers from Six Flags, the spinning tamales are still a part of the train ride (as are the politically-incorrect Mexicans across the tracks, and the Indian encampment farther down).
Waiting patiently to receive her individual rope after doing the team jumping.
Grace in action.
Alex was NOT pleased about being there, and by the end of the hour was quite ready to go home.
Kate, Grace and Pablo. Kate is one of her best friends, and Pablo is the special-needs child that get mainstreamed into her class for a few hours each day. All the kids love him.
Having the after-jump apple snack with friend Elizabeth.
