Going In Circles

Despite the rainy start to the day, we visited Six Flags for the first time of the season this afternoon. I didn't really want to go. It was muggy and the weather man was calling for more showers and possibly a thunderstorm before the day's end, but the kids were raring to go. They completed all their chores this morning while I was at school and they were dressed and fed and standing by the door when I got home. After much deliberation, I agreed to take them with the understanding that if it started to rain we were leaving-no arguing.

Well. God answered the easily audible prayers of my children. The remainder of the afternoon was clear and even sunny! And apparently all the other mothers were thinking the same thing I was because there were no lines for anything. It turned out to be a really nice afternoon. (Except that Cynthia broke the camera when we were getting our passes made. SERIOUSLY!)


It was an especially good day for Lindsay. When we walked in she went straight for the indoor movie thing with motion seats. (She probably rode that thing 100 times last year while the bigger kids were riding other stuff.) Garrett wanted to ride Enterprise (which spins around and around and goes upside-down) with Cynthia and Ryan, but Kimberly wasn't up for the spinning right away and Garrett wouldn't sit by himself. The Enterprise used to be one of my favorites (like 15 years ago!) so I agreed to ride with Garrett and Kimberly went with Lindsay. I don't remember that thing being so shaky and making so many clanging noises--How did I ever like that?? We were done before Lindsay and Kimberly so the kids went to ride Himalaya (another round and round in circles ride). I sat out so the girls would see me when they came out. It had nothing to do with my stomach already feeling a little funny. Really.


The girls came out as the rest of the kids were getting seated. We walked over to watch and Lindsay said "I wish I could ride that" with her chin resting on the fence.

We went through this last year. She didn't like to watch the bigger kids ride things she was too short for.


Without hesitation she marched up to the height-requirement sign and said matter-of-factly "Let's see how much more I have to grow." She put her back up to the pole and easily cleared the red section that declares defeat. SHE WAS TALL ENOUGH! She jumped for joy as she pondered all the ride choices she had gained. When the kids got off the ride she made everyone watch as she again stood in front of the pole. What a relief. No more explaining the reasons for the height requirements. No more hearing the pitiful sounds of a little girl who was getting left out again. What a relief.


The bigger kids were anxious to ditch me, so they took off to ride roller coasters. Lindsay and I were going to test out her new found freedom. Each time she ran up to the pole to check her height she smiled even bigger. She wanted to ride everything. After about 6 rides I was absolutely convinced that I am not the person I used to be. I can no longer tolerate the constant circular motion of most of these rides. Lindsay giggled about the "butterflies" in her stomach, but I was ready to puke. I convinced her to return to some of her old favorites and give me a rest. She still enjoyed the kiddie rides and she still wanted me to drive the Tin Lizzie's, but before we left she had to try out one last ride. Enterprise. She wasn't going to ride with anyone but me (I LOVE that she still feels like I can protect her from anything-however untrue it may be!) and I was feeling okay- so we were off. Let me just say Lindsay loved it and it wasn't the best thing for me. I didn't vomit (although I think I could have at any given moment), but I was DONE.



The kids are already planning our next trip to the amusement park. Lindsay brought home a map and she has circled everything she still needs to "test" and everything she wants to ride again. I on the other hand, am looking for someone to volunteer to ride with Lindsay in the endless circles she so enjoys.

Why is it that the relief we feel when our kids accomplish something new is always quickly replaced by different a concern? Does it ever end?