Reminders that he is still my little boy

Becky and I grew up going to amusement parks. Every summer, either mom or dad would treat us to a trip to Kings Island in Ohio. To me, it was the pinnacle of my year and quite possibly, in my small mind, the reason for my young existence. I have so many fond memories of riding the red and blue racers (my very first coaster), Hanna Barbera land, standing atop the "Eiffel tower" and thinking it was the tallest place in the world, and running through the park with boundless energy never wanting to leave.

Although I had what I thought was the time of my life back then, none of my previous visits could compare to today when we took Caleb to his first amusement park. I got to experience it all again, but this time through both his eyes and my own. It was a total blast!! And to make it even sweeter, Becky was there to share it all, too.

Eric, Becky, Bill, Caleb, and I spent the day at Dollywood. Yah! Dollywood! I am a HUGE Dolly Parton fan (after all, her Imagination Library has helped stock the boys' bookshelves), so the only thing that could have made today more perfect would have been for Dolly to ride the coasters alongside us. (Hey, I can dream.) Mom opted to stay at the cabin today and spend some quality time with Seth, so the five of us took in a day of fun and much excitement.

To say that Caleb loved the amusement park would be a big understatement. He was up for EVERYTHING! He wanted to experience it all. From the big black locomotive to the white water rapid ride to the indoor roller coaster. He was game for it all. He was not a bit scared of riding the roller coasters and rode each one that he was tall enough for (Thank goodness, he is right at 42 inches, the "safe height" for the majority of the rides), including a couple of the adult coasters that I was a little concerned he would get scared on. Nope, not Biz. As soon as we would get off a ride, he would be saying, "Can we do that again?" or "just one more time, please!" I know he is my adventurous boy, but I was really blown away that he did not flinch at taking on some of the attractions that he did. It was so much fun! He did not want to stop at all. Around 3:00, I noticed him getting a little drowsy and I asked him if he wanted a break or needed to rest. "I'm not tired, Momma (yawn), let's keep going." I couldn't help but think, "Where did my little boy go? He is such a big boy now." He absolutely loved riding the bumper cars, chasing daddy down, and crashing into his car. From the sidelines, Becky said she could hear his laughter over all of the noise in the track. It was great!

I did have a few reminders that Caleb is not totally grown up yet...

1. He will not be four until Friday, so not only did he get in free to the park, he got free lunch. Three and under are no charge at the park and apparently the buffet line at Miss Lillians. Bonus!

2. He and Eric had already ridden together on the indoor roller coaster, Blazing Fury (I think that is the name), about four times, when Biz and I decided to ride together. We sat in the very front row, because he had determined that "riding in the front is the BEST!" I sat beside him, fully aware that he was now a pro at the coaster thing and kept my hands on the bar in front of me. About two seconds into the ride, I felt Biz's arm intertwine itself into mine. Smile from mommy. Then I kept feeling him edge closer and closer until finally he demanded, "Mommy, hold me!" Gladly!

3. He held on for as long as he could, that is for sure. This photo was taken as we were exiting the park, shortly after Becky commented, "I wonder how many more years I have with Caleb thinking it is cool to ride the flying swings with Aunt B?" Within moments, Eric had our big boy cradled in his arms, carrying him to the car fast asleep. What a sweet reminder that he is still my baby and I pray for many more of these moments before he is too big to be carried to the car. Eric is pretty strong, so that may be awhile. I hope.