Story Land 2012

It wouldn't be summer without a trip to Story Land, and this year we took the entire Lippman Family along for the ride - Auntie Kae, Auntie Jen, Uncle Devan, Cousin Eva, Grammy, Grampy and even "cousin" Becky! 

We went up on a Thursday, and spent Friday morning playing in the river near the house we stayed it.  It was a beautiful day, and the water was very refreshing.  Grammy brought tons of inner tubes, and we had a lot of fun tubing on the river.  Grampy took a lot of pictures and we're hoping he'll send them to us soon (hint, hint, Grampy!).  That evening we got to do a few hours of Story Land to check out which rides were our favorite.  It was hard keeping the kids away from Bamboo Chutes, but when we finally got there we rode down many times.  It was a blast!

That evening, Auntie Kae finally joined us and the entire clan got to go to the park the next day.  It started out as a beautiful and hot day.  We had lots of fun on the tea cups, the swan boats, the Polar Coaster, and more!

Lexi and Grampy being silly with the guards.

Swan Boat Bumper Boats!  Oops!

Princess Lexi

Silly Cousins!

Lexi and Zach in the pumpkin

Lexi and Zach got arrested.  Zach tried to escape, Lexi thought it was a bad idea...

The kids hitched a ride on a burro.

 As the day wore on, thunder storms started to threaten, so we were on high alert to stay close to a covered ride, or indoor area.  After several hours of threats with no rain, we got a bit cocky, and made our way to the complete back of the park for some rides on the tractor.  When it started to sprinkle a bit, we were told we could hang out in the covered line area until the rain stopped.  After a few minutes the sprinkles turned to downpours.  We thought it would pass quickly, so continued to sit tight.  Awhile later we were told that the circus would begin in 20 minutes, and was in a covered tent.  We decided to make a run for it because it was close, but we were all soaked by the time we got there.  We enjoyed a fantastic circus and when it ended about 30 minutes later we thought for sure it would be dry.  But no, it was still pouring rain!  We had no choice but to make a run for it - clear across the entire park to our car that was parked as far away as you could park.  So off we went.  Part way there we stopped under a tent to make sure we had everyone with us.  While we were standing there (soaked) we noticed that Twirling Turtles, our favorite ride, was still running!  So Lexi and I decided to take a ride.  On our way there we ran into Auntie Kae who was coming to find us to see if we wanted to take a ride!!  Off we ran, and Zach decided to join in too.  There was nothing more fun, that day, than twirling around on those crazy turtles in the pouring rain!!

Twirling Turtles in the RAIN!!  No better way to do it!

When the ride was over, we still had to get back to the car and it was still pouring.  We ran as fast as we could, but we were all just soaked to the bone when we got there.  Of course, as soon as we reached the car, the rain stopped and the sun came out.  It was hysterical, and probably the funniest and most fun time I have ever had at Story Land.  :)

That evening, the guys grilled up a yummy dinner (in the rain again!) and we enjoyed a great evening in with our family. 

Sunday seemed to come too quickly, and it was already time to pack up and go home.  But, we did hit our favorite restaurant for breakfast, and do a little shopping downtown in order to tucker the kids out before the long drive.  Once we were on the the road, it was only about 5 minutes before they were both sound asleep - definitely a sign of a good weekend. 

It was a wonderful way to kick off our summer.  :)