Labor Day weekend crush

We know what people did for the first part of the Labor Day weekend.
They were with us, at Busch Gardens.

We braved the crushing crowds and the crazy traffic to see the amusement park on Sunday. I don't think we'll try that again on a holiday weekend.

But, it was a wonderful time for the kids.
Truly.

We went once again with Claire, Mike, Tommy, and Elizabeth.
Joshua enjoyed his first ride. You can see he made the most of it.

But it was Michael who surprised us.

Or should I say "tough guy" Michael.

There were lines everywhere, but for some reason the line for Escape From Pompeii didn't seem too intimidating.
Doug suggested the boys get on that one.

The older ones, Jason and Tommy, immediately said no.

But Michael, he pondered for just a moment, and said, "Yes!!!"

While it is a ride that he has told us in no uncertain terms that he will NOT ride again, he did it once and he did it quite bravely. Doug said his face stayed expressionless through the entire ride. Same look as it went down that last big drop through water. But he did not cry and he only said, eyes enormous, in the beginning, "Daddy, I'm scared."

It was not his favorite ride of the day. That honor goes to the Wiggly Worm in the children's section of the park. But, he will always be able to say he rode it when his brother wouldn't.



And what was Jason doing?
Getting splashed by the ride car as it came down from atop that big hill.



The day didn't end with Busch Gardens. On no.
Sunday night, we took the kids to a cultural event.

The Virginia Symphony was playing outside and the weather was perfect. The kids honestly didn't pay too much attention, though. So much for culture.

Michael did listen for a minute and said, "I hear a guitar with a stick."

A guitar with a stick. That's it. He listened for the violin for about three seconds, then wanted a snack and something to drink.



Tomorrow's the first day of school. We're excited, nervous, but I think we're ready! Updates to come.