Am I on Candid Camera?...

...because that's exactly how I felt today when I agreed to go to Six Flags with a one year old! I know, I must be crazy (in fact today proved it to be true), but all in all the day was a success, and we did what we went to do. My mom was able to round up three free tickets from friends at school and because the kids are so young, they get in free. So, in MY car (with no third row seating) there sat me, Lindsey, mom, Aidan, Cooper, and Ella. I know what your thinking- those numbers don't add up. Well, they don't, but mom counted today as cargo. Yikes!

So we get there around 10am and parking is $15!!! That's right! Apparently it's been way too long since I've been to Six Flags, but $15 and then you walk 3 miles to get to the door? I couldn't believe it- and then I remembered I saw a sign that said "Valet: $25". Heck Yeah! It's worth ten extra dollars to me to get out at the door and not have to lug a wagon, stroller, and three kids across the world. So that's exactly what we did! Why did they not come up with Valet sooner? I'll never park and walk again!

So we get out, get the kids out, and ALL their junk! Into the park we go...so far it's a great day. Not too hot or sunny (its overcast) and not really that crowded either because its still morning time. We are there for maybe an hour (I doubt it was even that long) and my flip flop BREAKS!! Have you ever tried to walk in a broken flip flop? It IS impossible...and I am not ABOUT to walk on the nasty ground at Six Flags! Lindsey should have been a cobbler, because she so patiently (yes, I did use Lindsey and patient in the same sentence) temporarily fixes my flip flop until I can find another pair. So, I slide my foot across the ground as I walk for about 15 minutes, so that the sole of the flip flop doesn't come out from underneath my bare foot.

I am preparing myself to drop at least $30 on a pair of shoes that have something crazy like Tweety bird on them, but luckily I find a store that has somewhat normal items in it. I walk over to the shoes that say "$5.99" and think "I can handle this." There are some cute flip flops: leopard print, solid brown, solid black, some with cute little buckles on the strap...but NONE in my size. It's either lime green or bright orange...and they say SIX FLAGS on them. So, I laugh, buy the lime green ones, and call myself lucky for not having Tweety bird on my feet.

So great, we cleared that hurdle. We had a gourmet lunch (hamburgers, fries, a diet coke, and some chicken nuggets) that cost us $42!!! Yep, that's right...$42! I'm glad it was good, because that's lunch for 6 days where I'm from. Then we rode a few rides...none like I'm used to riding. The carousel, the antique cars, the hot air balloons, the swings and trucks in the kiddie area, and Ella's favorite: Thomas the train. She wasn't made to sit down! Really she loved all the things she could do. She would say "weeeee" anytime the wind hit her hair. And the Georgia humidity made the cutest little curls around her neck.

That face just makes it all worth it!

Aidan was a great driver. I think Cooper was happy with everything we did!

Here's Ella and I right before our car conked out on us in the middle of the track! We waited at least 2 minutes for the guy to get us running again! The best part was that there were at least 5 cars behind us waiting!

And, I'm not finished yet. As we are planning to leave, we hear: "Ladies and Gentleman...can I have your attention please? The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for our immediate area. We ask that you please seek shelter immediately." Oh great! Can't we just get to the car? We make a quick grab for Dippin Dots (I would risk my life for those things) and make a mad dash! Thank goodness for valet! The moment we made it in the car (literally), the BOTTOM fell out! I am not kidding! We did have a few drops on us...but we managed. All three kids were asleep before we got on the interstate.

3 Tickets to Six Flags: $0

Valet Parking: $25

Replacement Flip Flops: $6

Lunch: $42

Ice Cream: $15

All the memories today will hold: Priceless