Experience in Normal

Yesterday, we went to The Zoom Flume, a local water park. Hope melted down for the time it took to get ready, but I just walked around her. We brought sunscreen, towels, sandwiches, juice boxes, water and snacks. I sat in the back with Hope, helping her hold it together during the car ride. Fortunately, it was only a forty minute ride.


We arrived at the park early enough to get a picnic table in the sun. There was one adult per child, so theoretically, everybody had constant supervision. Hope loved the tube rides and could play endlessly in any one of the three kiddie sections. GB enjoyed the largest kiddie pool and spent a lot of time under the fake water falls. Her favorite, though, was a large wave pool. GB is a strong swimmer and was not intimidated in the least by the four feet high waves.


We took regular breaks for drinks, food, and reapplying sun block. We spent time together as a group and let each child have time to do exactly what they wanted to.  At four o'clock we went to the concession stand and each child picked out an ice cream treat. On the ride home, each child talked about what they liked best.


When we got home, the girls were fried. GB was whinny and clingy. Hope had a major rage and threw the scale at (and hit) The Dad. Both of them were asleep by eight.


I know the all day trip was the direct cause of a miserable evening. That is OK. For a couple of hours, the girls had the experience of a normal family treat.