Great America

Every year Accenture hosts a family day at Great America.  The park gets shut down to the public and only those who pre-ordered tickets are allowed in.  The past couple of years we've had other obligations on family day but this year we could finally attend and we brought the kids along.  While Greta stayed with my mom at our house we spent a chilly September afternoon getting the kids hooked on roller coasters. 

Ready to take on the day.

First up was the double-decker carousel.

Of course we had to wait to get onto the upper deck! The lower level
would be unacceptable. 

One of the best parts about the day was the lines... or lack there of.  Because there were far less people there than a typical Saturday afternoon the lines were so short you barely had to wait 10 minutes - especially in the kids areas.  The lines for Batman and the other popular rides were only an hour or less.

We started the kids off slowly with the balloon ride. Of course they loved it.
It was a simple ride - just up and down in circles.  Not Dan's favorite but
it wasn't too long! 

A handsome pair if I do say so myself. 

My riding partner. 

When it was over they of course asked to go on again but we explained that we wanted to try lots of rides and then we could come back to our favorites at the end. Next we went on the Scrambler - a ride I had to take Nora and Myles on myself since it was too much for Dan's stomach to handle. To say they loved that one was an understatement.  Dan could hear Nora's giggling as we passed him.  Absolutely no line on that ride meant we rode it twice in a row.  This was when I knew they'd love the bigger roller coasters too. The Scrambler was fast and really whipped you around - and they loved it.

One of the oldest roller coasters. A small one meant for kids.  

Since the tickets to the park were free, it was easier
to say yes to a $15 face painting since that was really
the only expense of the day. 

Glittery, pink, and purple.  What more could she ask for?

We did many other rides but our final roller coaster was the biggest one they could on. (Myles was disappointed he couldn't go on Superman because he wanted to go upside down!) The Whizzer is a pretty big and tall roller coaster for someone their age so I was a little nervous but they were ready.  Dan and Myles went first while Nora and I had to wait for the next set of cars. 

Awaiting departure.  As you can see - that face looks a
little tentative.  He was nervous.

 I saw Myles' face as they pulled up after the ride.  My first thought was, 'oh no, he didn't like it' but turns out he loved it just didn't show it too well on his face. He wanted to go again.

No nervousness from this one.  She was so excited to go.

 She had screams of excitement and loved every twist, turn, and drop.  I'm telling you, that roller coaster was tall and fast - especially for someone that age but they both said it was by far their favorite ride of the day.  We rode it two more times before we left for the day.  

Thumbs up for both of them.

Every time we pass Great America on our way back to Wisconsin they ask when we can go back. They caught the fever!