Storyland, 2013!

This year, Joel Andrew being 4 and James being 2 - I thought it would be the pinnacle of our Storyland Experience.  But, I wonder if we have already past that point.  Isn't that crazy?  James loved it all, but was timid and shy to see new things.  Joel Andrew complained he didn't want to do any of the "scarier rides"  and seemed huge when sitting on the storyland attractions.  He also did not want to see the Old Woman in the shoe.  This lasted for about 30 minutes, until Maddy and Emmy came and joined us and the rest of the day was spent having a great time with both boys loving every minute.  Only a tantrum infrequently once we got in our groove.

The trick is to get through all the Story places early, and save the antique cars for last. That way you never have to wait on the antique car line, because by the time you get there you are so exhausted...  Ha!  The other trick was to not do what we did this visit - which was wait in line to go to Cinderella's Castle in the pumpkin.  Should have walked up to the Castle, then taken the pumpkin down (no wait for that)!.

The "lab" experience, with foam balls, continues to be a huge favorite for adults and children alike.  We tried the tractor land this year and loved it too.  We didn't bring food because we thought we would be out in two hours - not so - we were there for almost 5.  It was quite a challenge to try to get James to nap in the car at 3:00pm, in the 45 minute window before dinner at our favorite place (the Muddy Moose) - but we did it.  He was a bit of a mess when he woke up but he forgave us once a plate of delicious ranch dressing was put in front of him which he lapped up like a cat.  Yes, parents of the year here.

It is nice that we are an hour away from the lake to Storyland, but we miss all the other stuff there is there - including the fun looking hotels.  The indoor water park, the train rides, the scenic vistas, the bumper sticker that proclaims my car has climbed Mount Washington.  We will get over it, but once day we will have to make it back, and make it to Santa's Village which I hear is also a good time.

I started out kinda sarcastic, but kinda true too - there are not many Storyland years left in us - I have come a long way from our first trip too!  I asked Joel Andrew if he likes Storyland or Disney World better and he said Storyland...  I then said, ok, no need to go to Disney then and he screamed No!  We can still go to Disney!  Let's see what his answer is in November...