Close Encounter

Oh my goodness. We just got back from Sesame Place, a Sesame Street theme park. You and I just went with Ashley and Jessica. Although the mini-vacation started off a little rough with a hot, crowded day on the rides, and a scary jetted tub. However the second day made up for the initial experience and gave us so much more than we could have ever imagined!

I have to say that the adults were more bothered with things on the first day then you and Ashley were. The two of you were troopers in the long lines and loved to watch the rides and people spin around. Long lines and too few attendants were making our experience miserable the first day. We were not looking forward to coming back... until the 7pm parade started. Because of the crowds, we were in the back of the mob and I had to put you on my shoulders to see anything. At first, you were stunned, looking at the action unfolding in front of you. After a few moments, your mind caught up to your eyes. Squealing, excitable bouncing, and pointing ensued. You were so enthralled with the characters, especially Big Bird. It was like you were a groupie in shock of seeing your favorite rock star and you just kept squealing and pointing in disbelief. I'm nervous about what you'll be like when you're 12 and like some type of Justin Bieber clone. Jessica and I knew we had to take to take you and Ashley (who was less loud about her excitement) to an up-close dining encounter with the Sesame characters.

The second day was much more pleasant and less crowded. You and Ashley spent the afternoon and evening romping around with Big Bird and Elmo and Bert and Ernie and Cookie Monster. You met Oscar and Abby Cadabby and played with all of them. You were so thrilled and your excitement was contagious. We spent the rest of the time splashing in the endless pools, singing songs in the parade or Elmo Rocks show. All of us were having such a great experience, we lost track of time and the next thing we hear is an announcement that the park is closing in 15 minutes! We left 2hrs after we said we were going to! You and Ashley fell asleep for the 3hr drive home and now we have a slew of priceless memories of your first encounter with Big Bird and all his Sesame friends.

Sesame Carousel

Come and Play on Sesame Street!

Fancy tub / shower at our hotel

This pic was before the jets came on unexpectedly and caused quite a horrific bathroom scene!

Nice horsey

Meeting Abby Cadabby

Elmo and Big Bird!

Grouchy while meeting Oscar

Honking Bert's nose

Playing in the pool

Here comes the parade! (second day)

Tea Cups from around the world.

Zoe!

Giving Ernie a high five!

Meeting Elmo for the first time

Cookie Monster tickling you!!!


I'm trying to organize our lives to go and visit Aunt Kaarn and Uncle Cliff this weekend (hooray!) and then leave for L.A. one week from today... yikes! The trip was time consuming, hot, obnoxious getting all the little pieces together, but it was worth all the little annoyances to see the joy in your face. How I will treasure these memories and retell them to you when you think Big Bird and Sesame Street is uncool. Hardy har har.