Christmastown, Busch Gardens

We went to Busch Gardens this afternoon to experience their Christmas-town celebration. It was amazing and awesome! We all had a wonderful time and we didn't have one complaint or bad moment the entire 6 hours we were there.  We had a crash course on "how to survive a crowded amusement park without losing your patience"  this summer in Florida and we all put it into practice today.

It was 55 degrees when we left the park at 9:15.  It was 65 on our drive up there at 2:30.  Great day, trust me!

Sophia and Lilly enjoyed riding a few rides. Sophia made a friend, Rachael, while her family was standing in front of us in line for our second ride. They just happened to be from Virginia Beach and actually know friends of ours. It's a small world after all! (Can you tell, I'm still on my amusement park high?)

Will ran into one of his old co-workers and buddies from GMTI. Sophia saw one of her Sunday School classmates too.

We went into the Sesame Street Theater and watched a live performance by Abby Cadabby, Elmo, Big Bird, and all the usual friends. We were the last 4 people allowed in the theater.  Good timing! 

Funny how we had good timing all day, actually. We got to be first in line at the "Kids Karousel" and Sophia had first pick at the horse that she wanted to ride. There is only one bubble-gum pink colored horse and that is the presise one she wanted.  Luckily Lilly likes to ride on the non-moving benches. I rode beside Sophia on a white horse. Fun!

We also saw some penguins from Sea World of Ohio and Atlanta, I think...
They were really pretty.

Poppy gave Sophia and Lilly some money to spend today at the park and, as usual, that's what Sophia worried about all day. How was she going to spend her money?  In the end she bought a small stuffed Clydesdale horse replica. We saw some huge, real ones today. They are big!

Lilly opted to get nothing. In fact, I will have to remind her that she has some money to spend.  I think I'll hold onto it for a while and surprise her after the luster has worn off all the Christmas toys.

Both girls fell asleep in the car on the drive home. Yay!