Hershey Park (and camping, too!)

This past weekend we traveled to Hershey, PA, for some camping and amusement park fun. It was a gorgeous weekend and we had a delicious time! Who came: Eli, G-ma, G-pa, Aunt Amber, Aunt Desi, Aunt Michelle, Stephen, and Sharon; Dogs: Lemon, Pacino, Bella, and Kegan.

We all convened at a local Hershey Park campsite. Michelle and I, being the latecomers (and workaholics), arrived at midnight on Friday and conveniently enough, our campsites were perfectly established. All we needed to do was get comfortable in our sleeping bags! (Thank you, Stephen.) Eli stayed awake to kiss me good night and we all fell asleep to the sound of crickets chirping.

The next morning we woke and Eli reported, "It's bright and tunny outtide (she's can't pronounce "s" yet)." And she was correct: the perfect weather to have breakfast outside (thanks for the yummy cinnamon french toast, G-ma!) and get ready for Hershey Park. Logistics aside (showering, packing ... should we take our swimsuits ... I don't know if I want to carry a bag, etc.), everything went smoothly and we arrived at the Park at the early hour of noon. There, with 40,000 of our closest friends, we carefully meandered through the crowds to watch Eli get on her first kiddie ride. She didn't seem amused. (See picture on green dinosaur.) But, she came around. Eventually. A little bit of pink ice cream in a huge waffle cone pretty much did the trick. And two quarters. (She loves money.) Next up: trucks. Maybe influenced by her Uncle Sider? (See picture with truck and inappropriately-sizedDaddy sitting on top.) Still haven't found the ride for Eli. Next door to the big trucks, we happen upon Frog Hopper. That did the trick. Smiles all around and maybe even a squeal of delight. (See picture with Eli and inappropriately-sized Daddy in the chair next to her.) Now what? We checked out the sea lion show (just so-so) and made our way to The Boardwalk at Hershey Park (water park). See picture with appropriately-sized Daddy carrying little one on his shoulders.) The water park, in my humble opinion, was mass chaos. By this time it was about 4 in the afternoon and there were thousands of tired, wet people/children milling about. Eli, Stephen, G-ma, and G-pa all changed into their bathing suits and headed into the brisk, crowded waters. I graciously stayed behind to watch the stroller, which was no longer being used to tote Eli around. Instead it acted as a luggage carrier ... similar to one that you would find at an airport.

In any case, watching little children visibly shivering from the cold water, wind and setting sun, I felt victorious in my decision to stay dry. But, it did look like they had a lot of fun. Until, Eli clung to G-pa for body heat. (See self-explanatory picture.) It was time to leave the water park for warmer activities. Mommy's pick: how about the swings? It measured a "satisfactory" rating. There was definitely a smile, but no requests to "do again." (See picture.) Also on the agenda was the kiddie-version of the log ride. G-ma and G-pa stood in line to take Eli on the ride, but when the log rounded the corner, I was taking photos of Stephen, G-ma, and Eli. G-pa must have known about the wet seats. I was honored with the request to accompany Eli on the truck ride. We patiently stood in line (see photo) ... to ride truck number 2. Eli did a fantastic job steering. I was happy to be a passenger.

The day ended with another couple of rides on Frog Hopper and the finale -- the adult version of the Log Ride. Eli rode with her aunts Amber and Desi. They got a really cool photo that captured the moment. It was a great day and a wonderful weekend. See everyone at the Penn State game!