Ponies

Today at John's camp they had pony rides. On our way home tonight, I asked him about the pony rides. He said "We didn't get to ride them. We are too big. So we got to walk them." That stinks that they didn't get to ride the ponies. John's age group isn't the oldest at this camp, so we were a little surprised to hear that they weren't able to ride them. John told Daddy about it later. "We didn't get to ride the ponies. But we did get to walk them around. And you know what my pony's name was JD!" Daddy asked him "Tell me more about JD." John said "Well, he had a red hat and it said 'JD' on it. And he was brown. That's all I remember." Daddy pushed it a little further "What else can you tell me about him? Like what was his cutie mark? A turtle?" John laughed (for those who don't know cutie marks are the little designs My Little Ponies). John then said "If we did get to ride them, then I would tell them that I don't need help. You know I rode a horse in Myrtle Beach!" 

It stinks that he wasn't able to ride the pony today, but he was able to brush him and walk him around the camp. For a boy who loves nature, he won't complain. 

The fair

We decided to take the kids to the Monmouth County fair today. Today's forecast called for thunderstorms. We decided it was worth trying to see if we could have some fun rather than caving and finding an alternative.

We arrived at the fair. There were some ominous clouds overhead, but we charged on. We started first with some free activities sponsored by the park systems. The kids got to paint their hands and go through an obstacle course. They got to play a few holes of mini golf, make butter out of heavy cream and learn about horses. 

It was really hot. After all the park system activities, we got something to drink and a little snack. We took a break and watched a few pig races. As we were watching the races, this big black cloud came overhead. Daddy and I looked at each other and agreed if we didn't attempt to go on the rides right away it would start to rain while watching the pigs. We headed over to the rides and got the kids wristbands for unlimited rides. They started with some easy rides, the boats and train. 

Next they went on the spinning berries. We told John, not too fast. But our warnings didn't matter. Gillian loved it and was smiling the entire time! 

Next they went on the fun slide. I was a little concerned. The last time we did a fun slide John was scared to go by himself and I went with both of them. But John carried Gillian's mat to the top and they came zooming down and loved it!

 

The next ride the kids picked was the dragon. It's a little rollar coaster. This is one of the kids favorite rides. 

We took a break and had some yummy funnel cakes. And then we went back to the rides. John got to go on a few big rides with Daddy and then we all went on the Ferris wheel. Gillian loved the Ferris wheel. She said "You can see everything up here!" While we rode around we picked out our next rides. 

Daddy and John rode together. John said "On the way down, I yell 'Ahhh-sylvania'." Love this!

Our next stop was the swings.

Daddy and John went on a few big rides and Gillian went on the dragon a few times. She loved it! She went on and got off and got back on again. 

Then I got to go on a ride with John! He was so brave and he loved it. 

After we had fun on the rides, we went past the petting zoo. A nice man gave us some food and the kids got to feed the animals. 

We had a great time at the fair. I'm looking forward to next year. 

The One with the Rides

Today we went to Jenkinson's in Point Pleasant.  Gillian and I stopped and picked up Justin, while Daddy, Granddad and John drove right to Jenkinson's.  Daddy and I didn't plan ahead and look to see what time the rides open.  They open at noon and we arrived at 11:30.  So we stopped at Martell's and had some lunch.  Gillian was not happy about having to eat first.  We tried to tell her, "You need to have a full belly before they will let you on the rides."  She didn't believe us, but did sit and eat her lunch. 

The first ride we stopped at was the crocodiles.  John and Gillian were so excited to get on the ride. 

Next, we went to the helicopters.  Unfortunately, Justin was too tall for this ride too.  But John and Gillian happily flew above us.
 

Then we decided to split up.  Gillian and Daddy went to the Elephants and Justin and I went to the Boardwalk Bounce.  Justin was lucky enough to get the whole ride to himself! 

 

John and Justin went to the roller coaster.  Gillian went to the fish. 

Our next stop was the Dizzy Dragons.  John and Justin went in one dragon, while Gillian and I went in another dragon.  We were a little hesitant letting Gillian go with the boys.  I didn't want her to get too dizzy.  She was so excited to be on a ride with Mommy.  I started slowly and she kept giggling and saying "We spinning!" 

After the Dizzy Dragons, we split up.  The boys went to the bigger roller coasters while Gillian and I stuck with the smaller rides.  The boys went on the Himalaya.

 

And then the bigger roller coaster Flitzer.

 

And then the Tilt-A-Whirl.

 

 

 

While the boys were enjoying all the big rides, Gillian and I went on the carousel.  She was excited while we waited in line, but started to cry when I put her on a horse.  She was scared.  But once they rang the bell and the carousel started to move she was so excited.  She giggled and smiled and we ended up riding the carousel two more times after that. 

She also got to try out the swings, the boats, convoy and of course no trip to Jenkinson's is complete without riding the motorcycles.