Didier Farms Does It Again!

The first time we headed out to Didier Farms, I was a little overwhelmed--I thought we were just going to a pumpkin farm, not a mini carnival. I wanted something simpler and all the rides kind of turned me off, but each year I love it a little more...and so do the kids. Of course, more things for them to do means more cash to shell out. Thank goodness Grandpa was along for the ride!

Sunday was perfect weather--warm and sunny. We got there on the early side, just before 10am, but it really never got busy, so there were no waits and plenty of room to move around. I'm happy to report that Lainey was all over the rides! After her fear of the carousel at the zoo and the dinky little rides at Chuck E. Cheese, I was worried Disney in March would be a bust. But, she tackled everything with gusto and even went down the giant slide by herself! She was a little out of control and freaked out the first time down, but she still ended with a smile. I wish I had taken a video, but this slide show captures it pretty well...

The second time, Mark asked if she wanted him to walk her up. She said, "no, I can do it myself," tucked the blanket under her arm and climbed the stairs like a woman on a mission. I got a little misty in the eyes over that--she looked so big and in charge of herself.

While I got a little choked up over my baby growing up, I damn near bawled over Nick's ride on the mini roller coaster. I was pretty clear in voicing my doubts that he was ready for this ride, but was told to "stop acting like that crazy woman," who was demanding her husband get their daughter, who looked a little OLDER than Nick, off the ride immediately. So, I caved to the peer (ahem, Mark)  pressure and let Nick ride with Lainey. Here's how that worked out...

Let's just say, sometimes a mom knows what's best. It was an excruciating minute watching him scream and cry as he went round and round again. It took everything in my power, not to charge the operator and demand he stop the ride. After what felt like an hour, the ride finally stopped and I rushed to scoop Nick up. He was sobbing and saying, "No dragon, no dragon! Don't like the dragon!"

Not shocker that Nick was done with the rides after that, so Dad and Sharon took the kids to the petting zoo, before it was time for lunch and donuts. We offered pony rides, but no takers, so Lainey hit the roller coaster one more time. She enjoyed it much more than her brother...

After that it was pumpkin picking time and then off to home! Another year, another success!!!

Happier times on the AGE APPROPRIATE dragon

Donuts are always a hit!

STRONG!!