We have a very special tradition in my family. Each and every year we spend one of our summer day at Seabreeze Amusement Park in Rochester. As our family changes and grows, we adjust our tradition, but still manage to have a great time.
So off we went yesterday, with 7 adults, two elementary-aged boys, 4 preschoolers, and 2 toddlers! Our day was spent splashing in the water park, waving to smiling kids as they went round and round on rides, and ducking rain showers. It was a GREAT day!
getting our wristbands
splashing with cousin Aubrey
cutie-patootie!
Cara is our water-baby for sure!
waterslide!
Time for rides!
Cruisin cousins Aubrey and Cara
Eli and Brady don’t like tailgating!
Littlest cousin, biggest cousin!
My kids just loved this ride!
The kids thought that these fighter planes were super cool. Not sure how I feel about these pictures of them holding guns:(
Is it my turn yet?
Can you hear me shouting, “Allie, get your hand out of the water!”
The kids’ first roller coaster ride!
Who’s that tall guy on the kiddie ride?
Matt and I are always especially struck with emotion on the days like yesterday, when we are doing something that we do once a year. It is so easy to recall the previous years. Two years ago we were at Seabreeze when I was pregnant with Allie. I distinctly remember carrying Brady on and off of the rides since he wasn’t walking. I remember looking at other kids running around and feeling so sad that there was something wrong with our son. Then last year Brady was walking, but was still so cautious, unsure of himself, and afraid of the world around him. He had been through so much and wasn’t quite ready to completely let go and have a ball.
Then there was this year.
I’m so grateful for the daily reminders that God gives us of His great mercy, healing, and love. Reminders in the form of jumps down a step, splashes in the water, giggles with a brother or sister, and gorgeous smiles while riding in a boat. Thank you God for each and every one.
