The Big Celebration: Playland

Alex didn't take his nap as I would have hoped. We'll be working back in a Quiet Time when Big Boy Boot Camp starts, but not today. This means that we'll be heading to a night at Playland on no nap. Oh well, maybe it means that sleeping in the Big Boy Bed will be easy. He's bound to be passed out when we get home.

Alex was confused as to why we were leaving for Playland so late. We'd already had lunch and it seemed like the afternoon when we got on the bus. We arrved at Playland shortly before 6 PM and we were due to meet Daddy at about 7:30.

Alex went on some rides like the boats and the kiddie carousel. We grabbed a bite of chicken quesadilla at Cocina Fresca. Of course, Alex didn't want any until I had some. We walked around watching the games and the Grinches, as he always wants to do. We stopped to watch the show of 'Wonder', featuring music of Stevie Wonder. It was there I noticed that Daddy had called, so we left for a quieter space to call Daddy.

Daddy was at the carousel like we'd planned. Alex was surprised to see Daddy there. We told him that we were going to have Family Dinner AT Playland and then stay to see the fireworks. He was getting to be a Big Boy now, so he could be out at night for a very special occasion.

We ate at Burger King, so that Alex could get his beloved 'lemonade', which he asked for by name. (I'd given it to him on an earlier occasion because it was the only non-carbonated drink I could get at Burger King that didn't have caffeine as well.) What Alex wanted more than anything else was to play the video games and arcade games with Daddy. They played a driving game and some quarter/ticket winning games. Daddy even won a water squirt gun for Alex. Alex was thrilled! He'd wanted a squirt gun for weeks!

Then it was time for "High Voltage" again. Alex loved it again, clapping with the crowds over the juggler. Soon enough, we needed to change Alex's diaper, fill up his water gun of course and head to see the fireworks. The water gun was a goodly amount of competition for the fireworks, but eventually they won over.
We ended our night with a family ride on the Ferris Wheel and on the submarine; Alex's two favorite rides. Of course, some lemonade had to be included to end the evening as well.

We took a cab home and by the time we got to West Street, our Big Boy was out cold. Getting him to sleep in the Big Boy Bed with no bedtime bottle was a breeze - because he was already asleep.

For the win!

Friday, July 30