From Wimp to Pimp

We've noticed over the past few months that Drew really wants to go on pint-sized rides, but then generally ends up balling his eyes out and screaming for us to pluck him off quickly. I'm not sure where this fear comes from, but nonetheless we have continued to try and change this. Our friends invited us to Memphis Kiddie Park on Saturday and I knew having Drew's girlfriend there would help him get over this fear.

Somehow, I knew this is exactly how the first ride would go. See the tears, death grip and sad face?

So we decided to take the plunge and put him on the roller-coaster, accompanied by daddy. I was terrified this would be even more traumatic for him therefore sealing his fate of avoiding amusement parks for the next 25 years. Boy was I 100% wrong. He absolutely loved it and laughed the entire time.

That meant it was time to try a parent-less ride again, so we picked something pretty short and slow. We plopped him in this car with Charlotte and they were off. Holding hands the entire time, you couldn't wipe the grin off his face if you tried.

So it was then on to the rocket ships, trains and carousel. Check out the hands-in-the-air confidence even!

We had to end with a fun car ride to snap a few more pictures of them together. Derek told Drew to put his arm around Charlotte thinking that would last a total of 3 seconds. Nope. He held onto her the entire ride and Charlotte even snuggled in and grabbed his hand. 

Can we say adorable? These two are totally getting married in 24 years from now! 

And as a parent, what did I learn? A lot, actually. Mostly that I shouldn't underestimate how much we can change our children's fears, feelings, emotions and reactions to certain things. By being over-the-top enthusiastic about rides and smiling until our jaws hurt along with not giving up, we completely were able to reverse his fears. It's amazing how influential their little minds are, and I need to remember that in times of stress or when I'm reacting negatively to something!

A Toddler's Heaven

I had been waiting for a good weekend to get to Memphis Kiddie Park again this year and last weekend it was perfect. We woke up on Sunday to an overcast sky and temps in the upper 70's. 

The last time we went, a year ago, Drew was with his friend Charlotte and he had a rough start to the fun. There were some nervous tears but after seeing Charlotte and other children have fun, he warmed up quickly. Although daddy and I spotted some nervousness this time around again, he eventually wanted to ride every ride and had a blast. 

See this face below though? Drew refused to look at the camera and death gripped the bar. I knew he was a bit scared but he ended up loving the roller coaster and did great!

Obviously the train was his favorite thing and it was a nice slow ride for mommy to enjoy with him.

More pictures from the fun. The yellow basket ride circled up into the air about 10 feet and he even enjoyed that! Apparently my little guy is growing up.

We ended the day with his first cherry slushie drink (which obviously he loved) and followed with a good nap. I just love little parks like this that cater to 2-5 year olds!