Carowinds

This summer we are trying out a Carowinds season pass.  {Side Note:  I started getting season passes when I was about 6 years old and had them most years until about High School.  Carowinds has lots of memories for me.  Aaron & I haven't ever been together to regular Carowinds, but we did make it to Scarowinds once when we were dating.}  Nora is free (under 3) so it was only me that needed/got a pass.  It includes free parking and I got a good deal on it.  I figured it was worth a try, especially since Carowinds is pretty darn close to us.  It's about as close as any park.  My mom & step dad (Lala & Coppa Sieve) have passes so they went with us the first time.  Steve's granddaughter, Hannah, stayed for a visit one week so she showed us all around Carowinds.  We loved having her to play with.  

Of course I forgot something for our outing.  THE STROLLER!  This girl does not last long walking on her own so we broke down and rented one.  It stunk because they wouldn't give me a discount and we were only there for the last 2 hours of the day.  I did get a season pass discount though.  It was worth the money.  She always wanted to ride in it.

The first ride Nora went on was the carousel.  She freaked out on the horse but loved riding in the carriage.  Then, we went to this {SLOW} helicopter ride.  She loved it!  

Afterwards, we hit up the train ride.  It hasn't changed much in the last 20+ years other than you see Peanuts signs on the ride.

We watched Hannah ride the front seat of Lucy's Crabby Cab roller coaster.

The longest line we waited in was for these old timey cars.  Nora got to 'drive' me around.

Hannah wanted to get really wet before we left so she rode White Waterfalls no less than 4 times.  Once completely by herself!

Nora loves Lala & Grandpa Steve!  She also loves that Hannah came to visit.  Not only was Hannah was so good to play with her and help her with things...she also helped Grandpa Steve become a little more hip.  Check out his & Hannah's new kicks in the top left picture. =)

A couple weeks later we went back to Carowinds with Lala & Grandpa Steve.  I didn't get a picture of it, but Nora was brave enough to ride a non-moving horse on the carousel and loved it.  We also rode a couple of rides we didn't the first time.  Like the balloons.  They're pretty high and fast for a kiddie ride.

The 'yachts' were open this time!  She was all for it!

We've also managed to squeeze in a couple of days in the waterpark with friends.  We have friends (Paige &  Bryce) that also have Carowinds passes.  They have shown Nora how to really play in the waterpark. These kids get along so well because Bryce is so sweet.  They love splashing around in the kiddie pools, going down the kiddie slide, and floating in the lazy river.  Nora isn't a fan of the wave pool though...she doesn't like the lifejacket that's required in it.

Loving the treat Bryce brought her!

One day we even ventured to the rides after the waterpark.  Nora took her 3rd trip on the carousel and is now a moving-horse-fan!  Mission accomplished!

Bryce is tall enough for the swings!

Nora pointing out Bryce on the swings!

Needless to say, we are loving Carowinds!  They've done a good job of giving all the rides updates to keep them looking good and have so many new rides than the last time I went.  The teacher in me loves the lessons Nora learns there.  She is slowly learning how to wait in line, wait turns, and try new things.  She is surrounded by colors and shapes we can 'find'.  It's great.  Now I think every preschool child should get to go to Carowinds for a learning experience.  Haha.  We can't wait for the next time to go!