Fun, Sun, Water and Rides - We had it all at Kings Island

Well, last Wednesday, we went with some friends (The Wallings) to Kings Island, our resident amusement park. My dad's company gave them 2 free tickets, and then he was able to glean the other 6 for $5 each! WAHOOO!!! So, we got to spend the entire day at the Amusement Park/Water Park for $15.00!!!! A totally HUGE value I assure you! I'm not one for riding things, as many of you know, but I have fun hanging out with our friends, and most especially watching my children ride everything their little heart desires! Lucky for them, their daddy isn't faint of heart when it comes to riding, so he accompanies them on most things. This year, was a change for a few of the Tuckers'. Jackson and Daniel were tall enough to ride EVERY RIDE in the park, except one. We couldn't believe it! I would have to say the highlights were.......

John riding 2 of the 4 "Fear the Four" rides. Which are considered the scariest rides in the park. He rode the infamous "Beast" and "The Vortex". I, naturally, think he's out of his ever-lovin' mind, but he had fun. The Beast is a wooden roller coaster, and you can't see it until "it's too late". So, there aren't any pictures of that one. My theory is, if they can't let you see it, then, you shouldn't be riding it! LOL! The Vortex, you can see and those pictures are in the slideshow. Of course, my theory on that one is, you just shouldn't do it! John liked the Vortex better because it was a smoother ride. Last year, he rode the Beast and literally had bruises all over his body. "It was better this year, because they slowed it down," John said.


Noah said that his favorite ride was the Italian Job. That's what it used to be called, anyway. Cedar Point (another amusement park in Sandusky - near Cleveland) bought Kings Island, which was formerly owned by Paramount. So, the rides used to have "movie" theme/titles. Now, they're in the process of changing that. Anyhow, when he got off the ride, he was super adrenaline charged, and said (a.k.a. yelled with exhuberance) "THAT WAS AWESOME!!!!!" Noah was a great big brother and rode with Daniel on everything. Of course, Noah also talked Daniel into riding in the FIRST car of EVERY ride. I was shocked! He is usually such a nice kid! Hee hee! His theory is that, "You see less action in the front car than the back, so I figured we should ride there." I guess I'll take his word for it, instead of testing his theory myself!

Jackson said he liked the Italian Job too. He almost backed out of riding it, but pushed through it. He said, "I liked it because it was super fast! I like fast!" This is true. I think that is why he can totally relate to characters like Dash, from the Incredibles, and the likes. Last year, Jackson would have us wait in the huge lines for things, and then back out at the very last minute. FRUSTRATING! But, this year, he rode, and rode and rode things. That is his nature. He loves rides, so last year's behavior was kinda shocking! He had a ball, and loved the slides at the water park too!

Daniel, Daniel, Daniel! He has sure come a LONG way since last year's trip. Before, he wouldn't ride anything. Petrified is a good word. I think he might get that from his Mama! But, this year, WHAT A CHANGE! He loved the Italian Job, but said his favorite ride was The Wildthornberry's Log Ride. HILLARIOUS, considering that last year, all 5 of us rode it, and we had to literally force him on it because we were all riding. (FYI - That picture was hillarious! We had to buy it!) This year, however, he said that's what he wanted to ride first. Again, he was in the FRONT of the log, with his oldest brother and Daddy right behind him. He did so good! He also had a very funny reaction after he got off of the Danny Phantom ride. He said (a.k.a. exuberantly yelled!) "THAT RIDE BLEW MY MIND!" So funny!!! Even at Boomerang Bay he did every slide in the place for his age group. He's still leary of the big adult slides, but he had a blast playing in the water!

Then there's Me. Well, I'm not much for riding things, but I do enjoy the Scrambler. That's so fun, and the ONE ride I know John doesn't enjoy. But, my FAVORITE ride in the place is a water ride. It's called White Water Canyon. So much fun!!!! This year, 6 of us rode it. Buffy, Me, Bryce, Noah, Jackson and Daniel. What fun to have all of us in 1 boat, and just enjoying it together. The signs leading up to the ride say, "You Will get Wet. You May get DRENCHED." That is true, and kind of an understatement at best. Jackson wanted to know what 'drenched' meant. It was kind of hard to explain it to him. John & Bryan opted not to ride, and I don't know if I can even print what Bryan's quote was for the reason he wasn't game! Hee hee! At one point on the ride, there is an observation deck. There are also water cannons for the "observers" also known as, the Water Sadists! LOL! Needless to say, Bryan and John sweet talked their way into some quarters, and convinced the other spectators that when our raft passed, they should BOMBARD us with water. No holds barred! We were already pretty wet, and kind thought maybe we'd gotten out of the "drenched" portion. Until......we got the observation deck. Those people NAILED US! What great sharp shooters they all were! CURSES! But, after the ride was over, and I was literally wringing out my shirt, shorts, hair, my friend Buffy said, "Jackson, see us? This is what drenched means!" So funny! Regardless, we laughed, and yelled and GOT SOAKED and had a MARVELOUS time!!!!

We stayed until the park closed and squeaked out every minute of enjoyment, laughing and fun that the park had to offer that day! I can't think of when I've personally had a better time there. It's definitely a memory I'll cherish for a long, long time.