A Picture Perfect day ...

A few weeks ago, we decided since Emily had passed her second year of swimming lessons (Yay! Emi!) we would reward her with a trip to Story Land.

A month or so back, we had the opportunity to purchase two full price tickets, for the price of one - that's right, another shameless plug (because I get nothing out of it) for the Half Off Fun Club and the Buyers Club offered by the Citadel Broadcasting Company (who own and operate WOKQ apparently) ... so for the whopping price of 27 dollars, we were able to take Emily to Story Land, it was amazing.

After getting a late start, and stopping for a bathroom break and donut run (yep, we stopped for a mid-drive snack - as if it were an eight hour drive, and not just a two hour one!) - we finally made it!   They have this tunnel - as a safe way to cross Route 16 to get to the entrance of the park.

Emily Loved It!

After a quick photo op we started in on the place .. there is so much to do, and so much to see, there was no way we could hit it all - but we sure tried!!

There's a Leprechaun in the tree Daddy!!!

From the kids play area we entered "tot land" - she's not a fan of people in costumes, or talking things, so it was a challenge to get her to try things - the Old Lady in the Shoe?  No go.  The talking tree where you sign your name to a leaf and hang it on the wall?  No go.   The ball pit, Peter Pumpkin Eaters House, and Making Daddy stand in a silly spot - Sure Why Not!?!?

From there we tried out the Madhatter's Tea Party .. I really thought this one would be a 'never mind' moment, but she loved it - and asked if the line wasn't too long, if we could please ride it again later - the line was incredibly long when it was time to leave, so we ended up only riding it the once.

Then it was time to move on to the Castle.

While we were waiting for the Pumpkin Ride to the top of the hill to "Cinderella's Castle" we stopped off for Emily to have her face painted.  After standing in line and deciding what design she wanted, she changed her mind at the last minute and decided to go for a tattoo instead .. it was glitter and it sparkled, she was sold.

When they showed her the Tinkerbell?  There was no question.  She even got to choose her colors.

Once that was done it was time to head to the top of the hill.  The Pumpkin Ride line wasn't getting any shorter, so we decided to take the short walk up, and hitch a ride on the way down.

When we got there?   Guess who was inside?!?!

Cinderella herself!   Emily was so excited to show off her new tattoo, she couldn't wait her turn in line, and we had to hold her back a few times.   She was very polite when it was her turn, and she loved getting to meet a REAL LIVE PRINCESS!

After we waited for our turn in the pumpkin ride, we headed down to the swan boat ride, the pirate ship and the carousel.

Waiting Patiently for our turn.

One of the only two German Antique Carousels in the world.  The horses rock front and back instead of up and down, she loved it and couldn't wait to ride it again.

Time for another photo op!!

There was no way I could fit myself into that pumpkin, but she begged me to try :) LOL

She even got to drink from a lion!

They have a small "water section" where the kids can cool off on those incredibly hot days.   Emily had a great time splashing through the puddles, posing for pictures, and shooting water out of the water cannons.

My daring child even road the wacky barn with daddy .. it's like the crazy bus at the fair, except - a lot different!

Finally we took part in the "tractor rides" where sadly the camera that snaps a fun picture of the occupants of said tractor, was broken.  So we could only get a picture of Emi herself.

Not that she had a problem with it!

After that was all done, we wandered around a bit, had something to eat, and entered the "Loopy Lab" where she was hardly still enough for me to snap a clear picture - then it was on to the gift shop and then home .. it was a super long day, but it was totally picture perfect day ... where I was pleasantly rewarded with a bonus:

a covered bridge!

This vacation day - was a total success!!