Adventureland

After spending the previous week in Colorado - with a high temp of 86° (no humidity) and lows of mid 40s, then traveling in the van (with a set a/c temp of 65°), we were in for an Iowa shock at Adventureland!  It promised to be hot and humid - high in the low 90s with a heat index near 100°. Not my idea of a fun way to spend a summer day - outside, waiting in line!

We arrived at the park when it opened at 10:00. We let the kids dictate the rides for the most part.  After a few "spiny" rides, Matt opted out to give his stomach time to readjust.  I continued and soon regretted it...as did Will.  We decided to stand in line for one of the water rides (raging river) since it was shaded and would refresh us.  This water ride went fine until the water fall...on the last bounce, the raft moved so that I was directly under the water!  I was SOAKED!

Since we were already wet, we went and stood in line for the Log Flume ride.  After that ride (luckily I didn't get as wet on that one!), we left the park to get lunch and drink LOTS of water and cool down in the restaurant. This reprieve really helped. We got back to the park ready to go!  We quickly found that the park was DEAD!  Everyone either left for the day or they went to the waterpark side of the park. Matt brought the camera and took pictures as the kids LOVED riding all the rides, over and over again.

Will pretending to feel sick...

Unfortunately, Will was too short by 1 inch for the Space Shot and the Storm Chaser.  We felt so bad as those were the two rides that he really wanted to ride.  His next choice was the bumper cars...they rode them 5 times!!

We all rode the Tornado one time...then the kids rode it 4 more times in a row (with no waiting in line)!!

We started our trek back to the front of the park, riding rides along the way...

Selfie by Matt

The kids went shopping to spend their money in the gift shops...we found some fun things!

We left the park at closing, very tired and sweaty messes...but we had a blast as a family!

Will loved playing with his new bow & arrow (suction cups) at the hotel.

This was the perfect way to end our vacation. We all had fun together, even during the super hot weather.  What a special gift we were given by our friend who got tickets at a great discount. We never would've been able to afford to spend a day at Adventureland for our entire family - especially at the end of a big vacation.  So thankful!

We arrived home and hit the ground running - laundry, work, bills, unpacking, etc.  All of that was worth it as this was by far one of our best vacations yet.  To be able to share this vacation with Matt's family made it all the more special!