SAIC Picnic - Six Flags - September 11th, 2010

Chris and I have been very lucky to work for compaies that treat their employees to a company picinic at Six Flags Amusement Park. We have been going every summer for the past 5 or so years and took full advantage of the park being empty and getting to ride all of the thrilling roller coasters as many times as we wanted. Since having kids, the experience has changed a bit....

2 years ago, Grandma came along with us and we all took turns watching Ethan while the other 2 rode the coasters.

Last year, we were excited to be able to have Ethan be able to enjoy the kiddie rides for the first time, but once we got their we found out he was still a bit too small to ride anything other than the carousel. So, I think Chris and I rode just 1 ride on the Superman and spent the rest of the afternoon riding the carousel, over and over. The highlight of the day was Ethan getting to meet Sylvester the Cat.

This year was even more of a shift in focus for the day. They have now built a section of the park called "Thomas Town" and anyone that knows Ethan knows that Thomas the Train IS Ethan's world right now. You can imagin his excitement and joy when there was an entire section of the park dedicacted to the worlds Really Most Useful Engine.... again, Chris and I rode the Superman, just for old time's sake, but the day was definitely all about Thomas:

Flying Harold the Helicoptor

Becca, relaxing in the cool of the stroller

The Thomas Air Balloon Ferris Wheel

It was a VERY warm day, so we were very grateful that they had a sprayground to run around in.

My phone ran out out of battery after these pics so I couldn't capture the amazement as he got to see Thomas in REAL LIFE and ride around Thomas Town pulled by him... all he could say was "THOMAS!!!!"