Hero Salute

Anheuser-Busch is thanking the military members for their service by providing 1 free admission pass to any Sea World, Busch Gardens or Sesame Place this year to the active duty member...and up to 3 accompanying family members.  Busch Gardens, Williamsburg is the closest to us (approx. 45 min). Regular admission fees are, adults $63.99 and children (ages 3-9) $53.99!  Holy cow, that's a huge savings!  Because we're stuck in a hotel, because Doug's on leave and doesn't have to work, because we finally had a break in the weather and it was in the high 80's vs. the high 90's, and mostly, because we couldn't pass up this wonderful opportunity, we headed out to be amused at the local amusement park today.

We rode a tram from the parking lot to the front gate.  That was our first ride of the day.  The kids loved it, of course.  We timed it right.  We arrived right at 10 am when the park opened and we barely had any lines to wait in the whole time we were there.  It was perfect.

Sesame Street play area was fabulous.  All kid sized rides and excitement.  Mary had a blast on the roller coaster, but I couldn't get a good picture.  I'll tell you she had a huge grin on her face...after Doug removed her head from the side of his body.  We then went as a family on the wormy, squirmy ride.  It was fun, if not a bit nauseating.  Ah, the things we do for our kids.



We then walked over to get lunch and on our way, saw some cool rides just for little ones.  In fact, no adults were allowed.  I was amazed that Adam would go by himself.  Mary was in line for the gliders and since there was no waiting at the balloons, little man and I headed over.  He was great.  He even liked it so much, he went again later with Mary.  We even finished in time to watch Mary on her ride.

Another couple kiddie rides and Mary decided she wanted the bigger ones.  She loved spinning and dropping and swinging wildly.  She wasn't satisfied with the kiddie swings, she wanted the big one.  Doug was more than happy to oblige.  I think he was happy to have a coaster buddy.

However, after this ride, she was bold, she was brazen, she thought she could handle them all.  Nope, she looked absolutely terrified on the battering ram (looks like the big ship that swings back and forth).  I really wanted to capture her expression, but it's too blurry to post.  I will say, she decided after that one, that she will wait until next year before trying anything "big" again.  We had an incredible time today.  What a great company to give away such a wonderful token of thanks to the military.  Makes me want to drink a Budweiser...

For those of you in the military that want to take advantage of this offer, got to www.herosalute.com.  It expires at the end of 2011.