Hall-o-Fest!

On Sunday September 23rd, we returned to Kings Island with Grandma Karen for our 12th visit of the year! It was opening weekend for the Halloween activities, and we had beautiful weather with abundant sunshine and temps in the mid 60s. After sharing Emma's favorite rides with Grandma (some Karen rode with us, others she just watched), we went over to the kids' Halloween area. Housed in the water park this year, it was much more spread out and scenic than last year (even if it was a little strange to see our favorite water rides closed for the season). A hay maze, games (Emma won 2 prizes), a bubble maker, pony rides, a petting zoo, a dance party, and a kiddie tractor area all kept us entertained. However, the costume party was probably the highlight; Emma wore her ladybug costume from last year since this year's costume wasn't fully assembled yet. She got to go up on stage by herself and have a picture taken with Snoopy; a local d.j. announced the costumes as the kids came forward. Three kids won prizes for their costumes, and when they were announced, Emma sighed and said, "Oh well, I guess that means I didn't win. Why'd you make me wear my ladybug costume again?!" Another highlight of the day was a visit to the "Dinosaurs Alive!" exhibit. This was our first trip of the year to that part of the park, and it was worth the wait...they were having trick or treat with the dinosaurs. Many of the anima-tronic dinosaurs were dressed in costumes, which totally plays to Emma's sense of humor (especially the T-Rex who was sporting a clown costume complete with red nose)! We hope to go back again for at least one more visit before they close for the season at the end of October.