Knoebels

While we were up in Pennsylvania this month we were able to find time to head to Knoebels. It turned out to be a great trip for everyone. We went with Jack, Aunt MayMe, and Aunt Laura. All the kids (even Laura!) seemed to have a really great time. We knew Jack and Kylee would love the rides and they had been on most of them the year before together. Ryland, however, we weren't sure about but he loved them (which of course made me very proud!) I think my theory on rides is correct ... if he can see what is going on he enjoys them. (This is why he isn't really a huge fan of some of the rides at Sesame.) We are planning another trip to Knoebels in early August when we visit again. Kylee is already listing the rides she wants to go on ... and the order she wants to ride them in!?

Our first stop was the mini ferris wheel.

Next up were the cars. These were great because each car had two steering wheels so there was no arguing over who was going to drive. Jack and Kylee rode in the orange car and Aunt Laura and Ryland drove behind them in the purple one.

The helicopters were another big hit. Jack was such a great big cousin and told Kylee they should ride in the black helicopter because "black is your favorite color." Aunt Laura and Ryland were riding partners again. One of my favorite pictures is the one in the upper left because you can't see Ryland so it looks like Laura is just having a blast on the kiddie ride by herself. : )

Pretty much anything with a steering wheel made Ryland and Kylee happy. This tanker even had buttons to push.

Aunt MayMe and Jack rode next to Pete and Kylee on the umbrella drop. Although it is an "adult sized" free fall it is a nice slow drop to the bottom (which made Pete happy). : )

Kylee, Jack, and Aunt MayMe also got to ride the rocket ship. This was another ride when you controlled if you were going up or down. Kylee needed a little bit of help to pull the lever and go up but they were able to get it going.

In all the years my family has been going to Knoebels we have never seen this little play area that was there. It was just a spot with some climbing structures but they kids had a good time running around in there for a bit.

Who wouldn't love to drive a fire truck ... complete with a bell to ring.

Kylee and Jack gave the hand carts a try too. This might be Jack's last year to ride these since he is getting so tall. We think the lady let him go so he could ride with Kylee.

One of the newer rides is a set of airplanes that follows a course similar to the whip. I don't think Kylee realized what the ride was until it started ... she was a big fan!

Probably my favorite ride to watch the kids on is the Junior Whip. This has been one of Jack's favorites for a few years now. Kylee rode it last year for the first time and loved it. We put Ryland on and gave Jack his "big cousin duties" of making sure he kept Ryland in the seat. I always forget how fast the cars whip around the corner until that first time. The four adults were holding our breaths hoping that Ryland would enjoy it otherwise Jack was going to have a tough time trying to keep him in the car (which doesn't have a seatbelt!?) I think the pictures speak for themselves! I can't wait to put the kids on this one again! : )

Aunt Laura was successful in getting a picture with each of the kids ... thanks for coming along and being Ryland's riding partner Laura! : )

There were a few rides we didn't get to and a few that it was too dark for pictures but I'm sure we will hit everything the next time we go!