OBX Bound...but first, Williamsburg...

We had been counting down the days to our annual OBX vacation and finally departure day had arrived! This year we did a lot of prep and finagling so we could get the golf cart into the bed of the truck - keeping us from having to take two cars. I have to give Andy a lot of credit for working so hard at this as it all came together and we had quite the set-up as we rolled out of our driveway - bikes, golf cart, camper - oh my! 

Of course what trip to the Outer Banks would be complete without a pit-sop in Williamsburg!? We booked two nights at our favorite KOA and it served as the perfect kick-off to our beach vacation. The boys had so much fun playing at park, bouncing on the jumping pillow and checking out their new gravity swing - it was really cool and I'm still regretting not giving it a go - next time for sure. 

We spent some quality time at the pool and were disappointed to learn that Harper had formed some kind of weird fear of the water since our spring break trip - hmmm. That was something we'd work on as our trip progressed. 

We also worked in a visit to Bush Gardens. The weather was not ideal but the rain accomplished a few things - it kept us cool, it kept us from getting sun burned before we even got to the beach part of our trip, and best of all - it kept the crowds away. We got to get in lots of rides and the random bursts of heavy rain we actually found to be rather comical - something about getting caught in the rain that brings out the kid in all of us. 

After two great days in Williamsburg we were ready to hit the road for the OBX...

St. Patrick's Day at Bush Gardens...

We decided to get season tickets again this year for Bush Gardens and we were pleased to find out they would be having a member's only preview day before opening for spring break - and it just so happened to fall on St. Patrick's Day! 

We couldn't wait to get back to our favorite park and Adam was most excited to find out if he'd grown enough to finally go on Apollo's Chariot - spoiler alert - he did!!! 

We had such a fun day reacquainting ourselves with our favorite rides - and introducing Adam to our all time favorite - Apollo's Chariot - which he loved. 

Harper was fearless and enjoyed all the rides he was big enough to go on. 

The weather was pretty great considering it was still mid-March and thanks to our neighbors we were able to leave the dogs at home so we could get a hotel room for the night instead of camping. Staying in hotels is still such a fun treat for kids and the boys even got to share a bed - well until we moved Harper to his pack 'n play after they were both zonked. 

We can't wait to go back to Bush Gardens lots this year! 

Spring Break - Bush Gardens...

This year we decided to get season tickets to Bush Gardens for Adam and me - this means free parking and a free ticket each season (spring, summer, fall) for Andy to use - x2, plus discounts on food and in-park purchases. Seemed like a no brainer. I'm happy to say that during our spring break we already got more than our money's worth from this decision. 

We all went as a family after we made the trip from Lake Anna to our new campsite for the remainder of our vacation in Williamsburg. The sun was shining and we were all geared up to spend the afternoon at the park. Harper was a pretty decent participant, rolling around in his stroller like a big boy. Adam was so excited to be back there but was bummed he hadn't grown enough to move out of his current color code for rides - he's got two more inches to go before he can trade in his purple bracelet for a teal one at which point a few of the roller coasters are fair game! Side note - we keep telling him to eat his greens, more protein and to always finish his milk - he has since eaten asparagus - I kind of like this new motivation he's got.

Adam has been watching the Eagle Cam in school and is slightly obsessed with these beautiful creatures. He loved seeing them in person! 

The park was pretty crowded that afternoon so we didn't get on too many rides, but Adam and I had plans to go back the next day just the two of us. We arrived right as the park opened and before even two hours had passed when already been on a dozen rides with zero lines holding us back. We had a great time hopping from ride to ride and it was fun having that one on one time with my oldest son. :) 

Slightly terrified at the Dark Castle - he didn't love it as much as he did last year - priceless! 

We had so much fun that we decided to go back as a whole family on Easter Sunday - and with temps in the low 50's and the threat of rain that park was about as empty as I've ever seen it. We really capitalized on that with Andy and I taking turns riding the roller coasters (fun but not quite as fun without a riding partner) and of course hitting up all the rides Adam wanted to go on as well. Harper was a real trooper this day and don't worry, we had him all bundled up in his car seat in the stroller this time to keep him warm and at times to keep him out of the drizzle. This might be a new Easter tradition. 

Even though we've already gotten our money's worth out of the tickets I know we'll be back many more times this year - mostly I'm looking forward to going back in the fall for "Scary Bush Gardens." Now, to tell Adam ahead of time about the "scary" part or not? hmmmm.... ;)