Sesame Place Journal (July 30, 2008)

We all had a very restful evening and were all ready to hit the park again today. We parked in Bert's Blue section again, per Cassidy's request. As soon as we passed through the front gate we rode the Sky Spash - a family raft ride. Cassidy did NOT want to get on once we got to the top, but as soon as we took off she squealed and laughed the whole way down. It was so much fun to watch her face light up! Poor Lily didn't like the ride at all - or the life jacket she was required to wear!

Next we spent time playing in Ernie's pools and fountains in Twiddleland. The girls both loved these. Soon Cassidy requested a ride on Big Bird's Rambling River (the lazy river). There was no line so we hopped aboard. Cassidy and I were together, each in our own raft, and Joey held Lily. The ride was fun - Cassidy liked getting splashed and sprayed (except for when we got stuck under one fountain and she couldn't breathe), but by the end of the ride she had sunk down into her float so that her head nearly touched her legs - a comical sight! I don't think Lily had much fun - she didn't like getting splashed.

Next Cassidy wanted to ride Slimey's Chutes waterslide, so we got in line while Joey and Lily went into the Teeny Tiny Tidal Wave Pool. Cassidy loved the slide! She actually started crying when we got off and said she wanted to go again! The line had gotten really long so we went over to a different waterslide and she and Joey got in line while I took Lily to Ernie's Rubber Duckie Pond. Lily loved this shallow pool with its slides. She went down the slide again and again until our time was up. Joey and Cassidy returned - their tube had flipped over at the end of the ride and Cassidy was a little traumatized. She didn't want to go on any more waterslides the rest of the day.

We ate lunch at the Sesame Cafe - burgers, chicken, and fries - and again it was really good. After lunch we played in Ernie's Waterworks and Count's Fount. Ernie's Waterworks was a favorite of the girls. It had water shooting out of all kinds of places and contraptions and was set up so that the kids could play with and manipulate the water. It was too cool!

We decided to skip the parade and go back to Ernie's Pond. Cassidy was tired so she sat in the stroller while Joey and Lily played. We also spent some more time playing in the pools in Twiddleland and in Ernie's Waterworks. Cassidy was tired and wanted to leave, but hung in there, and perked up each time we tried a different activity. We had a snack, peeked into Trader Bert's surf shop, and then ran to catch the 4:15 Elmo's World Live! show. Lily fell asleep during snack time, so Joey took her and Cassidy and I went to the show. That was really fun, especially since I missed it yesterday. Cassidy raised her hand to be part of the show, but was too young to participate (you had to be 4). She still had fun playing along from our seats - and she elected to sit closer to the stage today, which was cool.

Lily had been fussy when we found her and Joey after the show. She soon was beside herself - screaming and crying - so we relunctantly decided to leave. We stopped at one store on the way out to look for a CD and Lily quit crying and started playing with the toys. Cassidy wanted to stay so we walked back to Mr. McIntosh's Fruit and Veggie stand to play. While we were there we tried playing hopscotch, took more pictures, and saw some Sesame Street friends. Rosita came out first and as soon as Lily saw her, she was drawn to her like a magnet. I was so surprised - she is usually afraid - but I had to hold her back until it was her turn. She went right up to Rosita, wide-eyed, touched her, and had her picture taken. This was a big highlight in the day for me! Cassidy even cautiously joined us. Next we saw Bert and Ernie. The girls were more wary, but still gave high-fives and had pictures taken.

By this time it was 5:45 p.m. There was another parade at 7:00, so we decided to stick it out to see the parade again. We hung out, snacked, walked around a little, and then found a front row spot in the middle of the parade route. The parade was definately worth the wait! We got to see all the characters up close and many of them waved, high-fived, or touched the girls. They were both riveted and Joey and I were equally excited! It started to rain, but we didn't care. What a great way to end the day - everyone smiling and happy!

On the way out of the park we took one more trip down the Sky Splash - WHEE!!! We were sad to leave (Joey and I more than the girls), but were so thankful for the experience!

The girls were wound up at the hotel, running around the room and jumping on the pillows and blankets they piled on the floor. We tried to feed them and finally dropped into bed around 10:00.

SIDEBAR - Joey surprised the girls with a Snuffy doll for Cassidy and a Grover for Lily. Cassidy had seen a child with a Snuffy doll at lunch and had said, "Maybe I'll get a Snuffy doll sometime." Of course after she saw that Lily had Grover, she announced that Grover was her favorite! She also wanted to know if we could go shopping for Bert and Kermit dolls! Joey also surprised me with a t-shirt (on clearance - how well he knows me!) that says, "I made a splash at Sesame Place!"

SIDEBAR - Lily has started saying several new words on the trip. She says "Big Bird" any time she sees our feathered friend. When she drops something (whether by accident or on purpose) she says, "Uh oh. I drop!" (Does that count as her first sentence?) Also, I guess we've taken her picture one too many times because when I held up the camera at breakfast this morning she started saying, "Cheese!" She continued "cheesing" for me, even thought I stopped taking pictures, until the camera was put away. She is SO funny!