The build up often outlasts the thrill themselves, but boy, are they worth it sometimes.
Our annual Labour Day weekend camping plans were thwarted by bad weather and we kept it local and chill instead.
We took T to Canada’s Wonderland on Saturday, a beautiful day, our first visit in two years.
Going in, we told T that he wasn’t tall enough to go on the big rides – two inches short! – but we were thrilled to learn that now at 52 inches, T could go on all but two of the rides.
This included Yukon Striker, the newest roller coaster and T’s first big intense coaster.
Whoa! Adrenaline rush and excitement for all of us, probably me the most! 🤣
Check out this beauty: 1,103 meters long, a three second hold at the top as you stare down the 75 meter drop and a top speed of 130 km/h.
As we approached the lineup, my excitement turned into nervousness.
It’s been years since I’ve been on a big coaster, and my first time on this ride.
Seeing riders dangle at the precipice didn’t help. 🤣
The three of us sat at the third and most rear row. There was no way I was sitting at the front.
As we ascended up the long tall ramp, I gripped super tightly onto the bars.
I usually turn to see T’s face, because I love seeing the world through his eyes. Nope, the back of my head was planted firmly to the seat cushion.
When we reached the top, the coaster inched over the cliff and dangled us for what felt like an eternity.
Then it released us.
I had to close my eyes.
I heard T screaming, “What the fuck!!!”
Our bodies were thrown to the left, to the right, upside down then 3 minutes and 25 seconds after we started, it was over.
As we waited to disembark, I turned to T. His eyes were closed. He claimed to have passed out but he was being funny and dramatic.
But the ride did leave him speechless.
He spent the next few minutes outside the ride watching others experience the thrill.
The rest of the day was very relaxing.
T found comfort in going on the rides for smaller kids too. As I watched him spin around the baskets, I thought about how finite these summer moments are with this little kid.
This was also the first visit to Wonderland when he chose to go on the rides with me, as he usually liked to sit with his daddy instead.
I’d be lying if I said that it didn’t make me feel especially loved.
Wonderland would not be complete without funnel cake topped with strawberry syrup and ice cream at the end of the day.
T spent the following day watching POV (point of view) videos on YouTube of Yukon Striker.
As I watched him through my sleepy eyes, I thought about the roller coaster of our lives.
We spend so much time building up for shorter moments of thrills – be it work and the weekend, school and summer break, or planning and anticipating a vacation.
It reminded me as I get older, I am prioritizing life itself.
Because as quickly as this ride begins, and as suddenly as the thrills are upon us, it is over in a flash.
My Life With T 
You wouldn’t catch me anywhere this ride 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Near 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh come on, Margie, it’s so fun! 🤣 You’re strapped on tight from the front and over your shoulders too! 😆
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nooooo!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I left a comment twice but it didn’t show up ! To quote T- Fuck! 😂Maybe it will p
LikeLike
my 8 year old grandson also said Fuck! Going on tower of terror at Disney! Lol
great Labor Day story. And wonderful experiences and memories for your family ❤️
LikeLike
what a great day! My grandson said the exact same words when he did tower of terror ! He told me he wouldn’t get in trouble for using the F word because of how scary the ride was! Ha!
Excellent Labor Day Memories!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Tower of Terror is a ride I’d like to experience with T.
LikeLike
What a fun day Ab! I think as we get older rides affect us more. Would T have gone on it again? He seems to have no fear. That funnel cake is making me hungry!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Diane. I’m at the age now where I get dizzy after going on the swings in the park. 😆 The joys of aging.
T is also game to go again and I hope he can go on the two remaining rides next summer if he grows another 2 inches at least!
The funnel cake was indeed yum!
LikeLiked by 1 person
wow that’s a ride. We have a place like that close by. It’s 50% rides, 50% zoo. Some of the rides are uncomfortably close to things that might eat me….
LikeLiked by 1 person
A rollercoaster ride that descends into the giant mouth of a lion would be something many people would sign up for! 😆
LikeLike
I haven’t been to Wonderland in forever. I think the last time was a few years after Leviathan was added. The Yukon Striker sounds incredible and incredibly terrifying. And a visit to Wonderland isn’t complete without a funnel cake. Yum! Hope all goes well with T’s first day of school today.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s definitely worth a visit. You will enjoy experiencing it through baby M’s eyes! And those small rides are so relaxing.
We have yet to experience Leviathan as we were already parents when the ride introduced. Once T gains two more inches in height, he can go on Leviathan and Behemoth and we can’t wait!
1 school day down. 200+ more to go. 😆 enjoy your week ahead!
LikeLike
I bet the small rides aren’t nearly as busy either. The spinning teacups is actually one of my favourites. I’m sure things have changed, but there never used to be much of a line back in the day so we would just keep riding it again and again.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That ride looks pretty intense. 🙂 It sounds like a fun day .
I do think life moves fast and our kids are grown before we know it. I love that find so many wonderful experiences and memories to share with your son.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! It was pretty intense, especially for a child on his first intense coaster and for me who hadn’t been on a big ride in over a decade. 😆
It was a fun day and a great way to end of summer break. Life does move by so fast and I’m glad we have these moments to remember and enjoy together. 🙏
LikeLike
Holy cow – that looks way too intense for me. Leave me at home and Mr. D and Miss O can ride with you so you feel extra extra loved! 🙂
Love that the rest of the day relaxing. Whew! The roller coaster of our lives – such a great analogy. Great reminder to prioritize life itself! Yes! ❤ ❤ ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was pretty intense and it took the hubby out of commission for most of the day. 😆
I bet your kids would enjoy it. Might be a good reason to visit our part of the world one day! 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh my, that vertical drop looks scary! I can totally relate to your reactions, Ab. It’s been a long time since I rode a roller coaster myself. The rest of the day seems like a bliss, with that dessert and all. The last part of this post resonates with me deeply, especially after losing both parents. We should prioritize life indeed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Bama. It was quite the intense drop! It was also my first big coaster in a long time and definitely felt every moment. 🤣
I know you can relate for sure. It’s a bittersweet reflection to realize this truth. That’s why everyday, big and small moments, should be embraced. 💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
The roller coaster of our lives. Wow. You said it. Peaks, valleys, thrills and WTF moments. They’re all there along with funnel cake moments and the comfort of papa’s lap. Thanks for all of this, Ab. 🥰🥰🥰
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks Vicki. The WTF made me chuckle out loud. It was so genuine and pure. 😆
LikeLiked by 1 person
I could hear it! T is true to himself and I love it! 🥰
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ab, I love that you not only share your experiences as T’s parent, but also about Canada & other places you visited. It’s been since my early 20’s that I last visited & back then we took a fairy boat over from Detroit. I plan to revisit soon to explore.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Tammy! Which parts of Canada have you visited? It has changed a lot since your last visit, I bet! You should absolutely come for a visit one day! 🙏
LikeLike
Ab, you lost me after you said you all actually got on that coaster. Nope, nada, no way in h*ll and I totally agree with T- WTF!!! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
I gotta say, Deb, the nerves really started to be felt as we walked into the line and the anticipation only got both better and worse as we made it closer to the front. 😆 But what an experience!
LikeLike
I loved everything about this post, Ab. Beautifully written, fun, scary, and wise! I especially liked T’s exclamation at the top of the ride! 😏
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Jane. It was a wonderful day out and a great way to end a summer that flew by way too quickly.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You and T are braver than I am, Ab! While I’m sorry you weren’t able to make it camping, I glad you still had some fun.
The analogy is fantastic. Life really is a lot of build up, quick thrills, and restarting the cycle. Even more reason to stay present in the moment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Erin. It was a nice alternative to camping! Urban jungle so to speak!
I agree that the day was also an important reminder to stay in the present and very thankful for the opportunity to do so that day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like the analogy, too! Well, that is life! This is a life from an imprint called ‘T’.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Serena and yes, for sure, such an imprint about life from our T. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person