Nerves of Steel

More fun memories were made in this little Shamu Express roller-coaster.  The only short coaster line these girls waited in was due to their desire to sit in the very front.  Although blurry, their smiles made it worth the wait.  It's so nice when kids can practically ride back to back when there are no lines.  Truly the best time of year to vacation.

I've always enjoyed roller coasters.  Loved. them.  Well, not the sideways-spinny-kind.  Those just make me sick.  Although, something changed for me when I had kids.  Less time to ride them, and frankly, I suppose I value my life a bit more with little ones to think of.

Hubs has never been a coaster kind of guy.  So, I figured out of the 2 girls, I might have one riding partner in the future, right?   Since our last visit to Sea World, Nator has been telling me that she intends to ride one of the larger coasters with me. 

The time came.

She changed her mind.

It's okay.  Really.  It's not for everyone.

Gracie to the rescue.  It seems the Shamu coaster lifted her self-esteem and gave an adrenaline rush that may have baffled her own thinking.  She wanted to try the 'Steel Eel' that we've all talked about.

Gracie was so proud of her 'big-girl' decision to try a 'big-girl' coaster.  Dad and Nator waited at the exit.  Hubs told me that I should prepare myself for her reaction. 

How bad could it be, right?  This coaster only goes up and down.  No surprise twists or upside-down tricks up it's sleeve.

But it's been a few years since I've ridden it.

I forgot about the Steel Eel's speed and height.  One can see the entire park from the top of her highest points.

As we buckled, she began to nervously tear up.   The sweet kids behind us reassured her. 

As we inched toward the top, I encouraged her to look around at how pretty the park was.  She smiled.  For a few seconds, the beauty of it all was a welcome distraction.  I began to wonder when the 'inching up' would ever stop. 

Then... the clicking stopped.  There was a pause.  Chills.  Then...  a complete free-fallin' feelin'.  And fast.

Screaming with tears, she protested and announced that she "waaaanted ooooooff!"  I didn't blame her.   If I could have stopped it for her, I would have... in a heartbeat.

After every dip, I tried my best to reassure her.  "It's almost over.  You're doing so great!"

For the sake of my girl, I hoped that it finished as quickly as I remembered.

When we finally rounded our last quick dip, immediate relief was felt by Gracie and my poor mama heart.

I imagine feeling this way again if they experience the roller-coaster called childbirth.

She wiped her last tear and high-fives were given.  She made me proud... and I told her so.

Although I can't say Gracie will ever ride the Steel Eel again, she was proud of herself, too.  It almost made it worth it.  

She is still beaming with pride of her accomplishment.

We also bought the picture.  You know... the ever flattering picture they take of you screaming.  Mouth open.  Hair flying.  Honestly, I would rather not have a permanent memo of the terrified expression on my baby girl's face... but she wanted it. 

It's hers to keep.  And she's proud of it.

{Nator's commentary and expressions crack me up.  Had to share.  My favorite part is when she says, "Good luck. Good luck to my mom and my sister.  Lord, don't let 'em go away."} 

And if you like roller-coasters, as I do, this is really a fun one.  Partnered with someone who loves coasters equally, of course.  ;)  

I'm still holding out hope that I will have a riding buddy between these two one day.

One day.