In everyone's life there are a number of milestones, the difference with me is most of the milestones involve CP, (starting back in 62 with my first visit, working at the park, meeting my wife at CP), and I am pleased to add another milestone to the list.
6-6-03 was the last day of school for the OTT Muchkins so Mrs. OTT and myself decided to surprise them with our FIRST (the weather has been that lousy this May) trip to CP. I have been anxiously awaiting this first trip not for another spin on TTD (I got to ride on media day--thanks Jeff), but because Andrew our 2nd grader-I mean 3rd grader hit 48 inches and can ride a real coaster.!(sorry, Woodstock Express, Iron Dragon et al just don't cut it)
Well off to CP we went, arriving around 3p.m. We managed a prime spot in the Soak City lot and went straight to MAGNUM. Having a wait of about 20 minutes, I wasn't sure if Andrew would go through with it as he got quieter and quieter as we approached the station. SIDENOTE: Our 6th grader-I mean 7th grader managed her first Magnum ride back in 99 (front seat!) We had wanted to do the same with Andrew but decided the wait wasn't worth it at this time.
So into seat 2-1 I jumped with my little man in tow:) Mrs. OTT and Hannah jumped in right behind us in 2-2 and even over the spiel I heard Mrs. OTT, "HOLD ON TO HIM. BE SURE HIS SEAT BELT IS TIGHT." Well people have asked on this board, "how long are the seat belts on fill-in-the-blank ride?" I can't tell you how long the belts are on Magnum but I know I pulled it as tight as possible.
We left the station and Andrew was quiet, I wasn't sure if he was in a trance or coma...Cresting the hill seemed to take forever! As the train plunged down the first drop, about half way down I hear a squeal of delight next to me and see Andrew's hands fly up in the air! Over the second hill through the tunnel and into the pretzel loop...As we headed back I kept telling Andrew "be ready to look left" (We have a tradition of buying the photo of the FIRST coaster ride in one's life-we wanted a good shot for Andrew's Wall!)
As we approached the camera, I yell to him look left...then through the last tunnel and into the brake run. WOW...Andrew was thrilled he had "conquered" (his words) the MAGNUM.
It was off to the photo stand for the purchase. The photo (which I'll share later) turned out great and is now on his wall.
The rest of the day we rode Mean Streak (loved it), Gemini (loved it), Blue Streak (twice -including the front seat once) (loved it). Andrew passed on MF, not because he is afraid, he says he can't wait to ride it,. He passed on Friday because the "line is too long" (it was about 45 minutes.) Talk about a kid being jaded;) Look for Andrew on MF on Father's Day during Joe Cool Time.
We wanted to stay for the Summer Spectacular which began Friday but the rain which had started around 9p.m. was getting heavier so we headed back to the Soak City Lot. As we passed Magnum the line (WHAT LINE) was a walk on! So Andrew and I hopped in as Mrs. OTT and Hannah waited. This time FRONT SEAT...He seemed to enjoy the ride even more the second time. And again I yelled LOOK LEFT at the camera spot, He did with a smile and HANDS UP. So I now have a new key chain.
Some people look forward to their children starting school , graduating, getting married etc. Not me, now that Andrew is "one of us", the next benchmark will be Hannah riding the Raptor (she is finally 54 inches tall this year).
Now if CP only sold a line of greeting cards to celebrate the occassion, all would be right with the world.
Experiencing CP through the eyes of a child has always been fun for Mrs. OTT and me. But when you ride coasters with your children for the first time, well that is special!
I need to go wipe my eyes.
OTT
*** This post was edited by Old Timer Tim 6/9/2003 4:08:12 PM ***
Already it has become bittersweet. My four year old is tall enough to ride the Camp Snoopy rides by herself, and no longer wants to ride with me. I guess they need to leave the nest sometime, but still...
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It's not war, famine, or pestilence; it's only downtime.
*** This post was edited by Brian Noble 6/9/2003 6:07:55 PM ***
:)
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'03 Magnum Crew * magnum count: 2318 * '03 count: 83 * www.dannyjphoto.com
i love the tradition you have started and if/when i have kids, can i borrow your idea??
"first ride" photos!! how cool...
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mela en coiamin Legolas...
it aint the size of the arrow, its what you do with the bow....
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This ain't no book you you can close, when the big light hits your eyes. Cropduster-Riot Act-Pearl Jam
At 17, he's still a fan of coasters and CP (in fact we are going on Thursday), but he's less interested in hanging with mom now. I'm proud of him and what he's become/accomplsihed, but sometimes I wish for that little boy who was so happy to ride all the coasters with mom.
Enjoy it while you can!
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I'd rather die living than live like I'm dead
http://www.webtechnik.com/ebony/CPLady.htm
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