We went to Busche Gardens yesterday. What a fun-filled day. I knew we were off to a good start when we manged to arrive right when the park was opening. They have a "Salute to Heroes" program where active duty military members and three dependents get into the park for free. When we were purchasing the additional three tickets the man at the ticket counter said first thing in the morning the computer often allowed more than the three free tickets so he gave us four. Very cool. Our admission would ordinarily have cost $385 even with Florida resident specials, but we got in for $105. We were all very grateful.

You couldn't have asked for nicer weather and the park was so empty we recognized most of the people by the end of the day. In fact, not only were there no lines, but the rides were running half full so if you wanted to go again the conductor just let you stay on. It sure was nice to see those little clocks that say "estimated wait for this attraction" set at 0 minutes instead of 90! Abe went on the Phoenix (like the Tidal Wave at Lagoon except you go all the way upside down) and was the only one on the ride. Everyone had as much fun as we could handle and sometimes a little more (I got stuck under the waterfall on Congo river rapids then walked around in sopping-wet jeans for the rest of the day). Sam emerged from the ride bone dry so he took my seat (I decided not to go again) and still didn't get wet, but oh...the third time was the charm...and the fourth and the fifth. We got ready this morning to the sound of tennis shoes in the dryer.





























The only down part of the day was when Nathan lost his Blackberry. He had transfered it to a different pocket to keep it dry on Stanley's log flume and then forgot to put it back and lost it on the next ride. After some searching and some praying we decided to move on with the day. When we checked one last time at the lost and found on the way out they told us it had been found stuck down in one of the ride seats. What a blessing. So the down part of the day turned into the highlight. We stayed until the last ride closed (boy I felt like a Jones again) and had no trouble finding the van (only one in our whole row). We arrived home still wet, very tired, and quite pleased with the day.
Now I've gone and run out of time. I have some great pictures of the Turkey-trot that I will try to remember to post soon.

Miriam