A Real Roller Coaster Ride

When did it happen? When did my baby become a little boy? I see him everyday, but I think sometimes I am not really seeing him. I am seeing the smaller, younger version. I don't give him enough credit for the person he has become.

This weekend we took a trip up to Knott's Berry Farm. Kyle's ship pulled in at Seal Beach for the weekend. On Saturday morning, I drove the kids up to visit. We had a great time in the hotel and then Sunday headed off to explore Camp Snoopy. Aaron was so excited to see the big playground!

He started off on the real kiddies rides, the airplanes, the cars, the train. Then we went by this little roller coaster. Daddy wanted him to try it. He just barely made it on, his head was right at the line. The sign on it was warning about pregnant moms, people with heart conditions, you know the spiel. But it was in Camp Snoopy. I REALLY didn't want Aaron to go on it. I thought it was going to spoil the entire day for him. I pictured him coming off in tears and saying no more rides. But Daddy insisted. So with a heart full of fear, I watched him and Daddy walk up the stairs.

Aaron came off of the ride with the biggest grin I have ever seen, then walked down to me and said "Did you see me Mommy?" I had seen him. He loved it. Even the fast downhills and the quick turns. Sometimes Daddy does know best. Maybe he is better at pushing Aaron.

As parents, we are always worrying about our children. I guess there comes a point when we have to take a step back and start letting them try even more. I remember the first time I let Aaron climb up one of those ladders at the playground. I stood right next to him the entire time with arms ready to catch him if he fell. Now, sometimes I don't even see him get to the top. I want to be right there waiting to catch him every time, but we all know that isn't possible.

So how do we find that balance? The balance of am I pushing him too much or not enough. I imagine that once I find the answer, there will be another question, another balance, another line.

Anyway, we had a great time. Aaron trick or treated and got a pirate costume. We got to go on all kinds of rides.

It was a great weekend.