Safari Day

Last Saturday was a very long and full day. Last year we took the kids to the Youth Safari Day out in Corona and they got to do a ton of stuff. This year was no exception. We left earlier to get to Corona than we did last year because we knew what to expect and we wanted as much time to do everything. This year we did the kayaking first because everyone wants to do that and we wanted the line to be short. I went in the kayak with Mason and Amanda and Robert stayed on shore with Rainer. Rainer probably could have done it, but Robert wasn't too keen on the idea of having him out on the water. The kids did a really good job paddling and we were even able to steer our way around the weeds and the other kayakers.

We love to watch the BMX bike stunts and even Rainer was wowed by what he saw.

Amanda did just about everything--archery, paint ball, pistol and rifle shooting, virtual reality, and the rock climbing wall. Mason was much more selective about what he would do. He really enjoyed the rifle shooting and was able to shoot almost all of the targets at the different distances. (He really enjoys the airsoft gun that we got in the raffle last year, especially because he doesn't have to wait in any lines to use it.) Rainer really enjoyed the sensory safari because he was able to touch all the animals--he especially loved the lion.

It was much hotter this year than last year and although I brought water for us all, I'm planning on bringing more next year. In addition to drinking a bunch of water during the day, Mason and Amanda also got soaked with the hose. Mason didn't wear a hat, but Amanda would get her hat wet and then she would share it with Rainer.

During lunch, one little boy passed out from the heat and had to be taken away. He just happened to be sitting in front of us at the table and that really freaked out Amanda. She was then convinced that she was going to get heat stroke and she wanted to go home. I reassured her that she would be OK and pointed out all of the things she was doing to stay hydrated and cool. She calmed down and was able to enjoy the rest of the day. (The little boy ended up being OK.)

After a very long day, we then stayed to see if we would have any luck with the raffle this year too. About ten minutes before it started, a family decided to leave and gave us their three tickets. That doubled our chances to win something. I can't tell you how many times we were only one number off from winning. But this year luck was not with us, but we still had fun.

We then rushed to Brea. We all took a shower at my dad's and got dressed and ready to go to my nephew, Ryan's, baptism. The amazing thing was...five of us showered and got ready in a little under an hour. How often does that happen? =)

After Ryan's baptism, we then went over to Craig and Connie's and had pizza and ice cream and a little party. Ryan and Sam let Mason and Amanda use some of their clothes as bathing suits (because I wasn't thinking and had completely forgotten them) and the kids swam until 10:30 that night.

Needless to say, we were all pretty tired the next day and were very happy that church starts at 12:30!