Time flies when you're having fun with your family

Wow.

Time to recap a great summer.

The first week of June was spent on vacation -- most of which was spent at home except for a great day at Holiday World.

This time around Rams, Jazz, Kade and I hit the amusement park for a day of water and rides.

Rams and I were able to take the Pilgrim's Plunge together. We rode in the front with our hands up. What a thrill as we flew down the world's tallest water ride.

The Holiday World Web site describes the ride as, a classic "shoot the chute" ride which utilizes an open-air elevator to lift boats filled with riders 135 feet in the air. The boats pause briefly and then rapidly descend a record 131 feet at a 45-degree angle, creating a big splash.

And, yes we got wet! We tried to get Kade and Jazz on the ride but they declined. Maybe, next time.

Our day at the amusement park was also spent at Splashin' Safari.

Jazz's favorite spot is Monsoon Lagoon -- which he refers to as 'The Cup' due to the huge tipping bucket that gets everything in its path drenched.

Ram's fave spot at Splashin' Safari is the Bahari wave pool -- which is a huge family wave pool that features geysers, sprays, and jets.

In the middle of our day, Mother Nature dropped a bomb -- thunderstorm that is. As folks departed the park left and right, we stayed dry under an awning and waited the rain out.

We won in the end and practically had the park to ourselves. There's not much better than short lines at an amusement park!

In July, the boys and I headed back to Holiday World with my dad and niece, Lex.

Again we had a wonderful time. This time around I rode the Voyage with Rams while Lex and Jazz hung out with their Papa.

The weather was great this time around.

But, we didn't get to hit the Pilgrim's Plunge because it was closed for maintenance. (And poor Lex really wanted to ride it.) Oh well ... there's always next time ...

Which takes me to the summer of 2010.

Who can believe that? The summer of 2010!

Wildebeest, the world's longest water coaster, will open May 14, 2010, at Splashin' Safari.

I've never rode on a water coaster ... but one thing's for sure ... it's on the to-ride list.

According to www.holidayworld.com, the Wildebeest is one-third of a mile long and it will thrill riders for two-and-a-half splashing minutes of hills, drops, twists and turns.

Sounds like a ride for me.

Until then, enjoy the next season and remember ...

Life is what happens, while you are busy making plans. -- John Lennon.