Fun Land

right next door to the zoo is a very mini amusement park called Fun Land.
basically it's a few carnival-type rides for little kids that at first glance looks pretty rundown but is perfect entertainment size for little kids who aren't quite observant yet. :)

there was absolutely no one else there so a ride attendant just followed us around to each ride we wanted to go on. i wondered what the point even was of having to give them tickets when we already paid for them anyways but she would lead us to the ride then patiently wait for me to tear off my one ticket before Elijah got on.

but really Elijah loooooooved it!!
{despite his face in that last picture...}

he kept asking to go again and again and again, even though he was pretty nervous and scared on the bigger rides. he loved driving the cars and would tell me "go left! go right!" during the ride. and he especially loved the train tunnel and carousel.

something that i really appreciated on this family trip was being able to not feel rushed through our days and really enjoy seeing life through the wide, curious eyes of a child.
so many things that i know i take for granted or have pushed down in the dark recesses of my memories have come back to life and full fruition when i see Elijah enjoy all the small wonders around him.
simple rides like bumpy antique cars or seeing turtles & fish in a small pond can bring the biggest smile to his little face.

it is my absolute favorite part of being a parent.

that Elijah... he really just makes every experience exponentially better.