She can withstand the fear of a 60 foot drop but needs her night light

Last weekend we went camping and then spent a day at Dollywood theme park.

We (oh wait...not "we" but rather Russ) had made the mistake of telling Analayne all the fun details about our weekend about 2 weeks prior and that began the spiral downward toward the official Lackey summer time kick-off. I say "downward" because for nearly two weeks I (the official care-giver, boo-boo kisser, lunch creator, teacher and entertainment guru...(also known as Analayne's mamma)had to endure several full blown emotional break-downs involving Analayne's spirited verbal desire to go camping and ride the rides.

Well, finally the weekend arrived and we took off on our adventure. Its a good thing Analayne has about as much energy as a hamster running on its wheel. She is full of life, is always ready for the "next big thing" and has virtually no fear for a child her age. Russ took her on a ride that shoots up 60 feet in the air and then falls down and shoots you back up again. Please note: Analayne wanted to go on this ride and was not forced. Anyway, as her mamma I stood on the ground watching my precious 37 inch tall almost 3 year old baby get on this ride with her manly daddy and I was squeamish. I even told the ride operator to watch the cute little girl with the green bow because I was scared she would fear for her life. I felt a little stupid later after she never so much as let out a peep! However, I can't say that she enjoyed this ride to its fullest potential because she never cracked a smile and the look on her face was one of confusion interspersed with brief moments of panic.

Since our trip she has been talking about all the rides and the experience of sleeping in our camper. She mentions the round and round tea cups, the bee ride, the ducks, the elephants, the train and the ferris wheel. However, not so much as one word has been mentioned about the shooting star ride. Since she has become quite the verbal girl who enjoys giving full reports about EVERYTHING, I have been a little shocked that she has not even said a word about the experience. I believe psychologically she is trying to oppress that memory. ME TOO!