Vacation 2010
by Steve West on August 12, 2010

We took a real vacation this year albeit the travel was not a great distance. We packed up and went to Williamsburg, Va. It's a three-pronged vacation place that includes Busch Gardens amusement park, Water Country, USA and Colonial Williamsburg itself. We had mixed reactions to the Busch Gardens leg although the fireworks display while on a boat cruise was a nice capper to the evening. Lauren and I only went on one monster coaster, the Alpengeist, and she had her eyes closed the whole time but we rode several smaller rides.
The water park was a huge hit. There's a "river" that you're able to float in with a current that carries you along for 1500 yards of fountains and various other splashy things. You put on a life vest and just float along for as many trips as you like with no waiting. The kids loved it. We did a few tubing/rafting/toboggan rides and saw a diving show.
The third leg was a tour of the city and museums and art galleries and other sites with an 18th century feel. All transportation was provided and meals were superb when we went to restaurants that had colonial menus. The kids insisted on pizza one night which really bummed me out but whattya gonna do. Lauren's favorite memory was getting a souvenir tricorn hat. My favorite was the expression on Olivia's face after our sixth trip around the river circuit and her joyfully signing to me "more".
Five Replies to Vacation 2010
Steve West | August 12, 2010
I got what's called a "bounce pass" for each of us which gives you full access to all three attractions for a full week. I didn't stop to see William and Mary stuff but saw things from the bus. Not enough time for everything, I'm afraid.
Jackie Mason | August 13, 2010
[hidden by author request]
Scott Hardie | August 15, 2010
Sounds like a good trip. It's been forever since I was there.
It's nice for a theme park "ride" to allow you to just stay on endlessly without the need to get back in line, because a lot of kids need to ride certain attractions many times.
I bet the founding fathers would have loved pizza. There would be mozzarella stains all over the declaration of independence. Ben Franklin would have taken all of that moderation talk back if he tried some stuffed crust meat lovers.
Amy Austin | August 15, 2010
Lol...
It's been forever since I was there, too. Especially since I've never been.
Web Junkie
Steve West scours the Web searching for interest or absurdity and then shakes his head ruefully when he finds it. Read more »

Oprah Is Immortal
I was talking to Brenda about weight recently - about how hers is creeping up and mine is creeping down. I ran across this article afterwards and showed it to her as a peace offering (man that skillet to the skull really hurts!) Thigh size has been connected to a predilection for heart disease. Go »
Worth Your Weight in Gold
Are you worth your weight in gold? Gold bullion is traded by the Troy ounce which is 1/12th of a Troy pound that is little used today. A Troy oz is 480 grains or 31.103 Go »
I Know His Name Was Bob (Thanks, Amy)
Prom pictures that are (to be blunt) not good. I think I come closest to number 3. Number 9 is definitely my parents. Go »
My Ball Got Whacked With Monkey Poo
I love miniature golf. Back in college, I spent many a drunken evening goofing off with friends, avoiding the last few pages of a term paper, or just getting the cheap thrill of pretending you're an athlete by getting your ball into Mickey Mouse's left eye to win a free game. Eat me, Arnold Palmer! Go »
Let's Hope The Dog Doesn't Like To Chew On Stuff
The baby's a little fussy - I know, let's give her Mom's ashes. Talk about a niche market. I expect some may find this adorable and clever, I just find it creepy. Go »
Jackie Mason | August 12, 2010
[hidden by author request]