Today as a special treat, the grandparents (Gram, Pop Pop, and Grandpa) are taking Ian, Alli, and their cousin. My kids were excited when I told them where they were going. Ian especially was excited to meet Santa.
In operation since 1956, the North Pole has been around for over 60 years! I remember my parents taking me and my brothers here years and years ago. Now I was really excited to see my parents taking my kids back to that same park.
Before they left, I told Ian one of my favorites was the giant peppermint slide. You grab a burlap sack, climb 4 stories, and slide your way down.
Turns out it ended up being one of Ian's favorite rides of the day too. My dad said at one point, he went 6 times in a row, sliding down then sprinting up the stairs to have another go.
The rides here at the North Pole are fairly basic, but the kids couldn't care less. With height requirements that are between 32" and 42", Ian and Alli were able to ride just about everything.
No surprise that she found the pink and purple one.
Ian and Alli's Uncle Patrick on that same ride, circa 1993.
Having a great time!
Even better than Autopia back at Disneyland since he can drive all by himself!
Ian's daddy Joe driving a similar car back in 1984.
Hi Gram!
I would have been around 5 or 6 when my parents brought me here, and I remember loving the Tilt-a-Whirl. It was an early introduction to some of the wildness of the roller coasters I'd end up loving later.
So it was no surprise that my roller coaster loving little boy also had a great time riding the Tilt-a-Whirl.
Alli loves her horses. Add some bells that you can jingle and you've got a winner of a ride.
Their Uncle Jon and their daddy riding the same ride, around 1984.
Their cousin isn't tall enough just yet, but she will be soon enough.
And all those years ago, there were even real ponies you could ride!
When you're visiting the North Pole, you have to make time to visit the big man himself.
Ian and Alli were super excited and ran up to see Santa. He said it made his day seeing how excited they were.
When Santa asked them what they'd like for Christmas, Alli wanted "candy and a present" which Santa agreed he could do. Ian, always the creative one, asked for "candy and a statue of me" which Santa took be a statue of Ian made of candy. That one might be a little more difficult. Santa was really great with both kids and they certainly enjoyed seeing him.
Their cousin... not so much. She'll get there eventually.
After the visit with Santa, a ride on the railroad was in order.
Then a ride on the carrousel.
The two girls are headed home early to get a nap. Ian and Pop Pop stayed a little longer to keep going on rides.
For the Dive Bombers, Ian let other kids go in front of him, just so he could be the first in line on the next ride in order to get this American Flag bomber.
The lines here have been really good. Usually for rides like this, you had to only wait for one cycle and then it was your turn to ride.
Seeing these rides again makes me smile. I remember having a lot of fun on them all those years ago.
Their Uncle Jon and Uncle Patrick riding in 1993.
Uncle Patrick in 1993. I see they've all had a flashy paint job since this picture was taken.
I love how so many things are Christmas themed.
Getting a picture on Santa's sleigh.
And touching the North Pole which is actually frozen!
Ian and Alli both loved their visit to the North Pole! Thanks Gram and Pop Pop!
It was indeed a good day. Loved the pics and commentary. And pictures of you and your brothers growing up.
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