Mile High Hamiltons: Washington Weekend Part 2

HALT! If you are joining this post and have not seen Washington Weekend Part 1, search it out and read it first.

After we all participated in the Garner Tie Dye Party, Keith and I loaded up three handsome Garner grand kids and headed off to Spokane for an afternoon of fun in the sun. Yes, we finally had sunshine and warm enough weather for shorts.

For proof, Oliver, Kellan, Rio with two car seats and a booster seat really did fit in the back of on full size rental car.

We took the boys to Riverfront Park and spoiled them (nearly) rotten. The rides and attractions at the park are highly over-priced, but what fun would it be to go to the park and not spend an insane amount of money on a few rides.

The boys were big fans of the jump slide/castle. They were the only ones in the "ride" and they went in the exit and jumped around a bit before going out the exit and back in the entrance so they could go down the slide. For a while, this is all I saw.

Then, Rio emerged with a big smile.

Then, they came out the exit, went in the entrance and came back out the entrance. Just inside the entrance was a big wall to climb up to the top of the slide. It was a bit intimidating but they eventually got over it.

The first ride Oliver had seen was the ferris wheel. After much negotiating, he still wanted to ride it so he climbed on board with Keith and Rio.

The ferris wheel was a HUGE hit. Every

time they came around they yelled out a new message for Mom / Aunt Carrie.

Kellan didn't meet any of the height requirements so he enjoyed the rides from his own personal ride.

Rio really wanted to fly the airplanes. He loved them and we loved watching him. He could move them up and down and at one point he had it shaking so much we thought he might crash the airplane right there in Riverfront Park. Luckily, the ride was quality tested for kids like Rio who wanted to give the airplane a run for his money.

After those rides we topped off our ride spree with a spin on the carousel. Here is a nice write up about the carrousel from the official website of Riverfront Park:

The City of Spokane’s Park and Recreation Department’s 1909 Looff Carrousel proudly celebrated its Centennial in 2009. This magnificent carrousel has been in the City of Spokane since it first began operation which is significant for both the city and this carrousel. The 54 horses, 1 giraffe, 1 tiger and 2 chariot benches are all original and have woven themselves into the fabric of our community. With over 300,000 riders a year, the carrousel is undoubtedly the most popular attraction in Spokane.

ABOUT THE RIVERFRONT PARK LOOFF CARROUSEL & GIFT SHOP

Charles Looff, a master craftsman, created the Carrousel as a wedding gift for his daughter Emma. On July 18, 1909, Riverfront Park’s cherished Looff Carrousel began operation in Natatorium Park, an amusement park on the bank of the Spokane River on the west side of Spokane. After entertaining many generations of children and families, “The Nat” closed its doors for good in 1967 and the Carrousel was put in storage. In the early 1970s a plan was discussed to bring the Carrousel out of storage to display it during Expo 74. But, concerned that the crowds could damage the hand-carved Carrousel, it remained in storage for one more year and made its debut in Riverfront Park in 1975 in a building that had been constructed for Expo. Fortunately for the City’s residents and visitors alike, the Carrousel has remained in Spokane all these years and to date all, of the Carrousel’s original figures are still making their rounds, and they look as good (or maybe even better) today as they did in 1909.

During our visit to Riverfront Park, my friend Krista and her son Connor joined us as well. We were late getting to Spokane so we didn't get to spend as much time with them as I was hoping. Krista and I have known each other since Kindergarten and we were best of friends in high school.

Oliver, Rio and Connor giving each other knuckles good-bye. Poor Connor, it was past his nap time and he wasn't in the mood to meet and greet any new people. He was quick to give out knuckles though. Maybe next time we'll make it before nap time so the boys can all play together more.

After Krista and Connor left we headed over for some ice cream. YUMMY!!

Kellan gets a little lick of ice cream.

Uncle Keith was talking to Rio and he thought the expressions he was getting from his nephew were quite funny so I took a couple of photos.

Something tells me that Rio isn't quite buying what Uncle Keith was throwing down.

Whatever it was, Kellan thought it was hilarious. Oh ya... Keith was telling Rio that little brothers were great. This was while Kellan was crawling all over the picnic table trying to grab everyones ice cream and napkins. Ok, maybe Rio was thinking little brothers are just a whole lot of work.

After ice cream the boys had a choice between a ride on the train or a balloon. They opted for a balloon.

A balloon sword, that is!

A trip to Riverfront Park wouldn't be complete without a slide down the wagon.

Keith taking a turn.

Rio going down with a wave.

Calm and Cool Oliver taking a turn.

Of course, a trip to Grandma's house wouldn't be complete without major amounts of spoiling.

Here is Oliver with his new Spider Man 3-D puzzle.

Ta-Da... Oliver's SEVEN tie dye shirts!! I have no idea how he ended up with seven in his size. Since he doesn't need one for every day of the week, he picked his favorites to bring home, one for Kellan and one for his buddy Charlie.