Top Thrills

July started with a trip to Ohio and a big thrill. On our second trip to Cedar Point amusement park we were joined by Louis and Zoe Sullivan-Blum and Liam's friend Ben. This was Zoe's first time on roller coasters, but Ben was an old hand--he'd been to several other amusement parks with us and is quite a daredevil.

The kids weren't the only ones who had fun. Nancy and Louise also went on a few rides. Their favorite was the Iron Dragon. Liam and Ben hit most of the major coasters, but Lucy and Zoe rode on more of the rides. When Zoe didn't want to ride one (and even sometimes when she did), Bill would join in the fun. Zoe's biggest challenge was the Millennium Force.

By far, though, the highlight of the day was the Top Thrill Dragster. We had admired it the last time we were at the park, but none of us was up to the challenge. This time, with Ben's encouragement, we took it on. We were on separate runs, so the picture only shows me and Lucy. Consider the stats:

Launch speed 120 mph in less than 4 seconds

Angle of hill 90 degrees

Vertical drop 400 feet

Ride length 17 seconds.

It is no longer the fastest and tallest coaster, having recently been passed by a similar ride in New Jersey, but it's close enough. Fortunately for you, other riders have videotaped their ride. Click here to see one.

Following this exciting day, Liam and Ben went to Uncle Jim's house to help cut trees into lumber. This may have been just as exciting for them in its own way--they got to drive a truckaround the property. Lucy and Zoe, meanwhile, went to Uncle Bob's house for a variety of fun family events. While the kids were all away, the parents relaxed in the silence.