Aiden, the rollercoaster, and the escalator

While at the Mall of America on our mini vacation, Aiden asked to go on a rollercoaster. A rollercoaster called the RIPSAW!!! He was tall enough to go on the RIPSAW with an adult and Josh thought it was an okay idea. I was dubious, worried, and ready to say "No, absolutely not!" He is just 4! The rollercoaster is named the RIPSAW for goodness sakes! I was envisioning a crying, screaming Aiden as they took the curves super fast, and went down the big hill. I was envisioning Josh coming off the rollercoaster holding a traumatized Aiden, who was screaming for his Mommy.

Aiden, however, was very adamant about wanting to try out this rollercoaster. I insisted that he watch the rollercoaster take a ride before making a decision. After watching it go up the big hill, take the twists and turns at what seemed like the speed of light to a very nervous Mommy, Aiden was still adamant about wanting to go on the RIPSAW. In fact, I was seeing mutiny and tantrums in the very near future if I dared say no. Josh just smiled and looked like the fun, loose, and easygoing parent as he tried to persuade me, and then as he said, "We'll do whatever you want." So after deliberation and much pleading by Aiden, I consented, but not before issuing a warning to Josh that said if this turns out bad, it was his fault! :)



Kiera and I paced and nervously waited as they got on the ominous looking rollercoaster, got strapped in, and started their ascent for this much anticipated rollercoaster ride. I tried to keep track of them, tried to listen for my screaming child, but wasn't successful at doing either. So instead, Kiera and I waited at the exit. I was anxiously scanned the crowd for Josh and what I imagined would be my traumatized son as soon as people started exiting the ride. However, I was slightly surprised to see Aiden walking on his own, and running up to me with a little grin. Aiden said he had a lot of fun. When I asked him if he was scared at all, he said, "Only a little Mom, when we went down the hill." Hmph. I guess I didn't need to worry after all!

After we took in a couple more rides, we did a little shopping and then decided on supper. Aiden, having been at the Mall all afternoon, and having ridden on various escalators,(as well as braved a rollercoaster), decided that he didn't need to hold my hand as we made the descent. When it was our turn to step on the escalator, Aiden hesitated as he stepped, attempted to go backwards to start over, and got tripped up. He ended up on his bottom and I was already almost halfway down. Josh was right behind him holding Kiera and immediately hoisted him up, so I wasn't worried, but obviously Aiden was. He instantly started crying and screaming "Mommy!" the entire way down. When he got off at the bottom, he made a beeline to me, wanting comfort. He clung to my hand as we walked down to the restaurant. He continued to sniffle. Such a scene that I was trying hard not to laugh about!

So, I guess my kid is brave enough to tackle a rollercoaster, but escalators? That is a different story! I was all worked up and worried over the wrong ride! :) And you know, during the rest of our vacation, if we encountered an escalator, he immediately grabbed a hand, no questions asked!