We went to Santa Monica Pier after passing by it last week. It was a major hit! After learning that Delaney loves arcade-type places, we were hoping she would have fun and we all did.

Delaney and I got the passes for rides, because most were too big for Owen. Delaney wanted to go on the roller coaster really badly – the height requirement was 42 inches and she’s about 41 with no shoes. Her hair was up in a half pony and with her jellies on, she was ALMOST there so we braved the line and went for it. She was so brave as it’s a pretty major rollercoaster for a little kid and she was so excited to ride with me – since she knows I love rides. When we boarded, they made her get off to double check her height and she didn’t pass — I was prepared for her to be very sad and upset because we broke the rules but she handled it well and was bummed, but didn’t freak out at all. We did all the other rides — her favorites were the spinning shark, the tall drop (so so high!), and this crazy whipper thing that I forget the name of but it was soooooo fast and made us really dizzy. I love her love for rides!

While we rode the rides, Owen pointed in amazement at the “choo choo!!!” meaning the roller coaster and was in awe every single time it passed. We did the ferris wheel as a family and if you’re wondering, there is absolutely NO SAFETY NET of any kind deterring people (ahem, babies like Owen) from trying to jump out and I have never been so scared. Jordan held onto him with a death grip and we made it back.

We found dinner at a little place there and the kids were doing great so we went back in for some arcade games and Owen rode all of the $1 cars/mini-carousel things and loved them. We naturally finished off the night with churros for everyone – and the kids were so happy. On the way home, it was the first time Delaney addressed being homesick from Boston – which made us sad, but happy that she loves our life in Boston too.