This year we decided to skip the party and take a trip to Winterfest at Carowinds to celebrate Rayden's 8th Birthday. We kept it a secret from him. That Friday, Rayden and I left school early. That was his first clue that something was going on. When he saw us loading suitcases into the van, he knew we were going somewhere to spend the night. He loves a hotel so that would have been surprise enough for him. When Nanny, Papa and Alex all loaded into the van his little mind was BLOWN! He talked the entire ride to Charlotte, trying his best to talk someone into telling him where we were going and what we were doing. We were lucky enough to get adjoining rooms at a hotel right on Carowinds property. The next day we had planned to attend the Fun Run before Carowinds opened for Winterfest, but it was raining. After breakfast at the hotel, Alex and I took Rayden to get our t-shirts and an impromptu trip to Cabella's to see Santa and pick up a pair of Crocs for Michael.
Rayden is a new member of "A Kid Again", an organization that foster's hope, happiness, and healing for children with life-threatening conditions and their families. They provided tickets for us to attend Carowinds Saturday night. The park was only open to A Kid Again families from 3:00-5:00 before it opened to the public. It felt like we were there with only 300 people. Rayden was able to enjoy quite a few rides before the flood gates opened (pirate ships, roller coaster, mud buggies, bus, and jeep trail blazers.) He wanted Alex to ride with him on every one (no surprise). I think his favorite ride was the front seat of the Scooby-doo roller coaster. He joined along with the drummer boys show and thoroughly enjoyed the parade. We were able to see Santa twice, and take lots of pictures. Santa seemed confused when Rayden asked for a "half-kickin' shotgun". Rayden didn't miss a beat explaining.
We all enjoyed watching the pure joy in his eyes, the sparkle of excitement in his voice, and hearing his sweet laughter. It's true what they say...seeing the world through the eyes of a child is the purest joy anyone can experience.
When we got back to the hotel around 11, Rayden made the most precious comment. "I love you, and really appreciate all y'all have done for me this weekend." I have never heard him say anything like that before. My eyes filled with tears knowing that no one told him to say that, he genuinely enjoyed and appreciated it. 💖
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