Florida in August: Night at Busch Gardens

My dear friend Lauren, who lived up in our area for many years and is Ella’s beloved Godmother, now lives in Tampa and works for Busch Gardens.  We were lucky enough to not only have the chance to hang out with Lauren and her family while we were down in Florida in August, but also spend that time having a fun night together at Busch Gardens—thanks, Lauren, for getting us in!  Such a memorable night.  The kids loved every ride, and luckily Lauren was happy to take them on any and every ride—a few made me ill just to watch.  Outside of just having a great opportunity to hang out with Lauren and her lovely family, the best part was the how the bond between Ella and Lauren was made even stronger.  Busch Gardens has a rollercoaster with a 360-degree loop that only has a 42-inch height requirement.  This ride, The Scorpion, has apparently been a staple at Busch Gardens for decades.  It was the very first full-loop rollercoaster that Lauren ever went on, and she did so at age 8.  That night in August, Lauren took Ella, age 8, on her first 360-degree loop rollercoaster of The Scorpion.  Ella loved to share that milestone with Lauren.  Jack, Zoe, and me actually went on The Scorpion, too, and it was no joke, lots of twists and turns and a big drop, on top of the big loop.  Needless to say, my kids wanted to go on it again and again.  My little thrill seekers had a blast riding every ride we could get in before the gates closed.  It was a very special night, lots of fun and so fun to be with Lauren and her fam—thanks, Lauren! 


{after dinner and before rides, we checked out the animals at busch gardens.  this hippo was literally hopping and swimming back and forth in her tank.  never seen such an active hippo.}


{lauren’s daughter zoe.}









{lauren’s son reese, who snoozed most of the night.}