Spring Valley Beach

On Monday June 21st, Savannah, Kat and I introduced Colton to one of our favorite summer destinations......the Spring Valley Beach water park in Blountsville, AL.  We were saddened that a member of our posse (Meggie) wasn't able to join our most recent adventure due to work, but otherwise, we had a wonderful time trying to beat the heat at the water park.  And trust me, IT WAS HOT!!!!

Upon parking and unloading the car, we immediately applied the 70 SPF sunscreen I had packed.....with the exception of Savannah (she had an amazing dark tan after being in Gulf Shores the prior week).  At 10:30am with temps already in the 90's, we wasted no time as the water was beckoning.  We ventured throughout the entire area of the 4 acre pool, playing in the kid's area, jumping off the pier, and sliding down the multitude of slides in the pool.  Our first visit to the big water slides was highlighted by Spring Valley Beach's biggest thrill, the Sidewinder, which sits atop a lofty four-story tower.  Savannah and Kat rode tandem, as did Colton and I.  After seeing his sisters vanish over the spine-tingling free fall, Colton had immediate second thoughts about this slide.  The Sidewinder is shaped somewhat like an acute U, so just when you think the worst is over, the Sidewinder reminds you of where it gets its name from, whipping riders back and forth.  As I sat Colton on my lap for our free fall over the edge, he grasped the handles of the tube and we were off!  Rapidly descending over edge, Colton became instantly rigid with fear to the extent that I believe I felt every muscle in his little frame contract at once!  Savannah and Kat described the look on his face as "shear terror".  At the bottom of the ride, Colton said, "My not wanna do dat NO MORE!"  Regrettably, I laughed hysterically.

Our only break from the water came at lunch.  I broke out my little portable grill and prepared some grilled hot dogs for lunch.  As you can see from the photo, Colton loves Dorito's (what a mess)!  Savannah and Kat enjoyed some Shaved Ice treats after lunch and we (Savannah excluded) reapplied the 70 SPF.  Back to the water.

After lunch, Colton wanted to go back to the Kid's area but it was temporarily closed due to an "incident".  We didn't ask what kind of incident, ignorance is bliss in this case.  I couldn't help but take a quick picture of Colton at the barrier wall upon realizing the Kid's area was closed, accurately documenting his displeasure (see left insert).  Once reopened, Savannah and Kat took him back for more fun.

As the day sped along, Kat and I sensed the heat of our skin increasing and repeatedly returned to our picnic area and reapplied the 70 SPF.  After approximately 7 hours of fun filled water adventure and our reddened shoulders and faces (as well as my reddened feet, stomach and back), Kat and I discovered that our valiant attempts to thwart sunburn had failed miserably, however, it would have been much worse had we not reapplied as often as we did.  Savannah escaped with only a slightly pink nose and cheeks and what seemed to be an even darker tan than when we arrived.  Colton wore a protective swim shirt and managed to avoid sunburn altogether.

Overall, it was a great day at the water park.  We left completely satisfied, as well as exhausted, and can't wait til our next visit.  What a great family water park!  Now, where's the ALOE VERA?!!!!