Christmas Eve in the Dark Continent

One of our favorite things about living in Tampa is Busch Gardens. We got passes last year and now it is our favorite "free" activity. I take Zoie and Tobin during the week to see the animals and ride the kiddie rides. When Lance and I get a chance to go alone, we hit all the roller coasters.

This year we spent Christmas Eve day there. It was kinda surreal. If it weren't for the Christmas music being pumped through the park, it would not have felt like Christmas Eve at all. But we had the best time.

We were able to spend more time than usual in the kiddie land and Zoie "bravely" rode many rides. She also sat on Santa's lap and asked him for a horse (of course he obliged-- see Christmas post). Tobin loves being around people. He spent the day staring at the animals and the crowds.

Highlights:

Lance looking bored on the lamest kiddie ride ever

Zoie talking Santa's ear off

Lance talking Zoie into "tweaking" the gorilla statue's nipple

Zoie waving to bystanders as she rode the carousel alone-- as if they were all there to see her

It was such a fun day. The weather was perfect. As long as we are in Tampa, I'd like to make Christmas Eve at Busch Gardens a tradition.