Legoland

Declan can barely contain his joy.

Legoland Germany.  These two words have been enough to send Declan into kniptions of joyful anticipation for the last 6 mos. And they have been incredibly helpful from a parenting standpoint.  As in, "Don't worry about our long trip to Europe. We'll get to go to Legoland."  Or, "Stop beating on your brother or we won't get to go to Legoland in Germany." Or, "Do you really want to buy that plastic trivet for 25 pounds with your spending money?  Why don't you save it for our trip to Legoland?"  All of this parental guidance paid off yesterday when we finally got to go to the holy land. 

Tattoos for all the boys

Legoland, Germany is like "The Three Little Bears" fairy tale; it's not too big, it's not too small - it is just right.  The park is the perfect size.  It has rides that are just the right speed for ages 3 to 12.  It has tons of playgrounds so when the waiting in line for the ride gets to be too much you can break off with your 5 year old and let him get his ya yas out. There are small roller coasters, medium sized roller coasters and large roller coasters.  The food is your basic amusement park fare, but it's German so somehow it seems exotic.  There is very little gender specificity - boys and girls both like Legos - no princesses here. And the ubiquitous store at the exit is not full of stuffed animals and souvenirs that you'll never look at again once you leave, it is full of LEGOS!

Plus they have Lego mini world where they build cities and soccer stadiums and national monuments entirely out of Legos. Totally cool.

Largest building in the world made out of Legos - The soccer stadium in Munich

Cal in Hamburg - Lego style

Declan in Lego Berlin

We were split about what attraction we loved the most.  Declan liked the 45 minute driving lesson and the mini world.  Cal liked the water flume and the roller coaster.  I liked the pulley ride and pirate ships where you could shoot water cannons at total strangers as they coasted by.  Blake liked the roller coaster and water flume too.  A good time was had by all.  Clear blue sky, 65 degrees, the park wasn't too crowded.  It was all that Declan had anticipated and more.

Driving around Legoland