It's kind of fun to do the impossible.

It's kind of fun to do the impossible.
Walt Disney

Today was probably THE most spectacular day as a GirlGuide we have ever had.

My Rainbow unit took part in a brilliant orchestrated day at Drayton Manor, along with 10,000 other GirlGuides from around England. The date has been set for about 2 years, but up until about 4 months ago, we were to be in Birmingham. They, for whatever reason, pulled out at the last minute. This is where major kudos goes to Drayton Manor who not only stepped in as host, but gave us a great discount and worked with the organizer to ensure the day was a very special day for all involved.

When we arrived at Drayton Manor, we participated in a very colorful parade as each county had their own color - we were Gold. The pictures found here just do not to it justice. It was amazing walking in the parade (ala Disney style) through the park. I know my girls walked with their heads held high and their back straights showcasing how proud they were to be members of the GirlGuides.

After things calmed down, we had a few hours to have fun at the park and rides. I am a wimp. I will go on the Waltzers with Charlotte at a Fun Fair, but I don't do scary rides. However, I wanted to ensure this day would be a day my girls remembered so agreed that as long as they qualified (via height restrictions), they could go on a scary ride... I would gladly hold their bags :-)

We had already been to the zoo, taken the train to the other section, had ice cream and went on the planes so it was now time for a scary ride. The Pirate Ship. Not the little kids Pirate Ship. This was the full adult version Pirate Ship. My co-leader Becky and Ella were already volunteered to be the one on the ship with the 5 Rainbows who qualified to go on it. Soon after being in line for 10 minutes, the fear kicked in .. but not with the girls - with Becky and Ella! I sort of insisted that they go, knowing it would be something they would remember for the rest of their lives. Let's just say I was glad I made them do it, but not at the time. Charlotte had to go by herself, but the Rangers (who we didn't know) took care of her. Ella had to get off as there wasn't enough room and Becky just worried herself sick with the remaining 4 girls.

About 20 minutes AFTER the ride ended, we were all happy they did it. But not at the time!

To settle our nerves, we took the girls on the ferris wheel (because Lord knows we're not ones for stopping). We managed to get into 3 separate wheels. As we crawled our way to the top - the rain and hail greeted us. Now at first we thought they would get us off - but we were wrong. Not only that, they made us STAY up top while the people at the bottom took their merry ol' time getting off. But again, it was laughter and giggles all around and a moment my girls probably will never forget.

Before leaving, we managed to squeeze in the Haunted House - even I was impressed with how much we managed to achieve today. The bus ride home was very quiet - with half of them falling asleep and the other half wishing they were asleep but with everyone proud to have taken part of the day as a GirlGuide.