Cedar Point

It was Friday, March 22, 2002. It was morning at Steve's household. Steve and Kevin were sitting down at the dining room table having breakfast before heading off to school.

Then Anna came into the dining room where they were eating to make a special announcement. "Guys, I have a big announcement to make.", said Anna. "I and your father have decided to purchase tickets for the whole family to go to Cedar Point.", said Anna.

"That's an awesome morning announcement mom! I've always wanted to go someplace outside of Michigan for a change.", said Kevin. "Can our friends come too, mom?", said Steve. "I don't know about that guys. That's more tickets to purchase which means more money to spend. I'll talk it over with Kevin Sr.", said Anna.

"How many of your friends do you wanna bring?", said Anna. "Just Nathan, Brad, Amanda, Ariana, and Jamal. That's five extra people.", said Steve. "When are we going?", said Kevin.

"Either tomorrow or next Saturday.", said Anna. "I'm going to hire the sitter to do some extra work on the weekend to watch over the dog while we're all gone.", said Anna. "Have a great day at school guys.", said Anna as she left the dining room.

***

Later that morning, Steve and Kevin were on the school bus. Steve was sitting next to me, and Kevin was sitting behind both of us. We were all on our way to school.

"So, my parents have decided to take the whole family to Cedar Point. I suggested to my mom to bring our friends along with us as well. So, are you interested in spending some time with us at Cedar Point either tomorrow or next Saturday?", said Steve. "Sure, why not?", I said. "What is Cedar Point by the way?", I said.

"It's an amusement park located in Sandusky, Ohio.", said Steve. "Ohio? Wow. That's far away. How far is it from the apartment complex?", I said. "Our parents said it's about a 2-hour drive last night.", said Steve.

"I hope that doesn't change your mind about going?", said Steve. "It doesn't change my mind in any way. I still wanna go.", I said. "Great!", said Steve.

***

It was the next morning. The whole family was having breakfast together. "Guys, me and your mother have decided to hold off the trip to Sandusky, OH until next Saturday.", said Kevin Sr.

"Man, that's a bummer. I was wanting to go today.", said Kevin. "Don't worry guys. We're going for sure next week.", said Anna. "Can we still bring our friends?", said Steve.

"Yes, they can all come with us.", said Kevin Sr. "Awesome! Oh, and Jamal wanted to bring his mom with him also.", said Steve. "Alright, tell Jamal she can come too, Steve.", said Anna.

"Alright, awesome!", said Steve. "I'm going to be ordering the tickets today.", said Kevin Sr. "Do you know all of what Cedar Point features?", said Kevin. "We're not sure. All we know is that there are a lot of fun things there to see and do. We'll find out when we get there.", said Anna.

And just like that, everything was about to be set up for the following Saturday. It was gonna be very fun and enjoyable for all of us when we got to Ohio. Then they all continued to enjoy their Saturday.

***

It was Saturday, March 30, 2002. It was morning and all of Steve's family were getting ready for their two-hour trip to Cedar Point. And so was me, my mom, and the rest of our friends.

All of Steve's family got up at six in the morning. And they all had to leave by 9 in the morning to get to Cedar Point at about 11 in the morning. The time to get up and go to school was seven in the morning, so this was a little earlier than what Steve and Kevin were used to.

When it was almost time to make the car trip to Cedar Point, Kevin Sr. started to rush the whole family. "Alright, c'mon people! Let's go! It's almost 9:00!", said Kevin Sr. as he was at the front door. Then all of Steve's family got ready in time and started heading out the door.

***

Two hours later, Steve's family finally arrived at Cedar Point. When they made it there, they ran into me and my mom who were transported to Cedar Point by a family member who also was visiting Cedar Point. "Hey, there's Jamal!", said Kevin.

Then I and my mom walked over to Steve's family. "Hey, Steve! "Hey, Steve's family!", I said. "Hey, Jamal!", said Steve.

"We're glad you and your mom were able to make it here without any trouble along the way.", said Steve. "Yeah, and it sure does feel quite different not being in Michigan.", I said. "Yeah, that's because we're in Michigan all the time every day.", said Steve.

"That sure explains it.", I said. "I wonder if our other friends were able to make it here without any trouble as well. They said they were gonna meet us at this exact location.", said Steve. "It must be bad traffic that they've run into. Either in Michigan or here in Ohio.", I said.

"Oh yeah, I forgot. Our friends said they couldn't make it. It slipped my mind.", said Steve. "Well, that's a real bummer.", I said. "Well, now that we're all here, what do all of you wanna do first?", said Kevin Sr.

"Well, I've wanted all of us to try out the all-you-can-eat-buffet first.", said Anna. "Great idea honey! Is that okay with you guys?", said Kevin Sr. "Sounds good to us!", said Kevin. "Great! So, that's gonna be the first thing we'll do!", said Kevin Sr.

Then Kevin Sr. opened up the brochure. "Looks like the all-you-can-eat buffet is only available to groups of 25-100 guests. And we only have 8 guests in total here in this group.", said Kevin Sr. "Oh, that's a real disappointment there.", said Kevin.

"Well, there's still a lot of other fun stuff we can do.", said Anna. "What kind of rides are featured here?", said Kevin. Then Kevin Sr. and Anna looked into the brochure once again.

"They've got a lot of fun family rides that we can all go together on as a family.", said Anna. "You guys wanna try the Sky Ride?", said Kevin Sr. "Sure.", said Steve. "Count us in as well.", I said.

"Alright, then it's settled. That's gonna be the first thing we all do today.", said Kevin Sr. And settled it was. The rides were already open, and we all proceeded to make our way there.

***

We finally made it over to the skyline. On this epic gondola journey, riders are leisurely lifted 92 feet in the air over a half mile and treated to 360-degree views of Cedar Point, Lake Erie, and the magnificently landscaped gardens below. And since the maximum weight was 680 lbs./cabin, Steve's parents got into their cabin. My mom got into a cabin with the rest of the kids that included me.

"Well, I hope nobody is scared of going on this ride.", said Anna. "I'm not scared at all. What about you Steve?", said Kevin. "I'm not scared either. What about you Jamal?", said Steve. "I might be a little scared.", I said.

"You shouldn't be Jamal. It's gonna be a lot of fun. Trust and believe me.", said Steve. Then the cabin arrived for Steve's parents. "Well, there goes our cabin.", said Anna. "You all let us know how much fun the ride was.", said Kevin Sr.

Then Steve's parents got into the cabin and went on the ride for the first time that day. Then our cabin was arriving. And it finally arrived.

It was gonna be me, my mom, Kevin, Steve, Cody, and Matthew in that cabin. That's six people in total in one cabin, and the cabin was big enough for all of us to fit in with no problems at all. Once it arrived, we all got in.

Then the ride started for us. We were being carried into the clouds on the Sky Ride. "Hey, this isn't a bad ride after all.", I said.

"You can see a lot of Cedar Point from up here too!", said Steve. "Yeah, it sure is a pretty interesting view from up here.", said Kevin. All six of us were enjoying the ride.

Meanwhile, Steve's parents were in a different cabin. "You can see a lot of the amusement park from way up here.", said Anna. "Yeah, I know.", said Kevin Sr.

"Are you enjoying this ride?", said Anna. "I am. Whoever came up with this idea for a ride must've been a genius or something.", said Kevin Sr. And we all continued to enjoy our shared experience on the Sky Line.

Then our shared experience on the Sky Line was over. Steve's parents were the ones to get off first. "Well, that sure was fun.", said Anna.

"The other cabin should be arriving shortly.", said Kevin Sr. Then we got off of our cabin, and met up with Steve's parents. "Well, that didn't turn out to be a bad ride after all.", I said.

"So, what should we all do next?", said Kevin Sr. "I say we split into groups. I'm pretty sure everybody wants different things to do around here.", said Anna. "Yeah, you're right.", said Kevin Sr.

"So that's what we'll do. Split up into groups.", said Kevin Sr. "We'll split up into two groups. Children and adults.", said Kevin Sr. "Kevin, Steve, Jamal, it'll be your job to watch over Cody and Matthew. Make sure they don't wander off and get lost or anything. You all got it?", said Anna.

"Got it, mom.", said Steve. "Don't worry mom! You can trust us with the little ones.", said Kevin. "I'll keep my eyes out as well Steve's mom.", I said.

"Great! In the meantime, it'll be me, my husband, and Jamal's mom in our group.", said Anna. "Alright, so now that that's settled, let's all split up.", said Kevin Sr. And that's what we did.

***

In the kids' group, we were just walking around trying to come up with what we should do first as a separate group. "So, anybody came up with what we should do first?", said Steve. "I've been wanting to go on any thrill rides or scary rides myself.", said Kevin.

"That sounds like a pretty good idea Kev.", said Steve. "What do you wanna do Jamal?", said Steve. "I'm interested in going on any of the water slides.", I said.

"Well, if we're going to be doing anything, at least one of us has to stay and watch Cody and Matthew. We told our parents we were gonna make sure that they were safe.", said Steve. "So, how about this? Any of the two older children enjoy what this place has to offer while one of the older children stays with the two younger children throughout the time we're all together here as a separate group.", said Kevin. "Great thinking Kev.", said Steve.

"But who's gonna be the one to watch Cody and Matthew.", I said. "I will. But that might change at any time.", said Steve. "Alright, so I guess it's just you and me Jamal.", said Kevin.

"What do you wanna do Kevin. You're the older one, so I'm giving you the first choice.", I said. "That's my first choice.", said Kevin as he was pointing over to a scary rollercoaster ride he just saw. "Heavy Metal?", I said as I read the title of the riding Kevin was pointing at.

"That's what I wanna do. Let's go!", said Kevin as he walked toward that ride. "Catch you later Steve.", I said as I followed Kevin. Then Steve waved goodbye as he saw both of us make our way to Heavy Metal.

Heavy Metal was a scary rollercoaster ride that played heavy metal music as you rode it. And this ride was no joke at all. You could tell by looking at the other people who were riding it that day.

We then arrived at the Heavy Metal rollercoaster. We were both awaiting our turn to ride the rollercoaster. Then it was finally our time to get on the rollercoaster ride.

I and Kevin hopped onto the ride. "Are you sure this is a good idea, Kevin? This ride might give me nightmares tonight.", I said. "Don't worry. This ride should be a lot of fun. So, if you do have any nightmares tonight, they'll be fun nightmares.", said Kevin.

Then the ride started. It started real slow and casual. And instead of playing heavy metal, it played smooth jazz.

"Hey! Where's the heavy metal?!", said Kevin. "This is not what I signed up for.", said Kevin. "I guess the ride should be called Smooth Jazz instead.", I said.

Then the ride progressed. "What do you think all of our other friends back in Michigan are doing?", said Kevin. "Probably playing video games, watching TV, the usual.", I said.

Then when the ride got to a certain point, it speeded up and started playing heavy metal. The music that was playing was "Holy Wars...The Punishment Due" by Megadeth. We were speechless because we were going so fast, and was amazed by the experience.

And as the ride was going on, it had a lot of unique twists and turns. We were experiencing them on this very extreme ride. Kevin was overwhelmed but was pleased with the ride overall.

Then after a while, the ride ended. We got off the ride. We just stood there amazed and speechless for a moment.

Then one of us finally said something. "Wow, that was amazing!", said Kevin. "If I could give this ride five stars, I definitely would.", said Kevin. "What did you think of the ride, Jamal?", said Kevin.

Then I ran over to the nearest garbage can and puked like there was no tomorrow. Then after I finished vomiting, I walked back to Kevin. "That's what I think of it, Kevin. Nonetheless, I enjoyed it too.", I said.

"I'm glad to hear that. Now let's see what else this park offers.", said Kevin. "Alright.", I said. And then we went on and roamed other parts of the amusement park.

***

Meanwhile, Steve was watching over his two younger brothers. They were also walking around the amusement park. "Alright guys, you see any rides you wanna get on around here?", said Steve.

"That one.", said Cody as he was pointing at one of the rides. "Space Age? Alright, you two can go on that ride.", said Steve. "C' mon and follow me.", said Steve.

Then all three of them went over to Space Age. They arrived at Space Age. Space Age was a space-related ride for kids who were for kids that were less than 54 inches tall.

Cody and Matthew were well below that height to be eligible to be on that ride. They stood there and waited for a while before it was Cody and Matthew's turn to get on the ride. And then it was finally both of their turns.

It was a kiddie circular ride with spaceship ride units. Cody got on one of the units, and so did Matthew soon after. Then they were both tightly secured by an individual seatbelt by one of the employees at the amusement park.

Then the ride started for both of them. And Steve wasn't on the ride. He stood there and observed both Cody and Matthew on the ride. He was watching over them both just as he was told to do so by his parents.

As the ride was progressing, Cody and Matthew were having a good time. And they were enjoying the ride as well. They were both in separate units.

And then when that ride concluded, Cody and Matthew both got off the ride. And Steve walked towards them. "So, did you both enjoy that ride?", said Steve.

Then Cody and Matthew both nodded their heads to signify that they did enjoy that ride. "That's awesome to hear!", said Steve. "Now let's see what else Cedar Point has to offer around here.", said Steve. Then all three of them continued to explore Cedar Point.

***

Meanwhile, our other friends were enjoying their Saturday back in Detroit. The only difference was that we weren't there this time. Nathan, Brad, Amanda, and Ariana were all hanging out at the nearby playground down the street from the apartment complex where I and Steve lived at the time.

"I wonder what Steve, Kevin, and Jamal are doing at Cedar Point.", said Brad. "Who knows? I bet they're having a lot of fun down in Ohio.", said Nathan. "When are they coming back to Michigan?", said, Ariana.

"I think they said they were coming back tonight.", said Amanda. "They said they wanted to make it back to Detroit just in time to start celebrating Easter Sunday tomorrow.", said Amanda. "Oh yeah, that's right! I forgot that's what they said.", said, Ariana.

"It's too bad we couldn't get to go.", said Nathan. "Maybe we might end going with them to Cedar Point sometime this summer.", said Brad. And in the meantime, our other friends continued to enjoy the rest of their Saturday back in Detroit, Michigan.

***

At Cedar Point, I and Kevin continued to explore Cedar Point. And so did Steve, Cody, and Matthew. Then we all ended up running into each other by accident.

"Oh, hey there guys! You having fun so far?", said Steve. "Yeah, we sure are!", said Kevin. "That Heavy Metal ride made me vomit.", I said.

"That's nice to hear.", said Steve. "Hey, do one of you guys wanna take over the duties of watching over Cody and Matthew?", I said. "Sure, I'll take over for you Steve.", I said.

"Great! Thanks, buddy. I appreciate it.", said Steve. "Hey, no problem man.", I said. Then I walked over to Cody and Matthew, and Steve walked over to Kevin.

"Well, it looks like it's you and me brother!", said Steve. "Looks like it is. Let's rock n' roll bro!", said Kevin. "Catch you later guys.", I said. "See ya.", they both said as they were walking away.

"Come on you guys. Let's continue our fun today.", I said. And then we also continued enjoying our stay at Cedar Point. And Easter Sunday was the very next day, so we all wanted to get back home just in time to celebrate Easter.

***

A few moments later, Steve and Kevin were at the Heavy Metal rollercoaster ride. "Hey, what are the chances that this ride will make me puke just as hard as Jamal did?", said Steve. "I'd say the chances are pretty good. You'll love this ride, Steve. It'll be an awesome experience.", said Kevin.

"Well, as long as I love it, I don't mind puking my lungs out as well.", said Steve. Then all Steve and Kevin had to do was wait for their turn to get on the ride. Then after a while, it was finally their time to get on the ride.

They both got in the ride. They both sat in the same seat just as I and Kevin did. Then they both fastened their seatbelts just as I and Kevin did earlier as well.

Then the ride started. It started casual and played smooth jazz. "Ok, I have a question. Why is this ride playing smooth jazz instead of the heavy metal it was supposed to play?", said Steve. "That's part of the experience, Steve. I didn't get it at first on my first ride. But this is my second ride, so I already know what's gonna happen next.", said Kevin.

"The heavy metal part of the ride is gonna start real soon.", said Kevin. "Yeah, but here's a thought. Instead of building up to the heavy metal with smooth jazz, why not play easy listening music instead?", said Steve. "Maybe because-", said Kevin.

Then before Kevin could even finish his sentence, the heavy metal part of the ride started. Steve and Kevin traveled on the ride at a super-fast pace just like me and Kevin did earlier that day. They both went through all the unique twists and turns of the roller coaster ride.

And Symphony of Destruction by Megadeth was the song that was playing. It was pretty clear that this was no ride for any chickens. Or anybody else that had a fear of rollercoaster rides.

After the ride was over, Steve and Kevin got off the ride. When they got off of the ride, they stood near the ride for a short moment. Then Steve ran over to the same garbage can where I went and puked his guts out.

Kevin just stood there as he watched his little brother vomit hard. Then Steve got done, and vomiting, and walked back towards his big brother. Then Kevin suddenly felt that something wasn't right, and you could tell by the look that was on his face.

Then Kevin made a run for it to the same garbage can and puked like there was no tomorrow which was Easter Sunday. Steve stood there and watched his brother puke. Then after Kevin got done, he walked back to his brother.

"Well, that was some ride.", said Steve. "Yeah, and I didn't have to puke at first, but I guess that second try did it in for me.", said Kevin. "The first try did it in for me and Jamal.", said Steve.

"And you're older than me and Jamal, so I guess your body had more tolerance for that kind of ride.", said Steve. "Well, of course, it did. I'm almost a tweenager. What did you expect?", said Kevin. "Well, we got that out of our system now. Now let's go continue to enjoy ourselves.", said Steve. And they both went on and continued their day at Cedar Point.

***

While I was with Cody and Matthew, we were walking around and Cody stopped and pointed at something. "Let's go on that ride!", said Cody. "Police Cars? Alright, looks like you're getting your wish, Cody. Let's go!", I said.

We then headed over to that ride. We made it over there and were waiting until it was Cody and Matthew's turn to get on that ride. Then when we finished waiting, it was time for Cody and Matthew to try it out.

It was a ride that was police-related. It was a kiddie circular ride with police car ride units. They were both fastened in their seatbelts by a few employees who worked at Cedar Point.

After they both had their seatbelts fastened, the ride started for them. Cody and Matthew were in control when they got behind the wheel and cruised around the park in their very own squad car. They were having a great time riding around and pretending to be law enforcement. I did nothing but stood there, and watched as a spectator.

Then after a while, the ride was over. Cody and Matthew both got off the ride and walked over to me. "You guys had fun?", I said.

They both nodded their heads yes to signify that they did have fun. "That's great! Let's go continue on our journey.", I said. And that's just what all three of us did.

***

Then more time passed, and it was getting pretty late in the afternoon. It was after 5 in the afternoon, and it was gonna be evening real soon. I accidentally met up with Steve and Kevin while I was with Cody and Matthew.

"Hey, guys.", I said. "Hey.", both Steve and Kevin said. "You wanna take over the duties of watching over these two Kevin?", I said.

"Yeah, that'll be no problem with me.", said Kevin. Then Kevin walked over to Cody and Matthew, and I walked over to Steve. "Alright, well, I guess me and Steve will catch you later.", I said. "Alright, catch you later.", said Kevin. Then I and Steve went on our separate ways, and so did Kevin, Cody, and Matthew.

After we went on our separate ways, we continued to enjoy our time at Cedar Point. Then the clock struck 7:00 pm. It was starting to get dark.

Then we all coincidentally ran into each other. That included the adult and children groups. "Well, hey there guys! Has everything been ok with you all while we were gone?", said Anna. "It sure has, mom.", said Steve.

"That's nice to hear.", said Anna. "What have you all been doing while we were gone?", said Kevin Sr. "Me, Steve, and Jamal went on this sick rollercoaster ride that made all three of us puke our lights out.", said Kevin.

"Wow. Are you guys ok?", my mom said. "Yeah. A little puke never hurts a good time.", I said. "Ok, what else did you guys do?", said Kevin Sr.

"We took Cody and Matthew on a bunch of rides as well.", said Kevin. "And we didn't run into any problems watching over these two.", said Steve. "Well, the three of us are happy that you've had a great day here.", said Anna.

"You guys hungry. I know a couple of Subways we can go that is located on the Cedar Point peninsula. That can be our dinner for the night.", said Kevin Sr. "That sounds awesome dad! Let's roll.", said Steve. And then all of us made our way to one of the two Subway locations at Cedar Point.

Moments later, we all headed outside one of the Subway locations with some Subway in our possession. "It's getting pretty late fellas. The amusement park closes at 10 pm, so we've only got a couple more hours left before we have to head back to Detroit.", said Anna. "Aw, man! I wish we could stay here forever.", said Steve.

"No worries. We've still got a few more hours to enjoy ourselves here. We should start making the most of it while we still can.", said Kevin Sr. "What else is there left to do? We've tried just about everything here.", said Kevin. "Hey, I've got an idea!", I said.

"And it better be a good idea.", said Steve. "How about we show the adults the sick rollercoaster ride we just went on?", I said. Moments later, all of us arrived at Heavy Metal.

"Are you sure you all are ready for what you're about to witness?", said Kevin. "Son, if you managed to get on this ride with no problems, us grown folks should be able to do the same thing.", said Kevin Sr. "Alright, whatever you say dad.", said Steve.

Then when it was finally their turn, my mom, and Steve's parents all got on that ride. All three of them buckled themselves in, and the ride proceeded to start. As it went on, it played easy listening music this time to build up to the heavy metal music instead of smooth jazz.

"A rollercoaster ride playing easy listening music made them puke?", said Kevin Sr. "I thought they said this ride was supposed to play heavy metal.", said Anna. "I guess they should change the name of the ride to Easy Listening instead, am I -", said my mom. "Woah!", all three of them said.

Then the sudden burst of speed and heavy metal music playing stopped my mom from completing her sentence. When the ride transitioned into its heavy metal mode, Chemical Warfare by Slayer was playing. And this was probably the most insane ride of the adults' lives.

They went through all the unique twists and turns the ride had to offer at blazing fast speeds. And then when the ride was over, it stopped and all three adults got off the ride. They then walked over to the children which were us.

"So, what did you think?", said Kevin. "Was that an awesome ride or what?", said Steve. Then they all stood in silence with no response before running over to the nearest garbage can to do you know what.

Kevin Sr. found one garbage can, and the other two women found two additional nearby cans. They all got the vomit out of their systems and headed back towards us. "Is there anybody that hasn't puked as a result of taking this ride?", said Steve.

Kevin Sr. was breathing heavily and finally spoke. "Yeah, Cody and Matthew. But it looks like they're not gonna be taking this ride for a while at their age.", said Kevin Sr. Then Anna was breathing heavily and she finally spoke. "I've been on a lot of rides in my childhood, but all those rides were nothing compared to that ride.", said Anna.

"Well, was it an enjoyable experience?", I said. "Well, we all can agree with you on that one. Sure, it was pretty fun. But next time, maybe show us a ride that doesn't make us puke our guts out?", said Kevin Sr. "Noted.", said Kevin.

"Now let's all go enjoy our Subway, call it a night, and head back to the Mitten State.", said Anna. "I'm right there with you mom.", said Steve. "Me too.", said Kevin. "Let's go!", I said.

Then we all did exactly that. The result was a great experience at Cedar Point. And we drove back to Detroit, Michigan the next day to celebrate Easter Sunday.