Warning: Dollywood Ride May Cause Terrified Dads, Uncontrollable Swearing, Popular Viral Videos

There are many wonderful things about my toddler getting older.  The ability to communicate her needs, for one.  The capacity to entertain herself for decent stretches of time.  The unfolding of her personality.  And what I certainly treasure most of all:  the ability to go on roller coaster rides, baby!

Yeah, I love ’em.  And don’t be fooled by the unsure look on Skye’s face — she was a total rock star when she took this one for a whirl at Disneyland a couple weeks ago, her very first roller coaster ride.  It’s for the best that I accompany our young daughter because Mr. Candy develops Roller Coaster Tourrette’s Syndrome, wherein he cannot stop screaming “SH*T, SH*T, SH*T!” at the top of his lungs.

There must be something about dads and rides.  I also remember my father turning a disconcerting shade of green after agreeing to accompany me on a particularly nausea-inducing ride THREE TIMES IN A ROW.  He probably only recalls the distinct taste of regurgitated hamburger in his mouth, but what I recall?  Is just how awesome my dad was for braving that ride with me over and over again.

Which is precisely what this little girl is going to remember, too.  Well, that, and that her dad trended on YouTube for “HILARIOUS VIDEO OF DAD TERRIFIED ON DOLLYWOOD RIDE!”

“NEVER AGAIN, GRACE ELIZABETH!”  (Yes, he used her full name.  It’s that bad.)