Sweet Sixteen Celebration Was a Success! Amy Smith, December 23, 2018June 24, 2019 Sweet Sixteen Celebration at Our Favorite Place Oh, boy! I am not really sure how to feel right now. Excited yet sad at the same time. I now have a 16-year-old… oh, Sweet Sixteen! It makes me feel old to think that I have a 16-year-old but at the same time, I’m so proud of what he has become. 16 is a bit of a scary year for me. It is the year of independence far more than any of the years prior. It is when I realize that my boy is becoming a man. To think that he will graduate in just two years is exciting yet concerning. I do not have much longer to “hold his hand”. Finding ways to spend time with him while allowing his independence is a big deal. When he told us he wanted to go to Carowinds with some friends for his birthday, I felt that was a PERFECT way to spend his birthday. Carowinds is a safe, family-friendly place… fun and a great place to enjoy great memories such as a 16th birthday celebration! As we entered into the magical Christmas land of Winterfest, we were greeted with all the sights and sounds of Christmas. The rides were first on the to-do list for these boys! Now I must admit I was a little surprised when my 16-year-old and his buddies wanted to go see Santa. I guess you never get too old for St Nick! He and his elves were so friendly and kind. The boys shared a lot of laughs and were entertained! Santa even invited one of my son’s friends to sit on his knee. This was a big deal considering he is 6’5! Although Tonka trucks were replaced with Ford Raptors in their wish list, it was a special memory to be a part of! While at Carowinds we had the chance to hang out in one of their new winter igloos! These clear domes housed a nice little fireplace and comfy seating. It felt like we were in a cozy living room. A warm little retreat from the brisk night! In our igloo, we were visited by several of the Winterfest characters. While they were all fun, Carmel Cookie was our absolute favorite! She had a super fun and entertaining conversation with or group. Our boys were rolling with laughter! While admiring all the lights, it got a little chilly after dark. It was great for really setting the Christmas atmosphere! Fortunately, we had the refillable hot chocolate mugs! We drank a ton of it and I must say it was always yummy and piping hot! Since it was a special day for our son, he had asked before about the “big swing”, AKA Rip Cord. Sure enough, he and his buddies harnessed up for a bird’s eye view adrenaline filled ride on the swing! As they flew overhead their faces and laughing proved they had a great time! It was well worth it! One of the things that sometimes gets overlooked with all the offerings of Carowinds is the great shows at Carowinds Theater. Our family has come to enjoy these and the Charlie Brown Christmas show was no exception! The music was great along with the dancers and of course all the Peanut gang! Decorating cookies was another big hit. At home, there is no way I could get my son to decorate cookies. However, when you have a cookie the size of your hand along with some extra tasty icing in multiple colors and sprinkles galore…. the sugar load was very welcomed. After the decorating, the guys indulged in their giant cookies! The petting zoo area is far more than something fun for the little kids. It isn’t every day that you can pet a camel! This was also a big hit. My son’s friend had the camels get real up close and personal with him. It made for some great laughs! Whether celebrating a special day such as a Sweet Sixteen Celebration or Christmas, WinterFest is a great place to spend your special day! Oh and don’t miss New Year’s Eve! Winterfest will be alive with live music and even a fireworks show to bring in the New Year! Check out our Christmas Gift Guide Connect with My Four and More on Social Media! FACEBOOK | TWITTER | YOUTUBE | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST Share on FacebookTweetFollow usSave North Carolina Travel Reviews Travel amusement ParkbirthdaycarowindscelebrationSweet Sixteentravelwinterfest
Happy belated birthday to your son! My boys had their pic taken with the Easter Bunny a couple years ago, and they are teens. Love that there’s still a part of being a kid still in them.
How cool that they went and saw Santa even though they were high-schoolers. Make lots of cool memories now during these two years, so you have them to tell to his children some day.