Family Bucket List - Visit the Queen Mary

The only reason that J did not completely loose it when we made the move from Georgia to California was that he was now closer to the ocean (shhh do not tell him that Georgia actually touches the ocean). So much in Southern California, especially Long Beach, is centered around the beaches, boats, and ocean life. Since that is his obsession - expanding out from the Titanic - he has some great opportunities.

It was no surprise that one of the things he added to the bucket list was to visit the Queen Mary. I think J said that four Titanic's could fit inside the Queen Mary. It was also built by White Star, the same company that built the Titanic, and has a similar design. What he really wants is to spend a night on the Queen Mary. He almost got that opportunity for his 13th birthday. Unfortunately, we were having major behavior problems and their was no way that I was reinforcing them.

When I found out that there were half price tickets to go and see an exhibit about Princess Diana that was being hosted aboard the Queen Mary, I jumped and bought us all tickets. We even went and saw the exhibit, the girls liked the dresses. Overall, they lasted 15 minutes inside before L requested that 'we please leave, now'. At least she knew that she was at her limit.

We spent about three hours total aboard the ship. Yes, I spent all that money for three hours. It was worth it. For one my children never last much longer then three hours. Even walking around the ship we had to take frequent breaks for them to calm down. Also, while the girls were interested, they were not as obsessed as their brother.

Beyond a fun family experience I learned one very important thing. It is possible for L to stop jumping around if I prep her hard enough and she sees a reason. She waited until we were in the middle of the ship, and played hop scotch on a shuffle board. Even then. . . she shook the ship. S, however, had a melt down as soon as we hit the car. At least we left when we did.

One thing about sight seeing with an obsessed Aspie is you end up with some pictures most people would not care about, like lifeboats or the record of deaths.