5:00-5:05pm

We had gone up to Bay Beach. We were there for several hours and I had kept my phone away for most of the day. It was about 5:00 when I was texting with another mom, the mom of the extra kids I had taken with, working on a plan for the rest of the night. The kids were all on a ride together while I was looking at my phone. The ride stopped and as I finished my text, I looked up to see the kids running over to me. It was at this point we could not find Ali. The ride operator knew Ali was on the ride and she couldn't see her either. Panic was starting to settle in, but I was able to be functional. I had the other 4 kids stand at the fence while I walked to look at the playground equipment. Another Dad had seen me looking for her and asked what she looked like. I looked over by the swing ride since that is where we were headed next. Then a different ride operator offered to help and get his supervisor. I have seen enough Criminal Minds episodes to know that my pride needed to be set aside and ask for the help. So he went to get his supervisor. Then I went back to the stroller to get the other kids who were trying to help me from there. The dad from before had offered to help and I quickly ran back to my camera and showed him the above picture taken not more than 10 minutes before this situation. After I showed him the picture, Dash yells out, "There she is" and I turn around and see my 3 year old running "back" trying to find where she left me. We quickly ran to get her and we embraced hugs. I asked her where she was and she was at the carousal! We find the ride operator and his supervisor and let them both know we are all ok. 

I had a talk with Ali about always staying with Mommy. "Mommy was really scared and were you scared?" Of which she answered YES. I am hoping she can learn from this one and not run off like that. 

We then went on with the rest of our time, the park was to close at 6pm. 

Everyone staying with me and me barely looking at my phone again. I figured the plans could wait until we were back in the van, all buckled up!

Aside from that slight panic, we had a wonderful time! We can't wait to go back again next year and make this an annual Summer End Trip until we are all big enough to enjoy rides and Great America!