#8 - WAHOO!!! - June 9, 2012

Today saw a dream fulfilled.  Since I was about 10, I've wanted to be in the Guiness Book of World Records.  I read most of the 1984 edition at one point, trying to find some record that I could break.  The attempt was fruitless.

Earlier this week, I started hearing an ad on the radio for a world record attempt at the Walkway Over the Hudson.  It would be the largest number of people doing the same dance at the same time.  We talked it over with the kids, and they were excited.  At the same time, we saw fliers for the Cole Brothers Circus - kids free!  And adults not so much!  And it was only 10 minutes away!

An additional freebie: a car lot was having a grand re-opening with free burgers and hot dogs.  It was located between the bridge and the circus.  Perfect.

So we got up a little earlier than normal for a Saturday, I got a dozen donuts from Dunkin Donuts and chocolate milk from Wal-Mart and we munched.  Then we headed out.  It was overcast, high 60s, and no wind.  We got to the bridge about 7:30.  The place was already packed.

We walked toward the middle for a while - we weren't quite over the water, but the kids' legs were tired and I wanted to reduce the complaining as much as possible.  So we stood there, talking, spinning Jacob around.

The forecast called for 30% chance of rain,and we got some sprinkles, but it wasn't windy at all.  I think we can thank the temperature for that - I think the water temp was also in the high 60s, so there wasn't any differential to cause the wind to blow.  Of course, the kids aren't interested in that.  They made a fort instead.

Christian lost his coat a while ago, so I had him choose one of mine.  That's him under the green.  Aria figured out that Libby's light blue coat and Jakers' Super Mario coat could zip together.  So that's what she did.  A tent on the bridge.

The weather held, a news helicopter came out to photograph us, and some newspaper reporter thought that Katrina was cute enough to come over and interview us.  He talked to her most of the time, but got all of our kids' names before he moved on.

Eventually, a news helicopter came out to the bridge and got some footage before it backed off and we danced just after 9.  It lasted 6 minutes, just a loop of the dance. We had a ball. 

And then it was over.  Everybody shouted, and we walked back to the van.  We turned on the Oldies station and drove down route 9, waiting for the news.  We made a stop at a uniform store that sells Cub Scout supplies, and while I was out of the van, the station made the announcement. 

Yes, we did it.  The next steps are that we should be able to register with Guinness and download printable certificates.  So we are official.  As of Sunday evening, the old record is still on the web site, but I'm excited for the change to the new record.

I'm going to save the rest of Saturday's trek for tomorrow's blog entry.  Lots of pics to go through from the Cole Brothers Circus.