GWL = HAPPINESS

We decided to take the kids on an impromptu mini-vacation this week. OPTION 1: We toyed with the idea of going to Myrtle Beach (with our Maglinger family), but since it's 4th of July weekend, everywhere was booked. And, to be quite honest, Matt and I didn't feel like traveling that far. OPTION 2: Holiday World which is fairly close, and we've heard great things about. -Or- OPTION 3: A trip to Mason, Ohio to the Great Wolf Lodge. Option 3 it was, and it was one, GRRREAT vacation!

Day 1: We arrived at Great Wolf Lodge around noon. Isaac loved the huge, carved wolves on the front of the hotel and was howling at them.

After checking in and getting our wristbands, we spent the entire day at the waterpark. The wristbands at GWL are like being on a cruise ship. They do everything--open your hotel room, charge items to your account and even babysit your kids--HAH. I have to admit that the waterpark was nice but overwhelming. Being outnumbered by one child makes it tough sometimes because they all have different water interests if you know what I mean.

Can you believe this place?

The blue slide at the top of these photos is called the water coaster. You ride in a sturdy, rubber three person boat through it. It's one of the coolest slides I've ever been on. I think Karson rode it at least 10+ times.

The outdoor pool backed up to Kings Island Park.


Miles has gradually gotten braver as the summer has progressed, but he's no daredevil. Trying new things like the lazy river or family slides sends his anxiety out the roof.

After we were all water logged, we spent some time in the Cub Camp playing and doing arts and crafts. It's a nice place to relax and unwind. They also had games and extra crafts for a small cost.

I wish I could've gotten some better pictures of our room. It was very neatly decorated much like the rooms at Disney World. You can look at all the themed rooms on GWL's website. We went for the KID KAMP suite with a patio. The kids "camped" in a tent bunk bed with their own TV. Isaac opted for the fold out couch bed. I love how cuddly he gets at night--he likes being close to us =).

Day 2: we spent the morning and early afternoon at the waterpark. The kids thoroughly enjoyed an area which we liked to call the WIPE OUT ZONE (btw, love this show).
Karson maneuvering the wobbly lilly pads.


Isaac was TO cute on this course. He was to short to reach the ropes at the beginning so he'd hop onto the first log like a frog, plant, slowly stand up and grab the ropes. He's such a lil' shrimp. Sometimes the lifeguard would notice and pull the ropes down for him. I was amazed that both kids could do this quite simply. I do believe they have more upper body strength than me =).

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I tried to pack lightly with food and snacks since the kids aren't big eaters. Sausage biscuits, powdered donuts, chips, goldfish, uncrustables and chocolate milk went a long way. Matt and I also decided to bring a cooler with drinks and leftover pizza which satisfied us. I didn't spend much at the ol' grocery store thankfully. I always feel like I buy and plan way to much. So, lunch was boring but cheap which is my point.

After our fine dining, Karson and I headed to the Cincinnati Premium Outlets for some shopping. The boys were completely content staying behind. My main reason for wanting to go was to find Karson some new Crocs. She managed to break the strap on her yellow ways during our trip. I found some cute cotton candy Mary Jane's for her. We also stopped at some of my favorite stores like J.Crew, Gap and Banana Republic. They also had an Under Armour store which I liked.

When we got back to GWL, we surprised the kids with a trip to Kings Island. They are running a twilight special of $19.99 after 5 p.m. Five hours is PLENTY of time for us at an amusement park.

Family picture at the grand entrace. I love this place! I've logged some serious time at King's Island. I think we went there every year when I was in the youth group at Greenwood Park. I think we also went a couple of times in college. There is a new coaster called the DiamondBack that I cannot wait to ride (some day).

We spent most of our time at Planet Snoopy. Karson is starting to branch out and ride more "thrilling" rides. She loved the Flying Aces which is one of those feet dangling coasters. If we'd had more time, I probably could've convinced her to ride some more daring coasters.

I've heard the Beech Bend Retro Rock show at least a dozen times this season. I think Karson knows all the words to "Itsy, Bitsy, Teeny, Weeny, Yellow Polka Dot Bikini". It was nice hearing Signed, Sealed, Delivered for a change.

Family time on the choo choo train.

Day 3: our final day at GWL. We spent the morning packing up the car and then headed over to the waterpark for one last hurrah.

THREE

HAPPY

CAMPERS!!!

Matt and I took the kids through McDonald's on the way out and found a P.F. Chang's on the map for us. We got a $25 gift card for our anniversary and thought that would be the perfect way to end our trip. We look forward to making many more GWL memories!