Great Wolf Lodge

At the end of tax season it was time for our family to make an escape! We decided to travel up north to the Great Wolf Lodge.

Since time off is tough for both Jeff and I to get; we decided to head up right after his shift ended. I snuck out of work early; loaded the kids and the luggage and we picked Jeff up from just outside the ER. With everyone in the car we took off!

After several pit-stops, a traffic jam, a missed exit and a late supper, we were exhausted! Still, we pulled up to the resort with great excitement. The travel was well worth it! Here are a few highlights...

Bri and Nate on the top bunk with the spoils of their arcade venture

"Racing" down the waterslide. Somehow they always both thought "go" was at a different time

Daddy and Nate after a wild ride

Nate was absolutely fearless!

Splash Pad!

Being silly when we're supposed to be sleeping

All geared up for the water park!

Shoes? Who Needs 'em

We had just finished one of those loooong grocery store runs where you feel like you might never get out and the kids were busting at the seams. As soon as we were safely in the garage they decided to make a break for it. A few trips into the house later I heard "mommy!! Look at us". There they were; playing in the snow with now shoes. After a few stern words reminding them that this is a bad idea, I grabbed the camera and captured the moment.

Swim Update

I am pleased to announce that Swim the fish is alive and kicking...er...swimming. He also has a tank mate named Birdie (name courtesy of Nate). It's amazing how entertaining a twenty five cent goldfish can be....and how strangely difficult it can be to remember to feed them.... Good thing they're hearty.

Ready to Go

Each morning as we are heading out the door, Nate yells:

"Ready go Chokey Chokey!"

This started with Bri always saying "okey dokey chokey chokey".. Now Nate uses it to declare that he's ready to head out.

Joy!

Brianna (at the top of her lungs): "Joy to the world the Lord is come ...... and Heaven and Manger Scene, and Heaven and Manger Scene, and Hea----ven and Hea---ven and MANGER SCENE!"

Thanksgiving...finally

Each Thanksgiving we go bowling with the Koetje Family. As they get older, the kids get more and more into the game.

Here is the almost full group shot. From top left Rylee, Bri, Kaylee, Nate and Maddie.Bri getting ready to make a big move

Nate lining up

In the position

Great shot! We were very excited anytime the ball actually made it to the end of the lane.

Funny Boy

I was sitting here working and everyone else was asleep (or so I thought). Curled up in the recliner with my laptop and paperwork I suddenly found that I had been joined by a small blonde sweetie in footie pajamas.

Without a word he went over to the book basket and picked up his "Touch and Feel Farm" book, opened the front closet and pulled out a blanket, climbed onto the couch and curled up to go back to sleep.

After a short while he disappeared just as quickly as he appeared.