Our first grader, who just barely returned to school after Christmas Break and snow days, was granted a random Thursday/Friday off in January for teachers to get their end of semester records in order. Last year we found this was the perfect time to escape to Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City (the crowds on Thursday are nothing like they are on the weekends), and decided to make a repeat trip in 2014.
 |
| Megan, a wee bit excited, had these [all pink] bags packed and ready to go on Saturday morning...for a Thursday departure. |
 |
| We made it! |
 |
| They were a little pumped about our arrival |
 |
| Enjoying the view from their KidCabin |
We were only staying for one night, so we settled in quickly and got right to the waterpark. After splashing around for a couple of hours, we explored the Lodge with our magic wands and got Megan started on her Magiquest adventures. After dinner, we changed into PJs and got ready for story time in the lobby.
 |
| Chillin' with Mom at story time |
 |
| Wiley Wolf was the featured guest at story time |
 |
| Hannah, at the front of the line of pink pajama'd girls, was quickly adopted into the rest of their cult |
 |
| High paw for Wiley! |
 |
| Hannah gives him a slam |
 |
| We hurried back to our room after stories to await the delivery of milk and cookies from Wiley himself. Like last year, Hannah insisted on opening the door. Unlike last year, she did not slam it in his face after discovering a wolf there. Victory! |
 |
| Thanks for the cookies, Wiley! |
 |
| Sugar before bed? Why not? |
 |
| Those eyes... |
We got an early start the next morning, but I didn't mind. That place is fun for big kids, too.
 |
| 7 a.m. is as good a time as any to start a Magiquest adventure |
 |
...and you will find no competition for a seat in the big wooden chair in the lobby
|
 |
| Our quest got a little intense for Hannah, who hid under the couch in the lobby when Megan's wand brought a stuffed bear to life |
 |
| All magic'd out. Time to color... |
 |
| ...until breakfast! |
 |
| Making some magic in the restaurant |
 |
We found Oliver the Raccoon hanging out after breakfast
|
 |
| We joined him for a tour of lobby and to learn about all of the animals they have |
 |
| Craft time after our lesson |
 |
| And one more hug for Oliver! |
 |
| One last trip to the Quest Trees. Megan ended our trip a Master Magi - basically she is kind of a big deal among the Great Wolf magic crowd |
 |
| Back to the waterpark! |
 |
This may look a lot like the previous picture, but I love her and this is MY blog, so there!
|
 |
| Nothing will wake you up quite like a refreshing bucket of water on your head |
 |
| Sisters |
 |
| Hot tubbin' with Daddy |
 |
| This girl got all kinds of brave this year and enjoyed hopping lily pads the most |
 |
| Ready - Set - Hop! |
 |
| Accomplished hopper |
 |
| The Lazy River is more her style |
 |
| Though she likes the fountains too...I think? This face makes it hard to tell. |
 |
| Sister slide race |
 |
| Hannah makes a little magic |
We had a great trip, but soon enough it was time to head home (sidebar: one night stay + late checkout option = perfect duration for a trip to the Lodge). Unfortunately the good weather we had on the way north was not to be had on the return trip. We drove home in crazy winds and blowing and drifting snow the W.H.O.L.E. way.
 |
| Visibility was maybe a half mile for most of the trip. Not our favorite road trip ever. |
To add to the bad weather, Hannah was writhing in pain and complaining of a tummy ache pretty much as soon as we got on the road, necessitating several stops (mostly fakeouts) and two extremely nervous parents (vomit + road trips do not mix). She was miserable for the first two hours of the trip. We finally stopped at a rest area where she was sicker than a dog, but at least got some relief. There was an immediate change in her temperament as soon as we got back on the road, and the conditions continued to improve as we got closer to Grand Rapids. Things were looking up! Unfortunately Hannah walked in the house and puked everywhere the moment we arrived, but at that point I was really just thrilled that a) we made it home alive and b) it didn't happen in the car. (Please note that she was good to go from that point forward)
Though not the best road trip home, Megan lifted our spirits by penning us this thank you note minutes after walking in the door. [Insert Mom's "so she does listen to me about manners!!" surprise/pride] Spelling is not her strong suit at the age of 6, so I will translate below:
 |
| "Dear Dad & Mom, Thank you for taking us to Great Wolf Lodge. It was so fun. Thanks. I hope we can go there next year. I love that place. It's my favorite. From, Megan." |
