Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Great Wolf Lodge Vacation

This year we took the kids back to one of their favorite places - Great Wolf Lodge.  They went last year with Mimi and Papi so this was a first for us adults.  The kids were quick to show us the ropes, however.

Aaron got it right when he said "if kids ruled the world it would look something like this place!"  There was the main attraction - the indoor/outdoor water park, plus a 24 hour arcade, ice cream shop, stuffed animal stuffing station, nightly shows, character meet and greets, kids buffet, glitter tattoos, pillowcase decorating, and the boys favorite - the MagiQuest!  Our room was pretty awesome as well.  We had a separate little "cabin" with bunk beds and some windows for the boys to sleep in.

Mason at lunch the first day.  He's so excited!

Jack and his favorite book.

Mason and his new friend "Lobo."

Owen showing off "Oso."

Owen and Oso.

Mason and Lobo.

Mason, top bunk, new Lobo.  Happy kid.

Owen snuggled up in the kid cabin.

Jack peeping through the cabin window.

Owen coloring a pillowcase.

Mason.

Mason proud of his new pillowcase (he had some help from Mommy).

Owen did most of his coloring on his own.

Family five.

Granna and Granddaddy with the babies.

Jack loving the pool!


Daddy and Mason right after a water slide.

Here comes Granddaddy and Owen's feet!

 
Granna staying cool with Jack.
This MQ is basically a series of clues for things you have to find around the hotel.  When you wave your special magic wand at the found items, it checks it off your list, gives you points, and puts you one step closer to fighting the dragon (something they were too afraid to do last year).  Kids were up and down stair wells and running amuck with this activity.  Owen and Mason were the perfect age to enjoy it, but a little to young to read all the clues by themselves and be turned loose in the hotel.  I imagine a 7 or 8 year old would entertain themselves for many hours while the parents could relax!  Here are some pictures of the kids on their adventure:

Really excited to pick out these magic wands (M, O)

Checking out the treasure box clue.

Strike a pose (O, M).

Granna on the quest with the boys (M, O).

This posing action was how a lot of their clues were collected (M, O).
Owen was usually quite exuberant with his wand waving.

Mason found a clue on the ceiling.

YES!  They finished the quest.  Now they can fight the dragon! (O, M)

Owen fighting the dragon.

Mason fighting the dragon.

Helping each other.