With Daddy leaving for a bit soon, we decided to make our Christmas and birthday memories early with a trip to Great Wolf Lodge, Concord!
Gammie has wanted to take the Crew for a long time. After some struggles with sportsmanship, Alexander and I created a behavior chart mural based on one of his favorite books, Deep, Deeper, Deepest. If he was able to stay 'above sea level' for the entire first semester of school (and soccer season), then we would splash our way through GWL. He has matured so much, I was thrilled to accept Gammie's offer to treat our family for a joint birthday and Christmas adventure!
He stayed above sea level!
Our room was ready even though we arrived early. The boys immediately set up their space in the Bro Cave
We spent the next two and a half days splashing, sliding, bowling, mining, and gaining magical powers. This was our first time to a GWL, and it did not disappoint! Every moment, every corner, had adventure and family fun. Gammie was such a trooper. She slid down slides, raced through quests, and did the Adventurer's Workout with us. She also gave Daniel and me time to get out just the two of us, an idea Ryan and Mary set up as our Christmas present.
Hopping the lily pads. Alexander didn't need hands, he skittered across like that water walking lizard!
Mining
Niko found a giant quartz crystal!
Magi Quest fun
Master Magi Ceremony
Proud to have successfully accomplished Master Magi status!
Adventurer's Workout
Mini Bowling
Ropes Course Excitement
This little one has been clinging to Daddy big time. We are gonna be hurting when Daddy says goodbye.
Letters to Santa
Alexander: a watch and a wallet
Nikolai: "the same as Alesander," an acorn, and deer poop
The back story on Niko's items makes them actually very sweet. We always collected acorns with G-Momma and then she would throw them at the boys. Niko has been talking about G-Momma every day for the past few weeks. He wants to make her presents for Christmas and bring them to her. He does not quite grasp the concept that, once in heaven, you stay there.
Last year, two days after Christmas, we went to play in the back yard. I was cleaning up Zoey poo, and found something very, very strange. We had eight piles of deer poop, in a line, in our backyard. We have a tall fence. Never before had we ever had any deer droppings. All of a sudden, right after Christmas, there were eight piles in a perfect line. You can't make that up! It was magical poop, and Niko wants the magic to happen again, it seems!
Showing off our wolf ears
Gammie was by far the coolest grandparent in the lodge!!
The cutest little wolves around!
We could not have written a better trip. It was magical!
We also enjoyed a quiet Thanksgiving with our friends Mikey and Bekah, and their little cutie. We sure missed Mikel, but had a great time!
I am so very grateful for the extended family time I got this Thanksgiving!
And a special thanks to Zachary for taking such good care of our princess. Zoey was calmer than she has ever been with us out of town. He is a true dog whisperer!
