Great Wolf Lodge

On Thursday, we set off for a mini getaway with all the Kai's to Great Wolf Lodge.  Anytime we can get all the kids together, we're bound for some fun, and they didn't let us down, we had such a fantastic time!  It was a last minute decision to get away too.. Cherie had asked if we'd be interested in a mini-road trip this month and Trav and I had been talking about getting away for it... so glad we hopped on this plan, super fun.

The kids always entertaining one another. 

The indoor waterpark is amazing!  They have many different sections for all different ages, including a little toddler play area, a bigger 'fort' for the older kids, a wave pool which Nora thoroughly LOVED.  Her and Trav would go in the deep end and wait for the big waves to come by.  Lily and I would hang out at the very back when the waves would run its course :)

The big splash behind from the enormous bucket of water tipping over
(Nora watched and watched all the time, then finally went underneath to  feel the power of the big splash. BRAVE!)

Owen preferred being far away from the waves too

Then there were the big kid tube and tunnel rides!  This was a chance for us adults to have some fun!  The first day, my mom and I took care of the kids while Trav, Cherie, Steve and my Dad had their fun... trying out each tunnel / tube ride, loads of fun. The next day, they 'convinced' me to try at least the Tornado ride, what a thrill... pretty amazing... really got my adrenaline rushing.  I only went the once because it really made Nora sad to see me leaving her to go on the rides (still can't quite figure out if it's because of a separation issue, a safety thing that she's worried about or maybe she was feeling sorry for me b/c she could see how nervous I was!!), but that's ok.  Next time we go there, she'll hopefully be more than 42" tall, then she can join us on all those tube and tunnel rides!

Apart from the waterpark, the resort is geared toward the kids with many activities to do!  We purchased these wands for the girls so they could 'explore' and use their magic wands to open treasure chests, make objects growl / talk / light up etc... it's tied to a much bigger 'magic quest' game that older kids can do, but for the little ones it's good enough to find all the different pieces to animate.

Nora happy to meet Violet the Wolf

Throughout the day there'd be appearances from the local 'Great Wolf Characters', namely Wiley Wolf and Violet Wolf (and some other raccoon friends) which our kids would enjoy going to meet (unfortunately Owen and Megan didn't quite think so highly of them).

So, lots to do in the time that we were there.  The best and I think a huge highlight for us was on Friday night.  At 8pm, all the kids gathered at the log cabin, dressed in their pajamas to hear a bedtime story.  Once it once done, we thought it'd be bedtime, but then out came the DJ (all dressed in Men in Black type wear with their suits and sunglasses) and they got all the kids dancing and singing.  It was awesome.  The kids got right into it, dancing the night away and just having the time of their lives... the moves that each of them have, priceless moments!  We joke now, that we have officially passed the clubbing / going out at night torch onto them :)

Just such a great getaway for all of us!  We could even sneak in a shopping trip to Tulalip Outlet Mall.

In case you're planning a trip to Great Wolf or for our next trip, here are my suggestions or recommendations for next time:

• The resort is technically 1.5 hours south of Seattle, but keep in mind that traffic in and around Seattle and Tacoma can be reallllllly crazy on weekdays during rush hour.  It took us over 3.5 hours to get through from the outlets (where it should've only been about 2 hours).  Insane!
• Unless you're prepared and okay to eat fast food for every meal while you're there, it's best to pre-plan a bit.  We did a Trader Joe's run before arriving and since all suites are stocked with a mini fridge and microwave, we got some milk, yoghurt, fruit and cheese for breakfast.  I would even add to buy a loaf of bread and some deli meat or peanut butter for some quick sandwiches for lunch. 
• The best meal we had was at a Mexican restaurant down the road... best Mexican food ever!  So tasty, so authentic and huge portions.  If only we would've tried this place the first night, I think we would've eaten there for all our lunches and dinners! In fact, I am still craving to go back and eat there, so now my goal is to find a place just as authentic and delicious! :)
• FYI, there aren't too many restaurants in the area, unless you want to drive to Olympia (closest town, about 20 mins away).

Anyway, lots of fun and precious moments.  A perfect way for us to start our Thanksgiving Weekend!  (Stay tuned for my next post on our delicious Thanksgiving celebration!)