Great Wolf Christmas

We decided to try something new this year for Christmas--we forged presents and took a family vacation instead! We weren't really sure if the kids understood the arrangement and if they were really okay with the idea, but we decided to give it shot in the hopes that they would love it.

Friday was my birthday, and that day was spent doing birthday things. For the finale, the kids took me to see Christmas lights--my favorite birthday tradition! After returning home from the lights, we wrapped up the few presents that we did have (each of the kids got one present from us and a few stocking stuffers, plus they had presents from Nana and Papa), and placed them beneath the tree. Shortly after midnight, Kiahna said to me once again, "Happy birthday, Momma!" I informed her that technically it was not my birthday any more...it was CHRISTMAS!!! The kids were so excited, and they asked/begged to open up their presents. We have never let them open up the presents that early before...but then again, this year was completely new for all traditions so we said, 'YES'!!! They were excited!

After all the presents were opened and played with, it was time for bed. The kids didn't even hesitate because they knew we would be waking up and leaving RIGHT AWAY!!! We left around noon and headed down to Great Wolf Lodge in Texas. We only had to make one pit stop on the way there.

Finally, we arrived. The place was GINORMOUS and completely decorated for Christmas. We quickly unpacked in the room, changed into our swimming gear, and headed to the water park. The water park was a little overwhelming at first. All you see are these big slides, playgrounds, pools, etc. We spent the next several hours trying out as much as we could.

We left a little bit before closing time, so we could change into our pj's and head down to the lobby for story time and snow. We watched a short story performance, then we watched it snow in the lobby. The kids really liked that. Then, it was off to bed so that we could get an early start in the morning.

The next day, we were up bright and early. We had to pack and check out of our room. We still had passes to stay all day in the water park...we just wouldn't be able to come back to the room.

We played as long as our tummies let us...and our sinuses! The chlorine was really strong in there! The air alone stung your eyes. By mid afternoon, everyone was hungry and tired. Kiahna even fell asleep in the hot tub! As we were leaving, we stopped to take a picture by the BIG WOLVES at the front entrance.

The big red and yellow object in the picture was the tornado slide. Several of the water slides extended on the outside before dumping you off inside.

The kids had a GREAT time, and so did we. I think the kids might want to do it again next year. I know I'd be up for it!

Gingerbread Houses

The kids made gingerbread houses today with their friends. We have never made gingerbread houses before, so this was an extra special treat! Half of the candies ended up in their mouths instead of on their houses--THAT'S what made this craft so much fun!!!

Gingerbread houses were a huge hit! We will probably end of making them again next year--it will take at least that long to detox from all the sugar!!!

It's Been A LONG Day!

Aliya's Birthday Party

This year for Aliya's birthday, she wanted to have a hotel-swimming party. So Friday night (December 10th, 2010) Aliya's cousins, aunt, and grandparents from Arkansas joined us at a hotel for a SWIMMING party!!! We swam and swam and swam...then we went back to the hotel room to have cake & ice cream, and then she open up the presents.

I would like to say that we all got a great nights sleep...but that wouldn't quiet me the truth. Some of us got a great nights sleep, and others did not. No matter how we slept, morning arrived anyway... and after a big breakfast, we went swimming AGAIN! The kids had a great time playing in the pool and could have stayed there all day EXCEPT that we still had fun things to do!

After grabbing a bite to eat for lunch, the "big" girls went to a nail salon to have their nails painted. They all were acting so grown up and fancy!

Isaiah and Henry weren't too thrilled to be hanging around such a girlie place, so they had to be bribed with some goldfish and skittles.

Aliya really enjoyed her special party--a party that was made extra special by all the extra special people who joined us for it! Of course, we think Aliya is also very special. She will always be our cutie baby girl with big kissy cheeks!

Happy Birthday, Aliya! We love you bunches!

Daddy, Momma, Niah, Kiahna, & Isaiah

Aliya--8 Years Old

Isaiah--21 Months

Isaiah turned 21 months on November 9, 2010. I had planned to take his pictures on that day, but when the day came around, I totally forgot. Then the weather wasn't very cooperative...so a week later, I finally was able to take them. Isaiah wasn't very happy about it, though. He managed to smile for these few.

Sun Shining

We are studying Astronomy in school this year. I bought a solar-system poster set to hang up on the wall, and it included everything except the sun...so we needed to make our own!

I do not remember studying astronomy in school, so this has really been fun for me. I love learning new things along with the kids.

Pumpkins, Maze, Rides, and More!!!

Today we went with our homeschool group to a pumpkin patch in Piedmont, OK. The kids LOVED feeding the animals! There were animals inside and outside and all in between!!!

The wind was really blowing! We got to go on a tractor hayride to the corn-maze field. I think the tractor ride was MY favorite part. The land and the lake were so beautiful!

Isaiah loved every minute of it! He may just be a year and half but he acts like he is 3!!!

The hayride took us to the corn maze. We had to go all the way through the corn maze, and then it ended at the big slide.

The kids got to play on the slide and in the sand until it was time to go back to the farm.

When we got back, the little kids (Niah was TOO big) got to ride the ponies. This was Isaiah's first ride on a pony. He was excited! I'm sure this will be the first of many.

After the pony rides, we picked our pumpkins (sorry...no pictures of that!), and we headed back home. I had wanted to do several pumpkin patches this year, but that just didn't work out. I'm glad we did this one. We will probably go again next year.