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!