Great Wolf Lodge

Since we moved this summer (and that was not totally a planned event) we cancelled summer vacation and opted to go to GWL again...the girls love it.  It's close to home....but far enough away to get away and relax!  I forgot several things on this trip, including my nice big camera...so it is I-Phone pics...again. 

We arrived Friday afternoon and were able to check into our room right away! 

Then we hit the pool, and the slides, all afternoon.  

After a full afternoon of swimming, we came back to the room to shower and head out to dinner.  

But first, the girls had to act like animals and jump off the wall onto the beds...Yes, we let our kids jump on hotel beds.  They love it. 

The girls love the wolf ears! 

The arcade is one of the girls favorite things to do at GWL.  They would play there all night if we would let them.  We usually only go once and play for maybe an hour, but they always enjoy it. 

There was a hula hoop party Friday night before story time.  Lauren is really good!  We had no idea. 

Addison couldn't quite figure it out, so we spun the hula hoop on our connected arms.  She really loved that and Mark captured an amazing picture.  

We did more swimming on Saturday.  The girls had a blast on the water playground.  They spent a lot of time there.  It was nice to go with them this time being a little bit older.  Mark and I enjoyed going on the slides, while the girls played on the playground. We could not convince Lauren to join us on the slides even though she said she would...maybe next time. 

We spent some time Saturday afternoon just relaxing and taking a nap.  The girls created a fort between the beds and played there for a while. 

Saturday night Lauren and I stayed up late at the dance party.  Addison was worn out, so her and Mark went to bed early.  Lauren and I had a lot of fun dancing the night away! 

Sunday morning we swam again for a few hours before showering up and heading home.  Again, the girls had a blast.  We love staying at GWL and I am sure we will go back again soon! It was a perfect little get away, but i am certainly looking forward to a family summer vacation next summer!  

First Day of School.

Here it is.  Addison is in Kindergarten and Lauren started 3rd grade.  Time flies.  I can't even believe my baby is in Kindergarten and Lauren started 3rd grade.  3rd grade.  I can tell already it will be a great year!  The girls came home with so much to tell me.  They both loved it.  

Both of these pictures are my favorites from the first day.  They are both so beautiful.  

They both tolerated me taking tons of pictures so well.  

So at their new school they have to wear the school shirt the 1st day of school.  I told the girls we could take pictures the 1st and the 2nd day of school (with school shirts and then the 2nd day of school outfits) or we could take them both on the 1st day and change clothes.  They chose 2 outfits, one day, one long photo session.  Again, great sports.  

No, I did not send her to school with her belly hanging out like that...

Zoe got in on the fun as well!  

The shirts are really cute!  Class of 2024 and 2027.  

Both girls going to school this year!  

I am not sure what Addison is saying to Jenna, but I am sure it is important.  I love the look on her face! 

Headed to class at the new school.  Lauren was so worried about knowing her way around the new school.  She said she got a tour.  I am sure she will have it down perfectly in a day or two.  

Addison totally snuck into this picture of Lauren and Lindsay.  Lindsay is Lauren's best buddy from church class.  We were so excited to learn that Lindsay lived in the neighborhood this summer when we saw her at the pool.  Then we saw her name on the class list.  Lauren was thrilled. 

Addison did awesome.  She walked right into her class, sat down at her desk and started coloring.  We snapped a few pictures, gave hugs and kisses and we were off.  I headed towards the door and then looked back to watch her for a quick second.  She had a huge smile on her face and she was waving....I thought she was waving to me...well, she wasn't.  As I waved back she did nothing.  She was looking at her daycare friend across the room and waving and smiling to her...so we left!  She was totally fine and so were we.  

They rode the bus home the first day of school.  This is what I saw when I finally saw them step off the bus.  I love this picture!  Lauren is an amazing big sister.  

Now, lets back up to Monday night.  Meet the teacher night and curriculum night.  Lauren's teacher is Mrs. Hagglund.  Her nickname is Homework Hagglund.  Oh boy...we will see what the year brings with homework Hagglund.  So far, Mark and I are very impressed with her.  Lauren said she really likes her too.

Addison was so thrilled to find her classroom and her name plastered all over the room. She is so excited to finally be in school.  

Addison's name is Mrs. Palmer and we love her already.  Doesn't she look like the perfect Kindergarten teacher?  

I posted this picture on Face book already, but I totally love it.  Addison found her desk right away and was so excited.  

This was the only picture I was able to capture of Lauren.  She was too busy hanging out with friends she already knows at her new school.  We are so thrilled she knows so many kids at the school already.  

So they made it!  Now, we are trying to adjust to a schedule being back in school.  Lunches, snacks, backpacks, homework, reading, sight words, dance, Girl Scouts, church class, and the list goes on and on....and I don't think I am ready for it...but here we go!  

Summer...It's Coming to an End

It's been a good summer.  I would say it has been pretty low key.  I mean, we moved and all...and that made it a busy first half of summer.  But, the 2nd half of summer has been low key.  We spent most weekends getting unpacked and settled at the house, and when it was warm enough we spent the afternoon at the pool.  

Lauren has taken up scrap booking.  So far, she is working on her summer fun! 

Addison and I enjoyed lunch at Sonic.  She was thrilled to eat in the front seat of the car.  

We got school supplies.  Backpacks and all.  My baby is growing up! 

Lauren is ready for 3rd grade! 

We got enrolled at the new school.  Highland Park. The girls are getting excited.  

I went to the Justin Timberlake concert with my friend Denise and a few other friends.  

It was so much fun! See him there in the middle of the stage?

Zoe had a birthday this month as well.  She turned 11.  

We searched high and low for an Addison bottle, only to learn Coke didn't make an Addison bottle.  What???

Lauren attended the play, Annie, with her Girl Scout buddies and handed out programs before the show.  

My niece, Sophie turned 3 and had a huge party! 

The girls loved the water slide. 

Shoe shopping was a success.  

Mark and Addison went on their monthly date.  Dinner was the Hy-vee salad bar.  

Lauren and I went and got pedicures together.  It was so much fun.  Our first of many together!  

So as summer is wrapping up, we are headed to Great Wolf Lodge this weekend for a quick Staycation.  Then school starts next week!