Great Wolf Lodge, Pt. I

As with each Saturday morning, today started off with soccer practice. It was one of those "OFF" mornings, though, where Sydni was stubborn and really just not feelin' soccer practice. Even so, she made grumpy look good and I was able to steal a few action shots.

manuevering.

I may have to come to terms with the fact that she's not into soccer.. at least not just yet. I realize that yes, she is only four, and yes, she will probably change her mind at least a billion times between now and when it matters, but we'll see. I mean she did after all tell me today that she wants to play basketball. That's probably the furthest thing from what either myself OR her dad would've ever played or guessed. So yeah. Wiggle room. ;)

AND THEN.........

Post-soccer, it was a quick change and then off to a Great Wolf Lodge! Luckily for me, it's only about 15 minutes from soccer, and really I think it's highly underrated as an attraction right here in Cincinnati. Especially if you have kids. Espeeeecially if you and your kids like splashparks, arcades, spa's, pizza shops, magic treasure hunts, mini golf glo-courses, bowling alleys and mascot woodland creatures who roam the halls creeping out parents while the kiddos think they're cute and/or funny.

No brainer.

So, Syd and I met up with my parents and wasted zero time getting into the magic that just is... GWL.

First stop? FOOD. Like it'd be anything else.. c'mon.. ;)

trying to color but distracted by all the cool stuff everywhere!

After lunch, it was off to the giftshop to pick up a wand.
These things..... aside from being moneymakers for GWL, are actually pretty cool. The entire place is riddled with sensor-activated things that react to the wands. There's a whole Quest series in place, and once you choose a certain quest, then you're off in search of the various elements needed to complete it. That would explain why there were groups of tweens flying around the lodge the entire weekend. It's not just a little kid thing. Haha.

magic wand... presto!

We did that for a little while, chasing Sydni back and forth across the hallways as she darted from treasure chest to magic crystal to talking painting. I have to admit, it's an absolutely genius idea. Even so, we came here specifically because it's an indoor water park. It's complete with four full length waterslides, a lazy river, wave pool, all sorts of places to climb, kiddie pools, a jacuzzi and one of those giant buckets that spills out 1,000 of water every hour or so onto the excited crowd standing under it.

quick peek. there's much more to it than this

We had fun. (: (: (:

pappy & nana with sydni!

My little sassy pants mcswimsuit here.... 

mini model. strike it!

I somehow coerced Sydni into taking a quick nap between waterparking and the rest of the night. She wasn't happy about it, but was even grumpier when we woke her up and told her she had to get dressed again. Yeah, she's mine: grumpy when she wakes up & hates clothes all together.. :p. Sooo, we donned the fairy costume and set off for the Halloween costume parade, story time and animatronics show. 

happy halloween, grumpy girl.. heheh..
[i look like a vampire. that was an accident.]

... Oh, and that arcade here.
We did that after all the Halloween jazz.
Sydni gave my dad a run for his money. And... he loved every bit of it.

pappy & sydni racing cars.

syd challenging pappy again.. on bikes.

To top it off, video proof ;)
Love.

We're back in the room now, after what seemed like one of the longest but jam-packed fun days we've had in a long time. We're doing it all over again tomorrow, so here's to a great first day at GWL!

xo | cmd

O-H-I-O!! O-H-I-O!!!!

true. story.

GUESS WHAT?!
Syd and I were on the road by mid-evening, en route back to good old OHIO. I.. am.. SO excited for this weekend, I can't even tell you. She was just as ready as I was, and all smiles at that! We were off to see Mamaw, and a bunch of our friends!


best road trip buddy, ever

Fast forward 5 hours later, to now, when we're settling into the hotel. It's gonna be a jam-packed weekend, and I cannot wait :)

WE'RE HERE!!!!!!!! :D

See you tomorrow.......

xo | cmd