Sunday, September 24, 2023

Wolf-igure It Out (Plan B)

 

This week we had planned a beautiful beach trip with family but thanks to 
The Sechrist Family Luck 
and 
Hurricane Ophelia 
our trip was cancelled. 
We were so sad.
It isn't easy to prepare a trip away during the school year...
-dog boarding
-guinea pig coverage
-sub plans
-make up work
-weekend pre packing

the list goes ONNNN


We were so disappointed.  
Especially Carlee.
When I broke the news, she was teary but I told her when one door closes, God usually opens another!! 
Darren and I tried our best to look up places to go but we didn't have a lot of luck.
A coworker suggested Great Wolf Lodge, a place I had never been. 
I took a little peek (the prices are usually outrageous) and saw that GWL was holding a good deal for fall season.
At this point Darren and Connor were out.  They didn't really want to travel anyway and had no interest in a water park. 

BUT I didn't make those sub plans for nothin' honey.....
Wolf-igure It Out with Plan B- 
Girls' Weekend!

Last minute, we thought Cousin T may really enjoy the trip, so we were even more stoked when she joined.


Great Wolf Lodge offers a lot of things for an additional charge (of course).  
I let the girls know from the start-
breakfast and lunch in the room (bring food folks) with a nice dinner out.  There would be no extras ie.  like Magic Quest, gems, bowling.
The girls were awesome about it.  
They seem pretty entertained by the surroundings and water park. 
They didn't ask for much.
The staff was also amazing to help us with everything. 



As soon as we arrived they gave us little wolf ears! 
Everything was decorated in wooded and lodge areas.
I do love a good theme.



Everyone made themselves at home in the room.
It was a like a mini apartment.




The water park was fun. 
 The girls spent Thursday evening, Friday, and Saturday morning at the park.  They had a variety of slides, pools, and (thanks to our timing) the crowds were down.
(Don't go on a weekend because it was picking up to crazy level by the time we left.)



We even tried the outdoor pool but the incoming fall weather made it too cool.





At the last minute I packed these two little "water proof" cases I purchased months ago.  
I think they were like 11.00 on Amazon.
Money well spent!  


Although I was apprehensive about the quality of the product (begging them not to dip them in the water)
 the girls toted them all over the park and down the slides.  
They took a ton of video and pictures.  
Thank GOD the phones stayed safe.


*******

On Friday morning we waited in line to be first at the pool. 
We nabbed three front seat lounge chairs,
 where I stayed the rest of the day.
The girls went down all the slides and pools and I finished an entire book!!
And even though I loved the relaxation, my heart just pinched when I saw a little boy around 3 or 4 that looked like Connor.
Man, do I miss the little excited boy who loved water parks.



The girls debated and debated about riding the big 'Howlin' Tornado'!!
Will they or won't they?? 

#research


As for me- NO THANKS!! 
I hate waterslides! 
I have a story that goes all the way back to the 'Double Barrel' when Darren and I were dating. 



They did it!  
They rode the 'Howlin' Tornado over and over again.
I watched them go up 8 flights of steps, over and over just to ride this one.
Sleeping was not a problem for these ladies.



At one point they BEGGED me to ride a slide with them.
I told them No WAY!  Nooo WAY!!!
but they finally persisted and this was the result....
*
*
*
*
*
*




Yep.  
I gave them two rides and 
I. was. done.
They filmed the whole thing (laughing away) which I told them better NOT show up on the tickety tock or the chat snap or whatever they use these days.

Friday evening we were going to go out for dinner but we decided to make reservations at the Lodge Wood Fire Grill.  We were water logged and I didn't want to move the car because I had a good spot.


The girls got all dressed up.  
Full hair, makeup, and outfits.
We were so hungry, we made quick work of the buffet.



Yummo.



We looked so good, we decided to go shopping at the gift shop.
Connor gave Carlee some money (best brother ever), so she purchased a GWL- Build a Bear with slippers.



T. found a beautiful necklace.



We returned to the room with lots of girl talk, and ended the weekend trip by window shopping the nearby huge mall. 

We had a "howling" good time at Great Wolf Lodge
God is good to work out Plan B! 

  
💗



VIDEO HERE 
(Minus my crazy self going down the slide.)








Saturday, September 16, 2023

Birthday Rating of- MA, 18+


Happy Birthday to this 18 year old feller!!!
🎂





💗

Gosh have the years flown by!!
Sometimes I miss the "little" in little boy.



What a blessing to have a son like Connor. 
God Following
Smart
Friendly 
Compassionate
Hilarious
Outgoing 
Athletic
All Boy
Perfectly Imperfect





We decided to make Connor's birthday super special with 18 Gifts for 18 Years!! 
I hope my kids always know that I am so thankful for each year of their life.


Chocolate chip cookies in lieu of cake. 

#1- 

We love The Office.  This air fresher has the cheap smell of cologne that will knock your socks off.  
It is hilarious.  Total Michael Scott cologne. 

#2:  

Only a true FAN would support this team for 18 years!

#Bengals



#3:

Now that your an 18 year old...

make sure you keep your breath minty fresh for kissing all the ladiessss

...with consent of course

....AND check those IDs!    


(attach gum and breath mints 😆)




#4:

At 18 here come the job interviews, bills, deadlines, and leadership roles-

NO SWEAT for you.  

(favorite deodorant)


#5:
golfing pen set

#6: 

I know you are a movie buff but now that you are 18 you can LEGALLY watch “R” rated movies without an adult. Enjoy all the movies!  

this kid LOVES movies (including the old stuff)


#7:   Sometimes as an adult you have to pull all nighters (studying of course).  This will help!    



#8:  At 18 a good life lesson is that FOOD is Fuel- 

"Think outside the bun," 

hola, Live mas."   

(Taco Bell Gift Card)



#9:



#10:  Coffee is a must.  Cheapest lattes in town!  

(McD’s Gift Card)


#11:  Now that you are 18 you can VOTE!  

It’s your American Duty!     





#12

#13:  

TAT "I Love My Mom"


#14: When you want to act like a professional- name brand on point.  


                                                             




#15:  Now that you are 18 you can buy lottery tickets! 

A tip – don’t waste your money but if the power ball gets big then it is always fun to play. 


Won 2.00!! 

                       

#16:  Now that you are 18 you can be summoned to serve on Jury Duty.  



#17




#18:  Now that you are 18 you are an “adult” but don’t forget to have fun and dance like nobody is watching!! 

Here is a set of Helping Hands! 


phone holder


Love YOU and Happy Birthday