After Rick's extra long busy season this year, we were SO ready for some family time. He finally had a weekend off when it came to Easter weekend, so we spontaneously decided to go on a mini vacation for a few days. Even though it was pretty warm here, the outdoor waterparks weren't open, so we headed to an indoor waterpark.
We do have a Great Wolf Lodge just a few hours from us in Dallas, but on such short notice, for a room that fits eight, it was $600! So...I went on the hunt for another one nearby, and found the second largest waterpark in the state just a couple of hours away. It was actually designed by the same people that do Great Wolf, so it looked almost identical to it, and had pretty much all the same things--but at a fraction of the cost.
We decided to surprise the kids, so I packed during the day while they were at school, and when they came home, we all hopped into the car and headed out. Staying in a hotel is always a highlight for my kids, and really, we could stay in one in our own town, and the would think it was the most exciting thing ever. We still fit in one room, although I know those days are getting numbered. Ryan sleeps on the pull out couch, the four little sleep the opposite way on one of the beds, Rick and I have a bed, and the baby sleeps in her crib. It works for us, as long as we can find a suite like that. So far we've been able to!
It was an absolutely beautiful drive. Rolling hills, tons of green trees, and a quiet countryside roads. It was a much appreciated respite from the busy highways we're used to.
We woke up early the next morning, and enjoyed the kids' second favorite thing...the free breakfast. They had a good one, even Texas-shaped waffles. (Seriously...ONLY in Texas.) After breakfast we still had a couple of hours until the park opened, so we walked outside to let the kids play. It was in a town with pretty much nothing else in it--just farmland, and so we walked a little ways and found ourselves in a huge green field with cattle and horses. We played tag, the kids played in the mud, and we enjoyed the perfect weather--not too hot, not too cold.
Soon it was time to head inside and to
the park, where we stayed and played all day. Henry could not be
contained, he loved it so much. He's tall enough to ride anything,
which is sometimes a dangerous combination with a four year old mind.
He and Kate were buddies, and they rode all the big rides together.
Emma stayed in the lazy river pretty much the whole time, and Jack loved
the smaller waterslide in the treehouse. Caroline loved the lazy river
too, and so Rick and I took turns going on the big rides.
Soon
the day was over, and it was time to head home. We changed the kids
into their pajamas, loaded up the car, then stopped quickly to get
something to eat. The drive home was quiet--the kids watched movies,
while Rick and I talked. It was only 24 hours, but it was like a breath
of fresh air after the last four months of crazy. I'm so glad we could
get away--it was wonderful!!!
