Saturday, October 22, 2011

One Super Scavenger Hunt

DSC_1518

Yesterday Mickey and I surprised the girls with a special getaway to Great Wolf Lodge! All Mackaylan knew was that we were having Family Fun Day and that she would be given clues along the way as to our final destination.  As far as Lydia was concerned, she was all smiles as usual! So, after getting poems written and bags packed we set off on our way!

DSC_1520

The first poem let the girls know that we were ready to get the day started, and it also informed them that they would receive the first clue once we had departed.

DSC_1524

DSC_1526

Mackaylan received a game and Clue #2 just a few miles down the road.  Clue #2 told her she should would receive the next bit of information when we stopped for lunch.  It also let her know that the item she would receive she was sure to like a bunch!

DSC_1531

We stopped for lunch in Gastonia at Longhorn and it was delicious!  There Mackaylan received her next prize which was a wallet and some cash along with a poem about Clue #3. 

DSC_1532DSC_1534DSC_1549

Clue #2 told her that she would receive the third and final clue when she saw an airplane flying low.  Usually when we go through Charlotte we see lots of airplanes coming in and out of the airport.  However, yesterday we only saw 1, and if Mackaylan would not have pointed it out we would have totally missed it.  She was ready for her final clue!!!

Along with Clue #3 she received a lollipop.  The poem explained that the first letter of the three items she received were the initials to our final destination:  G for game, W for wallet, and L for lollipop:  GWL- Great Wolf Lodge!! 

DSC_1553

It took her a minute to realize that we were really just a few short minutes away from Great Wolf Lodge, but once she did she was so excited!

DSC_1558

During the month of October, it is Howl-o-ween at the Lodge which means there is trick-or-treating, hayrides, pumpkin painting, and “scary” story time along with the normal fun of the waterslides.

DSC_1560

DSC_1627

Once we got checked in we suited up and headed down to the waterpark for some fun!  NOTE:  Lydia didn’t wear this suit, but we took advantage of a photo op while we could! ha

DSC_1570

Down in the waterpark we took turns riding rides with Mackaylan and spending time at the water’s edge with “Little Bit!”  Both of the girls LOVE the water so this was a perfect getaway. I thought it was hilarious that we saw 3 other families from CGS at “The Lodge!” It’s a small world!

DSC_1573DSC_1574DSC_1599DSC_1607DSC_1616DSC_1613

Last night, we enjoyed some time trick-or-treating throughout the lodge, dinner, and a “scary” story time with Violet the wolf.  I just love these two purrfect girls!!

DSC_1619

DSC_1628DSC_1642

After a good night’s sleep (we were all in the bed asleep by 9:30PM!) we were up bright and early to hit the waterpark before returning home.  We enjoyed a delicious breakfast complete with Dunkin’ Doughnuts and were joined by Aunt Betsi for our morning adventures which made out trip complete!

DSC_1647

DSC_1649

DSC_1652

We all enjoyed riding the slides, splashing in the water, and time away to focus on our family.  Mickey has been working crazy hours so this getaway was what everyone needed!  I knew it was all worthwhile when Mackaylan took my hand on the way to ride one of the slides and said, “Mama, thanks for bringing us here!”  Priceless!

DSC_1654

DSC_1658

DSC_1669

Before leaving we took advantage of the fall décor and I snapped this adorable picture of my two favorite girls!!!  We tried to get a family shot as well, but it didn’t turn out.  I guess we will have to to to the pumpkin patch now just so we can get a family photo! haha

DSC_1694

What a perfect fall break!!!

3 comments:

The Price Family! said...

So much fun!! I love how you are so creative!! ;)

Anonymous said...

Lana-that looks so fun!!!

The Sparks said...

Looks like so much fun! We are thinking about suprising the kids after Christmas. May have to steal your clue ideas!