The Great Wolf Lodge

**Ok, before I start this post I must warn you all that I am about to sound very much like a terrible infomercial...but this place really was amazing.

Because Scott's new job doesn't start until next week (oh, forgot to mention that Scott just got a really great job here in Olympia as an Auditor so we will officially become Washingtonians!!) and his temporary job just ended, we decided to take a little over night vacation to The Great Wolf Lodge. (Which by the way is just 15 minutes from our house)  It was a little more, okay, a lot more than I like to spend on a hotel stay, but we couldn't pass up the massive indoor water park. Oh, and by the way...I have become a total hotel snob now, no more super 8 motels for me baby. I learned that you REALLY do get what you pay for in a hotel room! the beds we so comfy, the carpets were clean, the towels were huge and fluffy, and there was an LCD screen TV hanging on the wall. Perfection.

The kids had so much fun swimming. I thought maybe we would be there for an hour then get bored, but after almost three hours we had to remove a screaming Jack who wasn't ready to leave. I couldn't believe what a little fish Bianca is. This was her first real exposure to water and she loved it...

like, loved it so much she would just sit in the middle of a waterfall or a geyser.

I couldn't get very many good pictures because the lighting was terrible...but you get the idea.

When we got back to our room, we put a movie on for Jack and this was the poor little guy about 30 seconds into the previews...

We wore this kid right out!!

Unfortunately the nap was short lived and we made our way down to the arcade...what two year old doesn't like neon lights and obnoxious music? (and besides, his mommy is like a little kid and wanted to play some of those ridiculous games. I know, it's stupid, but we all have our quirks, right?!)

We had a rough night with the kids (no one wants to sleep when there is so much to be had!!) Everyone was finally sleeping at about 1 AM, after putting Bianca to bed in the bath tub and jack in the pack-n-play. Next time we will definitely be getting two rooms!

I do have to share one last bit of amazing-ness about our stay. These wrist bands have a tiny microchip in them that act as your room key. Pure genius I tell you! Oh, and if you want some ice cream or a souvenir from the gift shop, or pizza...yeah, they just scan your wrist band and bill it all to your room!

Man I love this place!

Every gal needs a purse...

...And so does every two year old BOY,

Right?

This little pink bag was given to Bianca for her birthday, but Jackson insists on taking it with him.  Scott tried to take it away but lost the battle when it came down to tears and gut wrenching screams.

Look at that face...this is serious business people.  Only a man completely secure in his masculinity can hold a bag like that with such confidence.

It really is practical.  He can fit all his cars in it, and any other treasures he finds along the way.

And besides, it sings the alphabet and counts to ten...what mother can turn away an educational toy? (at least that is what I have to tell myself)

Can't get enough of this stink face...

...can anyone say blackmail?!?

The birthday continues...

The birthday for princess Bianca continued on Sunday when we had the Springer family over for a yummy dinner and caterpillar birthday cake! I saw this cake online and had to make it for the party...it turned out darling!

Of course we did the traditional "let the kid stuff their face until they're sick" and as you can see, Bianca loved every bit of the chocolate cake and gooey buttercream frosting...

She was too much of a mess to transport all the way upstairs so we did a sink bath...who doesn't love a good sink bath?!?

Because bianca goes to bed prompty at 6 o'clock, she wasn't able to fully enjoy all of her birthday presents...but they are downstairs waiting for her to wake up tomorrow...

Thanks Springer fam for spoiling our little angel!

Happy Birthday little lovebug...

Today is Bianca's first birthday. It seems like just yesterday (cliche, I know, but it's true) we brought this dark haired beauty home from the hospital. The little ball of sunshine has been absolute delight since the day she was born. Each morning I wake up to this smiling face, and feel grateful for the love she brings into our home. We love every bit of her chubby cheeks, big blue eyes, toothy grins, silly giggles, and slobbery kisses.

Thanks baby B. for being the doll that you are...We love you!

let's get our craft on!!

My cousin saw this on a friend's blog and then decided to give it the name Craft It Forward, which I think is perfect. As soon as I read it, I knew I wanted to join. So, is anyone else ready to get their "Craft On"?

Craft It Forward Exchange is based on the concept of the movie "Pay it forward". I will send a hand made gift to the first three people who leave a comment to this post on my blog requesting to join the CIF exchange. All the gifts will be made and posted out 'sometime within the next year'. How exciting to not know when your surprise package will arrive! What you need to do in return, is craft it forward by making the same promise on your blog. This exchange is only open to those with active websites or blogs. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS PROMISE TO POST THIS SAME 'CRAFT IT FORWARD' MESSAGE ONTO YOUR BLOG, WHICH MUST BE ACTIVE IN ORDER TO PLAY. YOU WILL CRAFT IT FORWARD TO THREE PEOPLE WHO COMMENT ON YOUR BLOG. I'd love for you to join me! Will you? Other comments are welcome, but only the first three will be my Craft It Forward recipients. Come and join me who doesn't love a gift or giving gifts???

come on ladies...I know I have some crafty friends so this should be fun!