Great Wolf Lodge

We were blessed with a get-away to Great Wolf Lodge as a reward for B's never ending hard work at the dealership. I didn't really know what to expect even after talking to so many friends who had been. Great Wolf Lodge is AWESOME!! It isn't cheap, but so worth it. The whole place is family and child centered. We got to stay two nights and had a blast! I wanted to share a few of the one hundred thirty seven pictures that were taken.

Every night, the cabin/clock comes to life and the characters sing songs followed by story time. The kids all sit around in their pajamas and enjoy the show. Here is our family in front of the cabin. Of course, Great Wolf Lodge is most known for its water park. It is huge! The outdoor portion was closed, or course, but the indoor park is way more than enough. Here is Elliette enjoying a slide just her size.
Colton loved splashing in the toddler wading pool.

Elliette and I went up to the top to get a better view of the park.

Daddy took both kids out on a tube in the wave pool.

There are lots of grown-up slides. B and I loved the green slide the best. I caught B being spit out backwards. What I didn't get on film was his magnificent flip when he hit the water.

Ellie taking a break and having a banana.

Colton kicked back to enjoy his snack, too.

My family listening intensely to the story being told before bedtime.

Photo opportunity.

There is a great arcade to enjoy. We are lucky that Colton and Ellie are at the age that tokens aren't necessary. They prefer the rides to remain still.

We also took a trip to Grapevine Mills and rode the trains at the Choo-Choo Station.

There is a toddler section where little ones can drive their own trains. We spent a while in here.

Rainforest Cafe was our lunchtime destination. This was the twins' first time. We sat right next to the elephants, which took a little getting used to. But once the kids figured out they weren't real or a danger, they enjoyed the experience.

This was as close to a big slide as Colt and Ellie got.

Ellie soon became obsessed with the curvy blue slide in the toddler park. She loved it. Over and over and over and over.

Colton spent most of his time on the jet skis that sprayed water. He was even nice enough to give Elliette a ride.

The three of us on the banana boat.

Ellie 'swimming' in the baby pool. Elliette got to go to the gift store to pick out a surprise because she pooped in the potty. Out of all the souvenirs and toys offered, she picked a huge purple sucker. She was so pumped.

Through the month of October, the kids are encouraged to bring their costumes and trick-or-treat throughout the resort. They provided a scavenger hunt map for us to follow. We were excited Mickey and Minnie Mouse wanted to go trick-or-treating.

Colton tried on the crown, while Ellie held the scepter in the Buckhorn Exchange treat stop.

Trick-or-treating in the Bear Paw treat shop.

Slaying the Dragon during our trick-or-treating. Ellie went right in, but Colton wasn't sure. He needed Daddy to go with him. Wiley the Wolf was a big hit. Colton called him his 'buddy' and couldn't wait to give him a big hug. Wiley came out each night at 8:00 during story time. Here is Daddy working on some crafts in the Cub Club. Mommy playing in the house in Cub Club. They loved this.

Our finished floor puzzle.

I am already looking forward to visiting Great Wolf Lodge again. Such a fun family vacation. Thank you Mimi and Pops for allowing us to go. We loved it and love you more!

Texas State Fair

We took a family trip to the State Fair a few weeks ago. Most of our time was spent in the Little Hands on the Farm. It is such a neat learning experience, and we loved the hands on activities. Here is our little piggy and little cow. Our aprons are on, baskets in hand, and we are headed to the barn.
Picked some peaches from the 'trees.'

Time to feed the 'chickens' before collecting their eggs.

Gotta milk the cow.

We collected vegetables from the garden.

Colton had to get on the tractor and go out and plant before he could harvest. We also had to drop off some feed. Daddy had to help because his feet couldn't quite reach.

Ellie tried to make the tractor go, but still needed some help.

We had to feed the 'sheep' some corn before we took his wool.

Of course, we had to make our way over to check out the new Toyota 4-Runner. It was awesome. I am putting it on my dream car list.

Besides the expected rural cows and sheep, we were excited to see a little giraffe in the petting zoo.

The camel was a big success. There was a baby camel behind the trough.
The ducks were fun to watch, too.

Colton and Elliette are still talking about the Fair. Looking forward to going again next year. Fun times.

Babysitting Ethan

We got to babysit Ethan for a few hours today. The twins were super excited. Colton brought this book for me to read to him. But Ellie decided that Ethan need to learn about tractors. She confiscated it and taught Ethan all he needed to know about tractors. Notice Colton in the background. I don't know if he is pouting or just busy picking his nose. Ellie had to play baby, too. She went and found a paci from her bed and stole Ethan's rattle. I remember when this chair was her bed. We could have fit four of her in it. Now look at her. My big baby.

Some blanket time to stretch out and play.

I love Ethan's expression in this one. My two are trying so hard to entertain him, and he is pleading with his eyes to be rescued.

She just can't help herself. Even while Ethan was asleep, Ellie had to be close to him. Yes, she had to go get her paci, too.
What I didn't get a picture of is when the babies woke up from a very short nap asking to go play with Ethan. They didn't believe me that Coco had picked him up while they were asleep. So out we go into the living room. Colton starts to cry when he sees Ethan's blanket is gone, and says "I want my cousin Ethan." Did I mention they love Baby Ethan? We do.

Bring on the Rain

While going through last year's fall/winter attire, I came across their snow boots. I took out the liners in Colt's and they fit fine for rain boots. But little Ellie's feet are finally growing and no amount of cramming was going to get her feet into those old boots. She was NOT happy. She wanted a pair of rain boots, too. Leave it to a grandmother to hear those cries and go into action. My mom went to Target the next day just to find some rain boots for her poor granddaughter. So bring on the rain. We are ready to jump and play in the puddles. Thanks Memaw!!

Pet Bug

This is the closest Colton and Elliette have to a pet. It was found in the entry way. And they loved this bug. It would flip over on its back, wriggle its legs, and the babies would laugh. I think they thought it was doing it to entertain them rather than attempting to flee. Colton even walked down the hall and was motioning for the bug to follow him while saying, "Come on bug. Come on." The bug finally was able to escape. When the babies came looking for it later that day, tears were shed. I am sure another will be around soon.

Labor Day Fun

RP had some time off and came in for the Labor Day weekend. We all went up and stayed overnight in Dallas before he left early the next morning. This picture was taken right after we had a candy feast consisting of M&Ms, gummy bears, and Sprees on RP's bed. Colton and Elliette were a wee bit hyper. I have been wanting to take Colton and Elliette to the Science Museum in Fair Park ever since I took my fourth grade class when I was 5 months pregnant. They are just the right age now to enjoy all the exhibits. First stop was the fire truck along with hat and jacket.

Off to put out a fire or rescue a cat from a tree.

Colton loved wearing the 'Bob the Builder' hat.

Elliette daintily hammering a piece of wood.

Pops helped Colton on the John Deere tricycle. His legs aren't quite long enough yet.

Pops helped Ellie too of course.

Colton milked a cow as Daddy supervised.

Elliette milked the cow too, but only with one hand.

Checking out the farm dogs, but not too close. Some of the dogs looked pretty realistic.

The 'pond' was a big hit. They spent a long time splashing and collecting the duckies. I am concerned Colton might be a little hoarder. He kept walking around picking up all the ducks all for himself.

Mimi and Daddy helped make giant bubbles.

Ellie loved dropping and catching the ping pong balls on the air hole. This really was a fun game. I might have to rig up a blow dryer and soccer cone for the same effect. Elliette posed in a Hazmat suit. Colton looks way too comfortable.

This was the scene literally less than 5 minutes after pulling out of the museum's parking lot.

Brent had not even made it to the highway before they passed out. Thank you RP for coming home. Thank you Mimi and Pops for letting us hang out with you. We love you all.

Happy B-Day Eli

I am a week late, but I wanted to post the pictures of my oldest nephew's birthday party. Eli turned 10 years old and celebrated with a bowling party. He invited his little cousins to join in on the fun. This was their second trip to the bowling alley, but their first time to actually bowl.

Here is the big birthday boy, Uncle Poprocks, Elliette, and Colton taking time out to pose for the camera.Ellie loves Aunt Hay-hay and helped her keep score. Colton just liked to watch the screen. I think he thought it was 'tartoons.' Uncle Poprocks helped Colton get his ball set up on the toddler bowling ramp. All Colton had to do was push the ball down the ramp. That ramp is a really cool invention.

And of course Elliette had her turn. I wish I had pictures of them jumping up and down when the pins fell. It was a lot of fun. We are going back really soon. A good time for all ages. Happy birthday Eli. We love you very much!