Overgrown Tadpole

Part of the fun at Great Wolf Lodge is a separate area for frogs, or people with great balance, who enjoy leaping from one giant lilly pad to another without falling in the water. The lilly pads are anchored to the bottom of the pool but are still able to float around, based on the movement of the frog upon it. For tadpoles or anyone new to the game, there is also a rope ladder hung up above to grab onto if one should lose their balance or need to regain composure after leaping.

Doug, who is always couragous in the face of a something new and dangerous, took the challenge and stepped into the line of kids under the age of 12 and all under 5' tall. Upon studying the video, his greatest disadvantage was his height as he had to hunch over enought to avoid getting tangled in the rope ladder thus throwing off his weight distribution to such a degree that by the 3rd lilly pad, he was upside down or sideways and quickly underwater. So desperate was he for success that he spent much time observing and interviewing all the smallish tadpoles who would hop flawlessly across the pond in virtual seconds. Unfortunately, all the advise in the world couldn't offset his God given physical virtues. He held up well under the scrutiny of casual observers and even began to feel like somewhat of a celebrity when the lifeguards spent most of their time watching him trying to master the impossible. (Aren't they supposed to be watching for drowning kids?)

I so long for pictures of the event to post but I was always laughing so hard that I couldn't focus.

Here's a few of my frogs at rest.

Great Wolf Lodge

We finally managed to make our Christmas trip to Traverse. We stopped for lunch at Pietro's where Franchesca and I stayed in the van due to nausea and we had moment's of thinking we would again have to cancel. Motion sickness runs in our family and after sitting still, not reading and finally entering the restaurant, she began to feel better.

The ride felt long, even with the portable dvd player. Do you think that had anything to do with me driving while my husband slept with the mp3 player on, never hearing any of those questions from the children i.e. "When ARE we going to be there? I'm thirsty, I have to go to the bathroom, I'm hungry, are we driving all the way to Florida?"



Waiting until February to go was a wonderful idea. Most children must have been in school because it was not busy at all. This is a place that can make even the sanest person feel dizzy but with so few people, the the kids are at an age now that they can go off by themselves (with a buddy) and meet up with us. Doug was of course, in hot demand as the chilren are all able to go down the slides and were trying to throw him off the tube.

Solomon was so young last time we were there that he really couldn't understand or picture in his mind where we were going and the magnitude of fun that was awaiting him. He slept very well each night!

The staff at the lodge was well prepared for the grown-ups too. The Super Bowl was right there, with the big screen attached right where the kiddy pool was in view. With the Aveda spa, Starbucks and lots of goodies in the store, a person could stay for years (according to Solomon). The water was even "blue" for Adrianna. We had a relaxing 2-1/2 days but were all ready to sleep in our own beds by Tuesday night. After a "real" lunch in town at the Dish cafe, we began our long trek homeward.

"Are we there yet"?

BLOGGING: Burden or Blessing?

Finding time to blog has felt (lately) like one more thing that I just can't fit into the daily whirwind. Life with 4 kids at home is full! Something has to give. When I simplify the day into what HAS to be done it looks something like A. Keep them fed (in more ways than one), keep them alive and keep the environment somewhat peaceful (this is totally for me). Then we have "discretionary" time to spend which encompasses everything from education, laundry, recreation, dishes, thinking ahead, exercise, looking back, playing games, reading, serving others and watching the world go round; wondering where the next stop is. Outside activities include lessons, outings, escort services for all the library books not to mention the highlight of the week: getting groceries.

Where does the time for blogging come from I ask?

My options are: A. get up early B. Stay up late C. Hand the blogging over to the kids. I'm seriously considering option C. I've offered it to them as a bonus-a reward for some great feat they handled well lately. Much to my disappointment, they quickly declined. Blogging should be on any student's list of accomplishments, I'm sure of it:)

Part of my hesitation to begin blogging was my fear of being unable to keep up (with who or what I'm not sure). I know how I enjoy clicking on my favorite blogs and see that new title (slowly) pop up, alerting me of the news and photos to come, allowing me to share a small part of anothers time and space.

I've noticed myself in the past few weeks stating "I just can't do it all". Is it just me or does everyone feel this way?

Natural Talent

So the holidays are over and with birthdays being in short supply, Franchesca was struggling to find recipients for her Hand Made Goods from Saugatuck. She turned to her faithful, always available and ever so appretiative American Girl Dolls.

I don't know how she makes these, honestly. I taught her a basic stitch when she was 6 but after that it becomes a mystery, literally because she always hides away in her fortress of a bed, canopy pulled closed with her MP3 on.

These are for Adrianna's baby doll. Snowpants and hat (the bracelet she threw in no extra charge. One must have accessories, even outdoors) for sledding.