Great Wolf Experience

Last year, I was so happy that we were able to squeeze in a Mommy's Overnight  Trip to Seattle, U.S.A. This year, we were able to go as group all the way to Grand Mound, WA kids and hubbies included. We were a huge group and it was FUN! FUN! FUN! I guess we are improving as the year goes by ;) I wonder what will be next now that we did the border crossing vacation as a family...

Note: Picture heavy and long post... Don't say I didn't warn you :)

We got a great deal from a 48 hour sale online and despite the dates that were required, we booked the 2- nights vacation months before and with fingers crossed hope that everything will work out and everyone will be able to join...

It was really nice that everything work out and everyone was on board. Although some stayed for a night, some 2, and some for 3 nights. We were able to come together for a night wherein everyone was there to enjoy each others company.

We all saw each other at Tukwila, WA on our way to Great Wolf Lodge grabbing a quick lunch at our favorite stop- Jollibee etc. then going around Seafood City for some snacks we can bring into our room.

* The "GREAT" Wolf Lodge Experience

* Registration Area is well decorated

There is a swinging raccoon that greets you as you wait to be registered and a big bear near the door that you will surely see on your way out.

* Big Brown Bear

It was a bit of a wait before we were able to get our room and we had to go through the lines to follow up before we finally got one. The kids were so excited and exasperated for the wait while they watched the action at the other side of the glass.

* Wallet in a Wrist

One of the inconveniences of swimming is that you are hungry and wet afterwards and this special bracelet solved all that by putting in your card information on your wrist and serves as a room key as well. Pretty convenient eh? Wise invention if I can say so myself. It served its purpose well and quite a relief to just put your wrist out and open your room or pay for something without the need to rummage through your bags or pocket for a key or a credit card.

It is a must to go and try out the water park when you come here. It is the highlight of the place and not experiencing the water is like going to an ice cream place and just drinking a glass of water. The cherry on top for this is the slides.... Long lines, worth the wait.

* Water Paradise


Finally, our room was ready for occupation.

* Room 2902

I was a bit disappointed at first that we got a 2nd floor bedroom but it vanished right away when I saw that it was a good distance to the spa and Bear Paw (Sweet Bar) as well as the Bear Landing (2nd floor access to the pool). 

* Family Suite Room


The events in the water park is endless and it kept us occupied for our stay and kept the kids really excited every time they wake up in the morning.

* Scooops Kids Spa

I was impressed with the concept of this kids spa but more astounded on the price. Scooops caters to the sweet side of a little girl and treats them as a princess for their services with a tiara for each service and giant banana split as your chair, delicious ice cream flavored manicures or pedicures to choose from or if you'd rather do a facial. Each service comes with a side of ice cream to keep that experience as sweet as it's name. I'd probably do this when Kimi is a bit older with bigger nails to make me more agreeable to the price they are asking for :) I actually did a home mani-pedi for Little Kimi as I've promised.

Activities:

* Story Time and Clock Tower Show

Story Time and Clock Tower Show was a delightful end to a very tiring, but fun, adventure. 

I was reminded me of Pocahontas in a way but it was nice to see that there was a real effort in making a production out of a short show. The props and the mechanisms to make each characters move and make the kids sit upright in awe as they try to catch up with the message of the show. Even the youngest would enjoy this short show.

* Wolf Walk

In the mornings, kids gathered for a wolf tour to learned a bit more about different animals and ends with an origami demonstration of- what else, a Wolf!

* Little Listener

Story Time is accompanied by Mascot Violet and the kids were excited to take a picture with the said mascot after the story.

* Inseparables

* Kenzo!

...and for those who are restless with nothing to do

* Big Coloring Pad to keep the most restless hands busy...

* Mac and Kenzo starting to reconnect...

*...Time to get some more activities- ALL DONE!

...more activities on the 2nd floor

The Cub Club is an arts area that has a list of activities that you may choose from (price ranges depending on the craft), but there is a table for free crafts. Parent Participation is required in this area. This is not a drop off area so parents still needs to be there to spend precious time making creative things with their kids.

* Little Puppeteers in the making

* Nice Backdrop and Rest Area for these kids

* Playing House


Of course, we decided on the free crafts and just relied on our imaginations to make it fun and made use of the coloring pages that are available in the area and had the kids color them. Afterwards, we got some free construction papers and created a hat for each kid to showcase their art work.

* We made this!

....for the late nights, we did arcades,

* $ 0.25 per token: it does add up... 

* Prizes we got after we had our share of games

Food:

Food choices here is good too. We got to try Pizza Hut for our first day. Camp Critter's Bar and Grille for our 2nd Day and Loose Moose Cottage for our 3rd Day Brunch. The guys had beers at Grizzly Rob's Bar and they claimed to like the Blue Moon which has a fruity taste to it.

* Camp Critter Cuties

Kid's Meals are $7.99 with these ears included in the package...

* Mommies at Moose Loose Cottage after a full meal

* Bear Paw Sweets and Eats for the Sweet Tooth Cravings

...It is more fun to travel in groups especially if that group's company is someone you genuinely enjoy

Such is the case in this so it was a dream vacation

* Wolf Pack- Cheers to more group-vacation!

Friendship isn't about whom you've known the longest...

it's about who came and never left your side

- Anonymous

* * * 

Thank you mommies for the gift and warmth of your friendship... 

...and before we leave for Vancouver

* Chua Family :)

"If our children feels friendship within the family, with each other, and with parents, they will not be desperate for acceptance outside the family.

I think no finer compliment can be paid to parents than to have children say that their parents are among their best friends.

- Martin K. Jensen, 1999 (Friendship: A Gospel Principle)

* * *

To my mom, my dad and siblings

I hope you know that YOU are one, if not my Best(est) Friend...

I LOVE YOU GUYS...and I MISS YOU GUYS A LOT

* * *

Since my youth, God, you have taught me,

and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.

Even when I am old and gray,

do not forsake me, God,

till I declare your power to the next generation,

your mighty acts to all who are to come.

Psalm 71:17-18 (NIV)

* * * 

To my babies,

I know that we are not perfect as parents but we strive to be the best we can for you guys,

Remember that mommy and daddy loves you very much.

* * * * *

GREAT WOLF LODGE

April 8 - 10, 2012

Grand Mounds, WA

U.S.A.