Family Togetherness!

 For the last few years, we have started a family tradition of going "frugal" at Christmas and using the money we saved to purchase a Winter Weekend Getaway.  We have visited the Amana Colonies and Grizzly Jack's Resort (Utica, IL).  Both places offered waterparks and were within a few hours of our home.  After staying at Grizzly Jack's last year (and having a blast), we jumped on the opportunity that a Groupon presented last Fall.  We also invited Becki's extended family to "come play with us".  We were able to find a weekend that worked for all 3 families and booked our rooms...and then waited out the very long, cold, snowy winter!

The designated weekend in March finally arrived and we packed our swimsuits and towels and headed to Grizzly Jack's!  Becki's parents and sister's family were already there when we arrived.  The kids checked out the pool area while a few family members participated in the "Pi" eating contest (in honor of 3/14/14)

Katie with Rose & Ron

Debbie, Brad & Matt - ready to compete

After the contest, we headed across the parking lot to the amusement park.  The kids loved playing laser tag, walking high on the ropes course, climbing the rock wall (Will climbed the entire wall - first time ever!) and playing on the trampolines.

Katie & Matt on the Ropes Course

Will on the Ropes Course

Maddie trying out the trampolines

Will almost to the top!

Matt made it to the top too!

BFFs Emma & Maddie

Kayla, Emma, Maddie, Grammy & Katie

  We headed back to our room for some much needed sleep!  The kids were exhausted!

 We woke up the next morning and headed into town to find some breakfast.  We found a cute little bistro named The Bistro at the Willows Hotel, with great coffee (so I am told, as I am not a coffee drinker) and wonderful food.

 We drove back to the resort and went our separate ways.  Deb's family & Becki's parents went swimming while we drove to Starved Rock to hike a bit.  We were very disappointed to find out that most of the trails were not only snow covered, but ice packed.  We hiked a bit but ended up turning around and heading back to the Lodge and Welcome Center.  While in the parking lot, we noticed a "Hoo Haven" van and wondered if we could track down our friend (through letterboxing) Toni, who volunteers with Hoo Haven.  It was a wonderful surprise to see her as well as some of their birds!

Will sitting on an "eagle" bench at the Starved Rock Lodge

 We drove back to the resort and met up with everyone for lunch - tacos - provided by Rose!  We then headed back to the amusement park for more fun for the afternoon.  That evening we went back to the Starved Rock Lodge to eat dinner. 

Alex, Kayla, Maddie, Katie & Will

Emma, Maddie, Kayla & Alex

 After dinner, we headed back to the resort for Bingo and craft time.  We then put the kiddos in one room with a movie and popcorn while the adults were in the adjoining room for snacks and games.  It was a wonderful way to end our evening!

Sunday morning, we ate breakfast in the hotel room, said our goodbyes and then headed to the pool for swimming.  The rest of Becki's family left to head home while we were swimming.   We all had fun playing in the wave pool, rushing down the waterslides and floating on the lazy river.  By lunch time, we were tired and hungry!  We changed and packed up to head home.  As we drove one last loop around Starved Rock, we remembered that the Peoria Wildlife Center was going to be having a presentation at the Welcome Center (at the same time we were there).  We decided to stay for the extra hour to see what animals they had to show us.  We were glad we stayed!  The kids loved seeing the different animals!

We had a great weekend - lots of memories and togetherness.  We were so glad that we were given the opportunity to spend this time with Becki's extended family as well.  

I love this series of pictures of Maddie - I think the turtle freaked her out a bit!