Great Wolf Lodge, Niagara Falls, Ontario

Over the past couple of months Sierra has asked numerous times to go to Niagara Falls to see the falls. We thought we'd combine it with a mini get away to Great Wolf Lodge. We waited until after Spring Break as we were afraid it would be crazy busy while everyone was off from school. Not only was it less busy, it was way cheaper as well :)

Since it was March and winter is still in full swing here... the Falls were all icy and the mist basicaly froze as it headed towards the land. All I had was my phone on me for pictures because it was too miserable to pull out my Canon.

Apparently when it's not so blustery you can actually ice skate around the top walking area. We will definitely have to take another trip to Niagara Falls when it is warmer so Sierra can really experience them. We wanted to go back and see the falls at night time all lit up but after the 5 minutes we spent here in the cold the girls had NO desire to go back again right now :(

Next we were off to sign in at Great Wolf Lodge.

We rented a KidKamp Suite (water park tickets are included with room rental and only guests staying at the hotel can use their water park). It was a bit higher priced then the regular rooms but it added another experience to the trip. The kids LOVED sleeping in their own private bunk tent inside the room. They thought it was a real treat!

 Here is the floor plan of our room (courtesy of their web site). We had an outside deck on ours but it was too cold to spend any time out there. Sierra did go out and howl like a wolf up at the moon a couple times :) Having the fridge was great so we could have cereal in the morning for breakfast!

Aayla on her way up to join the tickle party

Tickle Party!!!

Tucking bear into bed

But of course the rooms are not why we are at Great Wolf Lodge...No...we are here for the water slides!!!

A little fish in the making

And when you need a break from the water they have the Cub Club where the girls had lots of fun playing a giant connect 4 game and colouring. The activities here were mainly for younger kids but both Sierra and Aayla enjoyed some down time in here.

There is also an activity called Magiquest where you buy a magic wand to explore the enchanted kingdom to learn from a wizard, outwit goblins, fight dragons and more. It looked really interesting but it takes place around the hotel and there are some dim lit corridors that scared Sierra and she didn't want to do it...so we didn't. On the last night she changed her mind as she saw so many kids running around doing quests but there wasn't enough time left to justify spending the money for the wand to do the quest. Next time we will :)

We spent 2 night here which was plenty of time especially since you can enter the waterpark at 1:00 on your arrival date even if your room isn't ready. Also on your departure day after you exit your room you can remain in the waterpark until closing. Joining in the Magiquest next time will fill in some of the daytime lolls. Lets face it there are only so many hours in a day that you can stay in the water!

There are other things you can do while at the hotel like visit the Scooops Kids Spa, the Northern Lights Arcade and a stuffing station to stuff a wolf cuddly, mini golf (weather permitting)  but all of those are added costs. There is also a fair size shopping area and plenty of places to eat. There was a mini fridge in the room so we brought milk and cereal for breakfast, ate lunch pool side and then went to Denny's downtown for supper. That helped to save a few pennies as Great Wolf Lodge is expensive to eat at. Next time we go we will splurge on the wands as that looked like a lot of fun!

If you want to go and see for yourself click on any of the links above and it will take you to their website.

Here are the directions from Toronto taken from their website:
Navigation or GPS device:3950 Victoria Avenue Niagara Falls, ON L2E 7M8

From Toronto:Take the QEW to Niagara Falls / Fort Erie Exit at Hwy 420 towards "Niagara Falls/Bridge to USA" (The Rainbow Bridge is the bridge they are going to drive towards, but won't have to cross). Hwy 420 becomes "Robert Street at Stanley (first light). Continue straight in right hand lane. Go through next set up lights to exit ramp towards "Victoria Ave". Turn left on Victoria Avenue, follow Victoria for about 2 km/1 mile. Great Wolf Lodge is on the right.

Almost forgot to mention...each night they have a PJ story time in the lobby. I didn't get any good pictures here but the girls enjoyed it.

If you go we'd love to hear how you enjoyed your time at Great Wolf Lodge!

Our Annual Jamaican Getaway

My husband and I have just returned from our annual getaway sans children... we spent a wonderful week in JAMAICA!

I must admit it is really nice to have 1 week a year where we can devote our time and attention 100% to eachother! I wish we could do it a couple times a year as it is so important to rekindle the flame even if it isn't flickering. We have chosen Valentines week to be our special week but we also devout time to each other on a daily basis as well. I think that is why after 12 years our love is still so strong. We cherish our love, we appreciate each other, we consider each others needs even amidst the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives.

This is actually only our second getaway year as before then my girls were too little to leave and feel comfortable (now 3 and 4). I am fortunate that I also have a 22 year old Meadow, who offers to watch them now 1 week a year so we can go. Thank you again Meadow! You are the best!!!

We had a wonderful week soaking up the sun together. We stayed in Negril and on Valentines day went for a lovely walk along 7 Mile Beach. The sand was wonderful, the sun was amazing and the shells were plentiful too. I was so excited to find my conch shell. There were all kinds of them lying along one stretch of the beach without the tips but mine is all intact with only a few minor blemishes and I LOVE it!

Even though it was sunny and warm for us in Jamaica, it was windy and we were only able to go snorkeling once. We saw lots of sea urchins and small fish. Nothing too exciting but still lots of fun!

Last year when we spent our Valentines week away we did many excurions everyday (Duns River, and Horseback riding 3 times), but this year we just enjoyed the peacefulness of eachothers company...spending time together, discussing where we want to take our future, enjoying the sun and relaxation, our beach walks and we did take a sunset cruise on our last night. The perfect end to a fairytale week.

Ending 2010 with magical Memories

We spent a Magical week at Disneyland and California adventure! Below Daddy and Aayla talking with grammy Sue as we await the opening of Disney on our first morning and then next as we are entering through the castle to fantasy land. This is one photo I wish I was in. We didn't manage to get one photo of all 5 of us :( Also I should mention this post is a wee bit long as sorting through 1600 pictures was hard!

How do you spend a week in Disneyland??? Easy with preschoolers! It was such an amazing trip allowing them the time and freedom to go on their favourite rides as many times as they wanted each day. No rush and hustle and bustle to get something done or get somewhere...just a slow pace, slowed down even more by the busy holiday lines, but that didn't matter!

We went where they wanted...we rode Dumbo,
the teacups


and the carousel at Disney
and the Grouchy lady bugs,

Monster Inc and Toy Story
and King Tritons Carousel at California Adventure more then a dozen times each I am sure.
And even in the rain we had a blast!!! You can't help but smile when in the middle of disney after some rain with so much going on, how simple pleasures are still the best! Like jumping in mud puddles
and shadow dancing
Sometimes the we forget to enjoy the simple things in life...but our children easily remind us and I thank them for that. And then after the rain...all the characters come out...here are a couple that we only saw this one day :) We saw so many characters though it was such fun!!!
We sailed the sea to treasure island...here Sierra says, "Arrggg there mayte!"
and here Sierra shows grammy the wonderful "treasure" she found on treasure island...a rusty old nut and bolt...and yes, we brought it home :)
We visited with Mickey Mouse and Mini Mouse and Sierra had a blast on the go go gadget coaster. Aayla wanted to go on it to so we gave it a try and I thought we would both have heart attacks. Thankfully the ride was only about a minute long because Aayla literally almost jumped out of the car. She screamed and squiggled and wriggled so much and was in such a panic it was HORRIBLE to see and hear her. Yet when we stopped. she wanted to go again...but alas, mommy said NO!!! We went to visit Minnies house again and did her dishes, had some cookies and baked a cake. This picture of Aayla below is one she requested. She had so much fun in Minnies house that she pulled me over, pointed to the camera and wanted her picture taken :)
In front of Mickeys house
With Pooh and Eeore
We participated in the Royal Coronation ceremony, and Story time almost daily with all the princesses





This Ariel was truely magical and made all Sierras dreams come true. She took the time to make sure Sierra was ready to move on, ignoring the line up growing behind us. Sierra got to dance with Ariel, pinky swear to always be best friends and of course hugs! It was truely special to watch Ariel understand how important she was in Sierras eyes. Even when we tried to get Sierra to move on because a line was building...Ariel told us no, Sierra could have as much time as she wanted. Something Sierra will remember forever I am sure...she is now best friends with Ariel. We had to watch the parade about 3 times in hopes of catching a glimpse of Ariel and she danced away with Eric.

We even ran into an old friend. Karey not only taught Sierra dance but she also taught Meadow when Meadow was a little girl too. In the great big scheme of things it really is such a small world!

We had a character breakfast which was great fun! Expensive for breakfast but worth every penny! The characters all walk around and come see you at your tables, stay for awhile for photos and interaction...such a treat!

We also had lunch at Ariels Grotto in California adventure. To be honest I preferred the breakfast. There were characters and they stayed around longer. The girls had a lot of fun and where so excited though to have each princess pop by the table. Sierra was very disappointed that she only got to see Ariel on the way into the grotto briefly and she didn`t get to come and see her at the table! They are best friends afterall :)


Despite all the fun, there was still time for a tantrum or two...Aayla might not be able to talk but she can sure howl!
and we brought in 2011 having a blast even though it was cool, even though it rained, thankful for an amazing trip, full of adventures and magical memories that will last a lifetime.


WELCOME 2011!!!