Wisconsin Dells Planning

We've reached this point in our vacationing lives where we're trying to stick with the familiar a bit more. Our recent trip to San Diego was nice in that it was our fourth trip there, even if we tried newer things. We enjoyed not having to learn the territory again, and also knowing where we were going and what was good and what wasn't, so when we were watching the little vacation video I put together about our Wisconsin Dells trip from last May, we decided that since we were going to have another little 4 day weekend coming up in June and the boys had SUCH a blast the last time we went, it'd be a great opportunity to try again.

We just booked another stay at Meadowbrook Resort after we had such a great experience with it the last time. We're staying again in the Lodge, and looking forward to being able to take part in more of their outdoor amenities this time, since last time it was just off the peak season, and the outdoor pools weren't open yet.

We really enjoyed our stay here, as it's a little more out of the way from the bigger resorts and has a more personal, family feel to it. I'm a little more nervous that it's going to be MUCH busier, since we'll be right during peak season this time, but either way, it'll be a fun time!

Things we know we'll want to repeat this time around:

Buffalo Phil's and Knuckleheads This time around we'll make a bigger deal of it and probably go a little earlier than last time. When we went last time, we didn't realize Knuckleheads was attached, so the kids were disappointed when we had to drag them out after a short while, since it was getting so late in the evening.

The kids LOVED the meals arriving via the train, but we know this time to take the kids to the arcade after ordering so that we don't have to deal with them constantly touching the stinkin' train! Also, to go when they're going to be hungry so we don't have to entertain them while trying to eat haha

Kicker's We were so pleased with this restaurant when we took the kids there on our last visit. The service was outstanding, and so was the food. The people-watching was really great as well, and we had the perfect spot out on the deck.

New things we'd like to try:

Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf We'll probably stick to the 5 hole option, as the kids really aren't good at golfing at ALL at this point, but I think they'd have fun trying. The only thing I'm not 100% sure about is entertaining Ryan while the big kids golf. He's significantly more mobile than before, and sitting in a stroller the whole time doesn't sound like the greatest option, nor would he put up with it.

Circus World Museum We *might* give this a try this time around. I recall it being a tinge spendy last time, but we already had a full schedule, so it just didn't make the cut. It's also in Baraboo, which is a little backtracking, but not too bad. I think the kids would really have fun with it!


Of course, we'll spend most of our days probably just swimming at the pools at the resort, and our evenings we're going to try to hit the s'more stations this time around, and probably the free movie at the resort each night as well. We've learned that with little kids, you have to have a pretty flexible schedule so as to not over-do it and end up with cranky kids. We will just have the two full days there with the other two being travel days, so the schedule will be pretty lazy, really. Just enough time to enjoy our stay but be ready to come home when we're coming home.

Brainerd Vacation 2014: Part 1

This is the first post of a 3-part series highlighting our week on South Long Lake at The Lazy Loon near Brainerd, Minnesota in late May/early June 2014. Click here for Part 2 and click here for Part 3.

Thursday, Day 1

We loaded up the Tahoe full to the brim and luckily caught the boys' naptime on the 4 hour drive up to Brainerd.

The slept until we reached Saint Cloud, where we stopped for pizza and a little park time. We finally arrived at the cabin on South Long Lake around 6pm, not a moment too soon. We were all a little stiff, so we didn't waste any time in getting out and exploring the cabin and the lake front.

I made a quick jaunt to the store to pick up groceries for the week, especially MILKIES for Cashel. We had a horrible time getting the boys to sleep that night - they were way too excited and a little warmer than usual (the place didn't have a/c, just fans), but thankfully we did finally get them down and we crashed shortly after.

Friday, Day 2

The next morning, Kendrick and I were up early, and the coffee never tasted so good!

About an hour later, Cashel and Mark joined us, and we relaxed for a while over breakfast before heading back outside to enjoy the gorgeous morning.

While Mark and Cashel worked on their fishing skills, Kendrick and I just really enjoyed rolling around in the grass and exploring the yard.

Melt my heart - this face!!

It was truly one of the most peaceful, relaxing days. The cabin was so perfect for our little family, and Cashel just walked around like he owned the place. It was so cute to watch him just soak in the beach and the water and the yard and the dock.

One of the coolest parts about our incredible view at the Lazy Loon was being able to capture stuff like this: 35 geese just hanging out in front of the cabin.

We also tried desperately to capture the loon that frequented the area, but the stinker would only come out just before dusk, and my lens isn't quite advanced enough to capture him in detail at the distance he was at.

Over nap time, Mark ran into town to register the jet ski (he had forgotten to), so I took it upon myself to do a little relaxing and journaling.

The boys took LONG naps (about 3 hours each), so it was truly so nice to just unwind and have nothing to do. This practically never happens at home, and when it does, I tend to have so many things on my "to do" list that I never just listen to the birds sing and feel the wind blow with the sun on my face.

Of course, almost the exact moment Mark got back with the jet ski, the boys woke up, and we decided to go put the jet ski in the water at the public access point a couple miles away. Cashel couldn't wait to get out there on the water!

He just couldn't WAIT to come and tell Mama all about his adventures :)

Kendrick was still a little too small to go on the jet ski with Daddy, but he did have to go check it out once they got back :)

The rest of the evening was pretty laid back and uneventful. We did a lot of playing and snuggling in the yard

I honestly don't recall what else we did the rest of the evening, although I do recall that the boys were once again fighting going to sleep, so we spent a lot of time trying to get them down to bed. I'm sure we ate something that I made, but I don't recall what exactly.

Once the boys FINALLY went down, Mark and I enjoyed a little quiet time fishing on the dock with the video monitor surprisingly reaching all the way out there. I caught a little rock bass, and Mark caught an enormous dog fish.

It was once again a warm, sticky night sleeping, but we were grateful that a storm rolled through in the night to cool the place off by morning.