WARNING: for those who know me this adventure is entirely out of character for me - but yes, I was there and I did enjoy myself.
Yes it does say "hotel" but we were indeed in the campground line. I am not a fan of camping, but for the sake of my kids and their sense of adventure I struck a compromise. We rented a cabin on the camp grounds. It was brilliant!
All unpacked - and another trip to the Batavia Target later - it was time to hit the water park. This is Claire's typical "take the photo" pose. Um, okay! Keeping it real here, folks!
Really real!
Austin participated in the odd spoon-hanging-from-nose ritual my kids seem to enjoy with his own hanging-from-chin twist. One of my very first jobs when I moved to Buffalo in 1984 had me working at the Darien Lake Country Store right next door to this restaurant. Very nostalgic this whole trip, for me. Even the food - I started with Pizza Rolls as an appetizer (totally not healthy!) and followed that up with a Beef on 'Weck as my meal. To make it really authentic, I should have ordered a Vodka Tea!
Thank goodness for Wanda and my kids or we'd never have a fire! Goodness knows I don't have a clue what to do. Then it was off to bed after a very long and full day.
We woke up and started a lazy day and my kids discovered a new and exotic piece of furniture called a "futon". :)
LOVE getting a decent photo of the youngers.
Many stuffed animals were won.
The joy of this trip was found in the complete and utter freedom the kids found at the park. I really loved the idea that while I was at "home", the kids were able to come and go and enjoy the amusement and water parks at their pace, not mine. Perfect!
While they were away, I indulged in my new found desire to find some decent recipes. Imagine if I actually managed to make every recipe on every page I've dog-eared? THERE is a challenge!
My girl has a big heart - picking up strays and wounded creatures everywhere she goes. This little guy fell out of a tree and broke his wing. She brought him back to the cabin in hopes he'd feel better. (I can't tell you the outcome as our "neighbours" took the bird for their pre-schooler to play with ... )
Should I mention the episode of our keys locked in the truck and the trying to find a locksmith? He was lovely - and only $45 - after hours on a Saturday!
The boys headed off to the Brad Paisley concert and Wanda set a fire with Claire's help.
Claire (wearing my glasses) enjoyed her first ever s'more. I know, first one! Have I mentioned the kids never went camping en famille? Well, they have now! Sweet vindication - I am no longer a "bad parent" :) Well, at least where camping is concerned.
The Moe became quite an expert marshmallow roaster following the knowledgeable directions of Wanda who explained about flame and coals. Good lessons - good student.
Roasting continued when the boys got back from the concert.
And just like that, blink, the weekend was over and it was time to pack up and head home. Our adventure had come to an end. We had such a fabulous time, definitely something I'd consider doing again. My only regret? Not discovering this idea a couple of years ago. I have already keyed in a "reminder" put into my computer to book something for next year.
What great idea have you discovered? Something that has you going back year-after-year?
