When Winter Won't Go Away...

...pretend it's summer. 

That's where we've been for the last two days....pretending it's summer at the Six Flags Great Escape Lodge and Indoor Water Park. As I was brainstorming something fun and special to do for Joe's birthday this year,  I decided to do a overnight mini family vacation. After the winter we've had, the trip was timely and refreshing. It's almost spring, but still feels like the middle of winter here. It may have been "pretend" warm weather, but two days spent in bathing suits and playing in water was just what we needed to hold us over until spring breaks through in a few weeks.

Our girls were squealing with excitement as we packed up our car and got ready to go.

After an afternoon of swimming, they took a quick rest before we headed to dinner. 

To top it all off, without any coordinating, we ended up taking our trip at the same time as some of our good friends. It was an added joy to be able to hang out with them and celebrate their daughter's 8th birthday with them at a beach themed cupcake party!

Matthew, Mason, Maddy, Ella and Abby

The Uhl Family

Ella rocking the shades 

my loves.

Ella and Mason 

The trip wouldn't be complete without a handheld family photo shoot.

funny faces

Hard to believe we've already been together for more than seven years (celebrating seven years married in May)

smoosh

  

The party animal ready to call it a night...

Day 2: Ready for round 2 waiting for the park to open. Ella loved the slides and wanted to do them over and over again. Abby loved the big raft slide through a dark tunnel and took turns riding it with Mommy and Daddy. Both girls LOVED the lazy river. At one point, I think we went around five times before taking a break. If only I could have taken a picture of Ella's face while she was floating along on her back in the river. Her face was priceless. Her joyful smile and squealing were contagious.

hanging out with Miss Angela

Yay for a fun family vacation! Now, these water bugs are ready for warm weather and summer swimming!