When the Rosenthals came to visit in April*, they proposed that we get together at a Jellystone in Indiana. We agreed on some dates, but when I called the first week of May, they were booked up for all of our options. When I called back to get on the waiting list, she told me of a single opening for a few days. I snatched it up, not knowing whether or not the dates would work for the Rosenthals.
As it worked out, they were able to getaway during that opening, but they didn't have any cabins available. So, they were waitlisted, and booked a campsite. About a week before we met up, they were upgraded to a rustic cabin super close to ours! And then, mere days before our trip, they were moved into the cabin 2 down from ours!
When the day finally arrived, we made the 1.5hr trip down, and checked in. Sadly, our key did not work. So, Billy ran back to the front (with our packed car, just in case we were at the wrong site) and tracked down the correct key. = )
This is a picture of our children waiting.
When Billy returned, we started setting up camp.
The children were very fast in unpacking all of their bags, but still had to wait for us to finish before we could go explore. They found a cartoon on the satellite tv.
The Rosenthals hadn't yet arrived, so we changed and went over to the pools. For the first visit, we just stuck to the splash pats. It was quickly becoming chilly, and the water in the splash pads was not heated, so we headed back to dry off and start a fire.
It was late when they arrived, but it was fun to be reunited. The kids all fell asleep quickly, and were up early the next morning.
Our first stop was the craft barn.
Juliet didn't want to pose for this picture.
Emily opted to make a new shirt, since her old one has been passed down.
Everyone else wanted to paint!
Emily showing off both of her creations. = )
After crafting, we grabbed our suits and towels to check out the indoor pool. The air was warm, but the water was chilly. When the air temperature dropped, I had to get out. The kids stayed in until we heard thunder, then everyone was out.
We started walking back as soon as there was a break in the rain. Poor Alice was not prepared for this turn, and so Dave drove over and all the kids piled in for the short trip to the cabin. = )
Camping is not much fun in the rain, luckily the Rosenthals brought some movies and put something on for the kids to enjoy. The dads had blown up the floaties that morning, in anticipation of a beach visit that afternoon, but the showers lasted all day. When I was deflating the floats, Grace thought it looked like I was hugging it.
The twins wanted to help!
Billy got the grill going during a second break in the rain, but about the time the burgers went on, it started to rain again. He ended up grilling in a downpour. The umbrella helped keep the coals from getting doused.
While we were waiting for the burgers, Grace crawled in bed and fell asleep. Dave came by to let us know that Alice and William had both crashed there. I asked if they wanted us to move them, but after discussing it, we ended up just leaving them there.
Because of the rain, I had to melt the cheese onto the burgers in a frying pan, which set of the fire alarm in our cabin. = 0 Grace woke up enough to eat a few bites, but was tired enough to go back to bed.
After we were all fed, I also took a short nap, and woke up to find my 'not tired' Juliet fast asleep on Daddy. = )
The rain finally cleared out that evening, but it was still very muddy. The dads took those who wanted over to the arcade, then we all ended up joining. They closed down the joint, and all the activities were finished for the day. So we spent time around the campfire, while the kids watched another movie.
The next morning was our last full day, and since we'd given up half of the previous day, we had a lot to fit in! We started with a trip to the ranger station to trade in their birthday cards. = )
Next up was the arcade, for a second round.
Once prizes were collected, we waited in line for the train!
Juliet didn't quite make it into the picture, but she was next to Grace.
After the train ride, we broke up into 4 groups of 3 to play some putt putt: Billy, Grace & Juliet; Karen, Dax & Abigail; Dave, Kaitlin and Alice; and Me, Grace & Juliet. Juliet tried to pick a putter that was taller than she was!
After putt putt we were ready for some lunch. The pizza store was right across the road, so we enjoyed our pizza!
When we were washing our hands, I saw an opportunity to take some important information onto my phone. Looking at you William!
After lunch, we went out on the paddle boats. We broke up into 3 groups for this activity, but ended up trading out riders in the middle of the lake.
They give you an hour, we only lasted about half that. lol
After the paddle boats it was swimsuit time again. The sun had done a pretty good job with our soaking towels that didn't dry overnight. So we reinflated the floats, and headed to the "beach." It was a little disappointing, but at least we could use our floats! After everyone took a turn, they were ready to move on to a pool.
On our way, we spotted Yogi!
We went to one of the heated outside pools this time, it was quite comfortable, and then more thunder. = (
It didn't rain much, so we grilled out some BBQ chicken and made up smores. Alice & Dax didn't want to return to the pool, so the Dads stayed back while Karen and I took the swimmers to the pool. The pool we were in earlier was being closed for cleaning, so we went to the other heated pool. It was still cooler than I prefer, but by the time we left the water was warmer than the air! Thanks to all the 'failed' attempts at swimming, we managed to visit every pool they had!
The rest of the evening was spent chatting and preparing for departure. It's always sad to say goodbye, but I've already set a reminder in my phone to make reservations for next year!
later days
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