WI Dells getaway

It's our Spring Break, as I mentioned before, and we went on a little getaway as a family for a very much-needed break. Mike had to bring online work along, but we still managed to have a lot of fun at the Great Wolf Lodge in Wisconsin Dells. I had not been back to the Dells for any length of time since I was about Natalie's age, so it was fun for me to see it all again. When we were tucking her in on Wednesday night, my little munchkin said it was 'the most fun day of her whole life.'

We went on the Ducks (amphibious trucks originally used in WWII and re-purposed for Dells sightseeing by a clever entrepreneur) right away when we got there–smart move, because it ended up getting rainy later during our visit. But it's just unusually gorgeous weather right now–between 60-80 degrees in March–whoo hoo for short sleeves, capris, sandals and shorts! It was really strange and fun driving through the forest on a road and then just going right down into the river or Lake Delton and boating across.

We saw quite a bit of Wisconsin wildlife along with the scenery, and some fun rock formations like this one. It's called Piano Rock because of the darker colored chunk that fell off the main projecting portion and resembles a grand piano on its end, with ornately carved legs.

Later that day, Mike had the opportunity to be photographed with the rare North American Sprawled Moose. We declined to be pictured with the more common North American Spreadeagled Buffalo but missed our chance to get a once-in-a-lifetime shot with the North American Reclining Sasquatch.

Yes, the Dells is mostly known now not for the gorgeous scenery, unfortunately–but for the waterparks and kitschy tourist traps. We went to the Great Wolf Lodge waterpark four times total, and Daniel and Mike went on every waterslide there. I was so proud of my fearless boy! We ate at and enjoyed Moosejaw Brewing Company and Buffalo Phil's (a model train delivers your food and drinks!) and also visited the outlet mall and Disney Store and the downtown Goody Goody Gumdrops candy store. Before we left today, we had to hit Paul Bunyan's Cook Shack, one place which was pretty much just like I remembered from all that time ago.

It was so nice to be there early in the season so there were no crowds, no waiting in line, and off-season rates, too. Our only casualties were a skinned knee (Mike in the wave pool), a bumped noggin (Dan in the Mineshaft) and two very chafed underarms (Natalie in her floaty vest). Not too bad for a family for whom coordination is not a strong suit : )

We're already planning our next visit!