Grizzly Jacks Grand Bear Resort...

As I have mentioned before; Mike, Sarah and the girls went on a mini trip with us last year after Christmas as a gift for the kids. We've realized the ridiculous amounts of toys our children have and don't want them constantly expecting "things" for Christmas each year...aside from the fact that they just don't need anymore toys! A few small items are super exciting for them to unwrap, but spending time together with family and making lifelong memories is just so much more important than opening a present. So last year we decided we were going to start a new tradition. Each year, we would take the kids somewhere for one of their gifts. It has been the BEST idea! Last year was so much fun when we went to Grand Harbour Waterpark in Dubuque and this year we opted for Grizzly Jacks Grand Bear Resort. They were in heaven...these memories we are creating for them will last a lifetime. They won't remember most of the gifts they got, but they will remember the time they got to spend with our family on our annual adventures after Christmas. We are so happy to have started this tradition and look forward to doing it every year. Right now, the kids are young enough that they don't know it's something we'll be doing every year, but as they get older, it will be fun to have them anticipate the trip and wonder what it will be that year. Our plan is to keep it a secret as to what we're doing until we arrive or they figure it out.

 

We got a lot of "this is the BEST DAY EVER" from the kids on this trip! :)

 

I must say, it was a FANTASTIC getaway!  We rented a Vacation Villa.  It was HUGE and awesome and the kids would have probably been happy just hanging out and playing there, but in the price of the Villa rental, we also got free admission to the waterpark, amusement park and if weather had permitted, the mini golf and awesome hiking that is apparently nearby at Starved Rock.

The kids were THRILLED to say the least...

 

And I believe that Mike and Sean may have had more fun on the rides than the kids did!

They are such kids themselves!

 

 

And the token strange expression from Tate.

 

My amazing in-laws...Mike, Sarah, Leah and Kayla.  So fun to get some time away with them.  Even though they live in the Quad Cities, both of our families are so busy, we rarely get a chance to get together with them!

Our big boys...

Sisters...love these 2!

Love this shot!  The kids loved this ride...however, it took some convinving to get Tate on it!

And Mike having more fun than the kids again...

 

 

 

 

 I can't recommend Grizzly Jacks Grand Bear Resort enough.  It was such a great trip!  I think it would be even more wonderful in the summertime!  We didn't get to do the hiking or mini golf because of the cold weather, but can only imagine how fun the addition of those activities would be in the summertime.  Also, it's only a bit over an hour away in Utica, IL!  I have a feeling we'll be returning...at least if the kids have anything to say about it we will! :)