Great Wolf Lodge

I know I'm VERY late. I'm trying to catch up. With no more home football games I'm sure I'll do better. I also just today figured out how to get the videos off my camcorder so there are some old and new videos coming too. Also, our audio is still not working so I hope the music on this slide show is not annoying.

Anyway, this is a slideshow from our family vacation to Great Wold Lodge this summer. My mom and dad took us all and we had a blast. For Easter my mom gave all the kids matching swim suits and towels with their names on them. It was adorable. They didn't have a suit small enough for Emma Kate so hers is differant.

Thanks mom and dad we had such a wonderful time!!!

Make your own picture slideshow

Amy & I's suprise Birthday party

A month ago Amy and I were told that we had to keep Sat. Oct. 16th open for a Birthday DAY. On Thursday the 14th, Amy and I's actual birthday we went out to eat at Gambinos to celebrate. There Mark gave us each a card that had directions we were not to open it unitl 8:00 ish on the morning of the 16th. So we followed directions and at 8:00 ish we each opened this card. (back up) on the night of the 14th or actually the morning of the 15th we ended up in the emergency room with Mark. He threw his back out laying Jaren down in the crib, he couldn't walk and was shaking and cold. Which if you know Mark, he is NEVER cold. So if Mark looks uncomfortable in these pictures he was still in a pretty good amount of pain, but he was a trooper and hung in there for all the festivities.

Inside the card was a note from Mark mine said " Happy Birthday Celebration Day! You must be sooooo eager to find out hte plans. Well I hope you're not too disappointed, but it's still a suprise!!! (I know... such a tease) I love you so much, and I hope this day measures up to your expectations. Have fund and enjoy, because you've earned it. Love Ya, Mark and Jarne" Amy, at her house with Mike and Kim and me at mine with Kelsey and Mark both seperatly got blindfolded and taken to our first destination. We went to the zoo with my entire family all the kids too. It was a ton of fun and perfect weather. I was oblivious to the clue on the card of the gorilla. And yes we got some looks driving around with me blindfolded in the front seat.

Customize your own free slideshow

While eating lunch at the zoo that Mark prepaired and packed for us Amy and I recieved this card. The card said " I hope you've both had fun at the zoo, but it's now time to leave. Kelsey is your escort, so follow her to her car. Once inside, key this address into the GPS. 2441 North Maize Road, Wichita, KS 67205 Have fun and enjoy! When you're done, someone will be there to pick you up. We will see you both later." So not realizing yet that the cards were a clue but my family members knowing this my mom asks what does the card say. We had just read what Mark wrote out loud so then I read the actual card phrase and got a major clue. It said " Studies show that pampering yourself can make you look and feel years younger. Hoping you find the time to pamper yourself on this special day! Have a happy Birthday! Because Mark was now taking narcotics with his back injury he came along. When we got to the salon Mark took us inside and checked us in then left. The lady says we will be right with you. Amy and I still have no idea what we are here for. The lady takes us back and says are you ready and we said sure but can you tell us what for. She laughed and said sure you are getting..... are you ready for this..

A one hour massage
a one hour facial
a manicure and
a pedicure

It was amazing and it was so much fun to share with everyone about our day and wonder what was still to come.

Kelsey and Mark returned four hours later to pick us up and took us back to Mark and I's house, where our outfits were selected for us and we were to get ready for..... We didn't know, then we got this card. (I shouldn't say we didn't know, we knew it was dinner time by this point and we were hungry) This card read "I'm sure you're wondering about the card... perhaps it will make sense after a bit. I hope you're hungry, cuz we're off to dinnr. I was tormented as to waht would be the best plans, and then I realized there was really only one option. Happy Birthday!!!" We then proceded to eat at Texas Roadhouse. It was mostly and adult event. Cheeks and Alyssa came along as the only people Mike and Kim know well enough to entrust their child with were at dinner so Blake got to come too, to be with Alyssa. Dinner was SOOO yummy, I love their rolls.
After we left the reasturant we were standing in the parking lot and we got this card. It read "If you've been paying attention to the cards, they each have had a clue as to the activity. Therefore, you're probably wondering where we're going. Trust me, you probably haven't danced like this in a long time!!! Happy Birthday!!" We were then driven to the Carousel skating rink to go roller skating. We had a such a good time and enjyed every min. of it.

Slideshow personalized with Smilebox

After roller skating everyone came back to Mark and I's house hang out and play some cards.

It was a PERFECT day and I'm so greatful for Mark that he would go to this much trouble for Amy and I. I couldn't ask for better, Mark - THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! Man he set the bar high for Amy and I to plan for his 30th huh???