Castle in the Clouds

This isn't the only thing the kids did while on Spring Break this year, but it was probably their favorite. This indoor water park is about three hours away from home.  On the way "up north" we hit a white-out, as in a blizzard.  It was insanely scary thanks to the semi trucks that seemed oblivious to the dangerous slush accumulating on the roads. Morons.  I'm amazed there wasn't an accident. Thankfully, we arrived safe and sound.  Having arrived before check-in time, we decided to go grab some groceries to stock up the condo.  After a quick trip to the store, we headed back to the registration desk thinking we would be able to get things settled before heading off to the park for some afternoon splashes.  We were not so lucky.  For some reason, our rooms weren't ready.  However, the hotel made an effort to atone for this fact by allowing the kids to get their wristbands early.  I don't think the kids minded the wait to get into our rooms.  In fact, I&

And, no, it wasn't me! It was my darling hubby.  I'd like to say the surprise party was actually a surprise, that I somehow managed to pull it off, but it wasn't.  In defense of those who happened to let it slip, it's very difficult to hide anything from Ken.  I knew he'd figure out something was up when the money started disappearing from our checking account. Here he is just after walking into my brother's pole barn where we were holding his birthday bash.  I should probably add that if he hadn't known about the party before pulling into their driveway, the dozen or so cars parked all over the place would have given the game away. But he knew.  So whatever. After he had a chance to mingle for a little bit - and share his grisly "how I tried to cut my fingers off" story - it was time for presents.  I had to be rather selective in choosing pictures for the blog.  Then it was time to cut the cake.  I was hoping by doing this earlier rathe