THANKSGIVING WEEKEND with NET team #9

This Thanksgiving weekend, we got to meet NET Team #9.....

NET Ministries challenges young Catholics to love Christ and embrace the life of the Church. Every August, 120 young Catholics aged 18-28 leave behind their jobs, school, family, and friends to devote nine months to serving with the National Evangelization teams. Divided into 11 teams, they travel across the U.S. for nine months to share the Gospel with young people and their families. Since 1981, NET teams have led over 25,000 retreats and ministered to more than 1.6 million young Catholics.

My son, Gavin, has been a part of NET Ministries for almost 2 yrs..  This year, our family was blessed with a visit from his team.  It was great to meet them all. 

They arrived in their NET van on a rainy Thanksgiving Eve. (Everyone in our home, prior to their arrival, was excited and the nervous energy was abundant!)  I knew we would never remember all of their names, so I made name tags to make it easier. The first thing we did after all the introductions, was to open the packages that had arrived at my home prior to their arrival.  One box was a Thanksgiving treat for all of the team members.  The gift was simple, but the sentiment was great. The next box had a coat for one of the girls.  (It is interesting for some of the team members who are from warmer parts of the country, who need heavier winter garments in the colder temps)

( Ivan is pictured here, buying his very first pair of gloves)

Next was dinner, Chinese food for all!  We spread ourselves all over the house as best we could, prayed, and shared our meal. 

After we had dinner, we piled on the couch (for the most part) and watched Nacho Libre. Love that movie.  It's a must see if you like Jack Black.  JB just cracks me up.

 

Then it was off to my Parent's house, were the team spent the night.  Some upstairs at my Sister's part of the house and some downstairs at my Parent's. In the morning, we all met at Notre Dame for Thanksgiving Mass. The team spent Thanksgiving Day  with my Parents and we met them at my Father in Law's house for Dessert.

THE DAY IN NYC

Since I knew that some of the team might never have a chance to see NYC, I thought a trip into the City was a must.  So, after Thanksgiving Dinner, I came home and mapped out a plan to give them some of the best of NYC. It took me a couple of hours to do it, but it was worth it at the end of the day. 

5:50 am (no kidding)

Early Black Friday monring, around 5:15 am, I was not sneaking out to the stores, but instead shaking children up to head to NYC. 

Since the team had their own van to travel in, we took 2 vans and headed to Staten Island, where we paid $8 for parking and headed on the Ferry, which was FREE! (We had tolls on the Goethels Bridge and another on the Parkway as well)

Getting onto the SI Ferry allowed them to A. be on a Ferry  B. See the Statue of Liberty C. See Ellis Island and D. See the Liberty Towers being built.  Bingo....4 attractions, crossed off the list.

7:30 am

For $2.50 each,  we got onto the subway  (an attraction for most of the team) and took it to 52nd St, right next to Central Park. 

8:20am

Central Park was very fun, as we were right at the entrance to the Zoo and we got some time to visit the Sea Lions and take pictures under the Central Park Zoo Clock and the huge rock right up the path.

8:45 am

Next it was past the Plaza Hotel (which some Team Members recognized as the Home Alone Hotel),

The Apple Store and FAO Swartz....check, check, check.  Remember that it was Black Friday, so they had it all dolled up for Christmas and the whole Holiday Season.

9:30 am

Walked along 5th Ave, looking at all the dressed up windows.....to St. Patrick Cathedral....

 

....Rockefeller Center

I packed lunch for the kids, so we had our lunch at 30 Rock on the benches there and the team went into RC to get some lunch at Subway.  (By the way, a great deal is to be found at the Drug Store in 30 Rock, where I found a 6 pack of water for around $4!....if you have ever traveled to NYC, you know what a deal that is! ~the water is about $3 each anywhere else!)

After lunch, we headed to 12 pm Mass at St Pat's....

12:40 pm


A quick stop to Nintendo World on 48th on the way to 7th Ave....

A QUICK PHOTO OPP...

 1:00 PM
TIMES SQUARE!

We arrived at our final destination!  Some of us were overwhelmed by the wall to wall crowd, some drinking it all in....I admit I had a little of the first and a whole lot of the second....

 After Times Square, we headed back to the subway, rode back to the Ferry and minutes after leaving the Staten Island Ferry parking lot, the kids were mostly fast asleep! 

In the end, if I could, I would do it all over again!

Every single part.

THE END!!!!

For more information on NET TEAM # 9, click on the link below...

NET TEAM #9

Happy Thanksgiving!

   

  My Goodness! So many things to be thankful for this year! First off, for the safe arrival of my Son, Gavin and his team. Gavin is a modern-day American missionary whose goal is to spread the love of Christ to youth around the country with his team of 10. They arrived on a chilly wet night with warm loving hearts and sunny dispositions. You could feel the energy of the whole room just light up. I felt blessed to have them safe in my home. Everyone introduced themselves and exchanged some quick hellos, a quick minute to slap on some name tags and the food arrived with my husband, Daniel. Some more introductions were made, loving prayers over dinner were said and (with the help of some of the girls) dinner was served. Chinese food for all! It was a little crazy, but it flowed rather well and everyone had their fill. It was amazing that all of the team members fit on my couch with 2 of my other kids on their laps. We chose to watch Nacho Libre together and had a lot of fun laughing through it....such a funny movie.

  It was really great to get to know the "on the road" family that Gavin has lived with for the past 3 + months.  There are 6 girls and 5 boys  Some are quiet, but for the most part, many of them have very fun personalities.  One of the girls and I giggled over our love of zebra print, one of the boys reminded me of Jack Black, some joked, some just smiled.  They all were one big family.

  One of the most fun things that happened before the team got there was the arrival of the packages sent from a couple of the family members of the team.  One morning, I just found a package on the porch (I did not have any idea these packages would arrive) It was addressed to a person's name I did not immediately recognize.  I thought it was sent to the wrong address, but my address was clearly printed on the package, so it was in the right place.  Then, it dawned on me.  It was for a team member!  The next package came to me at the post office and this time, I knew that it was for another team member.  I tucked them in a safe place and when the team arrived, the packages were given to the team members.  It turned out to be a coat for one girl and Thanksgiving gifts for the entire team...it was a simple bag of peanuts, but the thought was so kind, it was touching.

  Dinner was over too soon and the team left for my Mom's house where they would be sleeping for the duration of their stay.  They were a joy to meet and it was a privilege to host them.

Loudly yours,

Alicia

Hello....goodbye....

This past weekend was a little bitter sweet, especially as a cantor in the Catholic Church.  It might not seem like such a big deal to some, but to me, it was kind of sad.  The Catholic Church is changing all of its Mass Settings in every Catholic Church in the world.      

http://www.ismasschanging.org/

It was 10 years in the making, and it seems to be a good change to me, but each time I rose to sing an Acclaimation song, (for instance the Gloria), I kept thinking; "this is the last time I am ever going to sing this version of this song".....and it was sad to sing it for the last time.  Lately, my voice has been suffering and not sounding normal, so it was doubly as hard to sing with all I had, these songs, for the last time....especially since I could not sing "with all I had" since it was just not there!  ( I hate it when my voice is not working normally...but it sure does make me appreciate it when its all there.)

Change is good, but we, as humans, usually struggle with it.  We will never sing "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again" ever again and it was...I don't know...a little unsettling.  I know it is not even going to be a second thought in a couple of weeks, and I knew it was coming for a very long time, but when the time actually came to sing it, it was not as easy as I thought it would be.  Just like a old friend moving away (yes, Betty, I am talking about you) it is hard when it comes down to the line and that person does move away and things seem to change forever.

Yes, we make new friends and life goes on, but there will always be that nostalgic yearn for what was in the past as we go forward into the future.  

So, good-bye old music, tried and true, and hello new Mass Settings....here's to great new times with you!

All the best,

Alicia

Five question Friday!

Five Question Friday

1. Bully, teacher’s pet, geek, shy kid in the corner, or something else?

I did not have a great self esteem in school since I was made fun of for being different than everyone else.  I had friends, but I was definitely not part of the cool crowd.  I would not say I was a geek, but I was the class flirt in Elementary, so I was definitely friendly. :)


What did/do you usually eat during lunch time at school?
In Elementary, whatever my Mom packed, but in High School, I remember lots of diet cokes and crunchy cheese doodles.  :)


What did/do you normally wear to school? Thinking back to what you wore(if you’ve already graduated), do you like it?
For most of the time, whatever the school uniform was.  I really did not mind wearing uniforms to school....always knew what I was wearing everyday!  Once I went to public school my senior year, tight jeans, heels (I always had the best shoes since I worked most of my teenage years in shoe stores) or sneakers, whatever the latest tops would be.  For the most I did like what I wore in high school.  I always remember laying down on the bed to zip up my jeans, and blousing my shirts.
Any sports/activities/clubs you participate(d) in?
My sister forced me to play softball and I HATED it with a passion, but I did it to be closer to my Sister and to be a part of a team.  In high school I ran track, but always felt like a loser since I always came in last EVERY time.  I definitively am not much of a sport person...but...I did like tennis and was good at it before I broke my arm in Ecuador.  I also enjoyed playing pool and was really good at it.



Any worthwhile friends you (would) still keep up with after graduation?
Yes, and thanks to facebook, we are closer than we would be if facebook did not exist.  Mostly, any other school friends I have otherwise are from church with the exception of 2 people, who I would always be friends with: June and Michelle.  June was from my neighborhood friend and Michelle I met at work and we attended College together. 

Wordless Wednesday!

It's time for 5 question Friday! :)

1. Vow renewal ceremonies-yay or nay?

Yay! I am looking forward to a great big celebration on our 25th....with a big party!  I could not afford a photographer on my wedding day, I'd really like that.  I would probably have it very local, like the Country Club in town.  I look forward to it....and would have my kids as the bridesmaids and ushers.

2. What sound/s annoy you the most?

Whining. Maoooooaaaammmmm! Ugh! That and the screech of my parakeets.  Love their chirps as equally when I hear my kids sing.

3. If you had to pick, would you have only all boys, or only all girls for kids?

Probably all girls.  Although, I would miss the boys and how much they loved me when they were little.  (They were just A LOT more demonstrative when little...like my littlest boy is now)

4. Do you believe in alternative medicine?

Yes.  Especially EFT.  Just love it.

5. Would you take a family members children and raise them if they needed it?

Yes. I would.  I would do whatever I needed to do to help them.  I would want the same for my own kids.

1. If you had the opportunity to bungee jump, would you?

No. Not into that thrill.

2. Would you rather go to the movie theater or to the drive-in?

It all depends on where and the weather. If it were perfect weather and no bugs, then drive thru. Otherwise, inside. It's nice to know your head is resting on your own headrest in your own car, if you get what I mean.

3. Do you have your groceries delivered?

Yes, by my wonderful husband. Every week. I love the way he spoils me that way. I go Costco shopping every week though.

4. Eyebrows: Do you wax, thread, pluck, or stay au naturel?

Love the way Toni waxes them, although I don't get there as much as I'd like. Toni, my favorite eyebrow lady, makes them always look perfect. In between, I like the little shavers for eyebrows.

5. Would the people you went to high school with be surprised by your life today?

Maybe, since I have such a varied, crazy life. Most of those who I went to high school I am friends with on Facebook, so they already know what's going on. ;)

Friday Five for Friday, June 24th

1. What is your current favorite TV show?

 

My current favorite TV show is Glee, but since it is currently not showing any new episodes, I am watching So you think you can dance or The Bachelorette.

2. What's the worst haircut you ever got?

 

When I was little and  I tried the Dorothy Hamil hair-do....as you can see, it did not suit me well.  I am the sad looking little girl on the left.

3. What was something that you did as a child that you thought you were so cool for doing?

 

I thought I was cool because we got to eat a picnic lunch in the clouds when we visited Ecuador.  I also thought I was cool because I went to Universal Studios in California.  :)

4. Do you have any GREAT frugal family fun tips?

 

Yes!  Take the kids to the movies on free movie day, visit a local park or historical site in your area.  There are also many websites that will tell you about free things to do in your area. Hiking is also a great family fun thing to do. Take lots of pictures!!

5. Would you drive across country if you had the money to fly?

 

Probably not now, since the kids are still little, but when they are older, yes.

How time flies

Yesterday was a bitter sweet day for me. It is unsettling to see how fast the time flies in the lives of your children and of your own. 25 years ago, I was walking to get my diploma from the same school my Son graduated from last night. Seems surreal that 25 years have passed by so quickly. I am happy that he completed High School and graduated, but am sad that it flew by in such a flash. I thank God that he has grown to be a good person on his way to manhood and grateful that I still have little ones to try to hold onto has he will making strides toward leaving the nest we call home.

Loudly yours,

Alicia

Bozza Family Picnic!

Once a year, we all get together on the Bozza side of the family for a picnic. Every year, we look forward to this special day where the kids run around, get dirty and plain have some fun! We have lots of food, games and playing around on the playground! It was threatening rain that day, but thank goodness Mother Nature behaved enough for us to have a good time and at the same time, keep the park mostly to ourselves! It was a great year to regroup, relax and re-visit some of our relatives we don't see that often. We had a great day! Next stop....Ortley Beach!

Loudly yours,
Alicia

Five question Friday answers on Saturday! :-)

1. What is your favorite summer time activity?

Going to the pool with the kids and walking alone on the boardwalk in Lavalette in the morning while watching the sun rise.  There is just nothing like it.  Its like I am totally alone with God.  I can assess my life and truly think about things.  I just love it and look forward to it every year.

2. Do you have one laundry soap you stick to, or do you buy whatever’s on sale?

I use the plant based LD from Costco.  I love that is has minimal smell and is on the natural side.  Does a good job, too.

3. What is your favorite dinner to make in the summer?

Salad.  Eat it all the time.  For the kids, grilling is great.  Thank God Dan makes dinner most every night! :) Love my personal family chef! 

4. Do you have any talents?

Singing is my number one. Juggling time is the other.  Improvements are always necessary.  Mostly in the juggling part.

5. If you could instantly be an expert in something, what would it be? Why?

I have to copy my SIL on this one and say parenting as well, but if we are talking on the talent side, it would be piano.  I think it would be fun to sing and play.  Clairvoyance would be nice as well...this way, I could know where my kids were at all times and know what they are up to! :)

Friday Five 6/10/11

 

1. How close to your childhood dreams is your life now?

 

Pretty darn close.  I have always wanted to:

-have a house with a porch <check>

-have a husband who adores me <check>

-have a beautiful office <check>

-be a million dollar Director <check> (just not in Mary Kay, but SOA)

-sing to an audience <check> (not thousands, but several at once)

-record in a recording studio <check>

-act and sing on stage and get paid for it <check>

-travel <still have many more places to go>

-have a family <check>

There are still more things to come and I am sure they are on their way...

such as:

-a beach vacation home

-singing on Broadway

-opening a food pantry and school in Ecuador

-traveling the country and abroad

-driving a Mercedes....among other things....

 

2. What is one must have item for the summer?

 

Must have the proper shade for the beach!

 

3. Do you have your kids stay up on school stuff during summer vacation? (Or, if you don't have kiddos, did your parents make you keep up on school stuff during summer?)

Our school assigns our kids workbooks to do for the summer and we will be keeping up with their assignments.

 

4. Do you can or freeze fresh produce?

 

No, I do not. 

 

5. Do you get ready for the day first thing in the morning?

 

It all depends on the day.  Some days are earlier than others.

Friday 5 6/3/11

 

I know I have been away in like, for-ev-er....but I am back with a repentant Friday 5!

1. If you had to choose, how would you prefer to choose to spend money...on landscaping or a pool? 

 

Landscaping.  We have a lot of work to do and with 7 kids, I would not want to worry that I would find one of them drowned.  They can't drown in grass.

2. (Scott likes to get things stirred up...) Death penalty, yay or nay?

 

UGH.  Not one I want to wrestle on a Friday.  I guess it depends. If a person is killing one of my friends or family members right in front of me. Death penalty.  I guess it depends on the situation and whether they are super crazy and a threat to people or just temporary crazy....otherwise, I plead pro-life (esp in the case of the unborn).

3. What's the worst thing your kid has gotten into when you turned your back/blogged/showered/blinked?

 

White paint.  Two of our kids painted our brand new, renovated bathroom....All White.  They are so lucky they are cute....

4. How often do you REALLY go to the dentist?

 

Once or twice a year, unless I get a root canal. Then its like 5.

5. What is your favorite animal (doesn't have to be a pet-type animal)?

My favorite animal is a bird or a horse.  I do love certain dogs, but hubby won't even go there!!

Friday Five for May 6th!

1. Have you ever had roommates?

 

Yes, I did in college.  She was the most opposite rooom mate, EVER.  BARELY even spoke to me.  DID NOT want me in "her" room since I came later in the semester due to car trouble I had.  We did not get along. I don't even remember her name.

2. How many names do you/your children have? (i.e. Prince Charming William Phillip Arthur Louis John Jacob Jingleheimer-Schmidt)

 

I have 5 names, my first, middle, confirmation, maiden and last name,

as do my first 2 sons.  My other children, just have 3; first, middle and last.

 

3. Did you watch the Royal Wedding?

 

Oh my gosh, YES! Loved every minute of it. Even got up at 4:30 to watch the Pre-wedding stuff.  Love them!! It was so romantic and exciting to watch them get married and start their new lives together. :)

4. What is the messiest room in your house?

 

The first room at the top of the stairs.  My 3rd and 5th children's room.  Just. always. a. MESS!!  Unless the cleaning lady comes.

5. What is your ideal mothers day?

 

Nothing to do except plant flowers, sing, and go to dinner with my Mom and my sisters. <3

Easter Triduum

The last post for the Friday Five, asked about what my Easter Traditions were and I mentioned some things, but really almost felt guilty skipping over the really important parts of the days leading up to Easter.  Many people call it the Easter Triduum; it is the 3 days leading up to Easter.  It starts with Holy Thursday and ends with the Easter Vigil.  

I am an off again, on again Holy Thursday participant, but I never miss Good Friday. It, to me, is one of the holiest days of the year.  In the Catholic Church, we fast, to me, meaning to eat one regular meal and 2 small ones the whole entire day, praying, going to Mass and singing.  I have the privilege of leading the congregation at Good Friday Mass Service at 3 pm and join with the choir at another Church at 7 pm.  It is a time of deep reflection of what Jesus did for me and to take the time from my crazy, busy life to show Him my gratefulness.  

For me, time is so precious since I do not have much of it to spare.  Taking time is a true sacrifice for me and on Good Friday, I am more than willing to make that sacrifice for Him.  

Saturday, for me, is a lay low day, since Easter Sunday, it all starts up again with Easter Baskets in the morning, Children's Choir at 8:50am then a quick exit to another Parish to lead their congregation at 10:30. After all that running around, a 30 minute ride to our cousin's house for a lengthy, happy meal with family.  Following that, a ride home to relax.  A true pleasure.

This year, I devoted some extra time and made a movie on Windows Live Movie Maker, dedicated to my Savior, Jesus Christ.  I hope you will take the time to listen.

Happy Easter.

Loudly yours,

Alicia

A review of last year's trip to the Lodge!

**NOTE**
This if from last year's trip to the Great Wolf Lodge.  We are returning this month and I needed to review it, so I thought it might be nice to share it with you!

Alicia


This note is dedicated to helping those thinking of going to the Lodge. I had a great first experience with my family.

ARRIVAL: 
We arrived at 10 am. 
We thought we would not be allowed into the Waterpark until 1pm, so we arrived early to play Magiquest. Unless your kid knows what it is, you could totally get away with NOT paying the $27 and up per child price. 

The lobby was really cool, but my kids were a little freaked out by the animated kids and animals. We did not return for story time. 

We thought we had to check in later, so we went to the MagiQuest place first to purchase our wands and activate them. 
 $100.11 for 3 wands and 4 activations.
(since Vianne already acquired hers at a birthday party.) 
My kids had not much of a clue what to do and just ran around gathering gold points wherever they could. Cute, but not mandatory. 

We found out that they would allow us to go into the park at 11 am, which we did and were happy to get in earlier than planned. We did, though, have to stand in line, to let the front desk know that we had arrived to get the passes for the park, which are wrist bands. 

At check in, have the credit card you used to book your stay as well as a picture ID ready for them to process you. ( I did not have my proper credentials and had to wait longer!!)

Our arrival at the Lodge. Cute place for a shot at the entrance in the Poconos, PA.

WATER PARK: 
Towels...don't even bother. 
They are very stocked and warm. Mmmmm...love warm towels! 
The hotel also has an abundance of towels. 
 No need to bring your own.

The park is very loud! This freaked my daughter out and she hardly went near anything the first day (she is 2 1/2) 
She took to it the 2nd day. 

The park has SO much to do and enough to please every age group. 

My 17 year old thought it was good, but he was lacking in kids his own age to hang out with. ( I think it was just bad timing for him.) My 13yr old, 9 yr old, 7 yr old and 4 yr old loved it. 

I felt safe with some of the kids running around playing on their own for some of the time. Once I even caught my 4 yr old putting on the charm with some teenage girls in the family hot tub. He told us that was his favorite part of the park....such a ladies man! :0)

You could smell the chlorine in the air, the minute you walked in the park, but I have to say that I don't feel over chlorinated from being at the park for the day. It was a bit muggy at times, but the temperature overall was great. Perfect for the water. The water temperature was wonderful unless you went into the hot tub, then the pool water. I loved the variety of splashing machines, toys and spouts, but wished they had some of the chairs parked a little bit further from the splash bucket that was right in front of the "beach". 
Their beach, to me, was near perfect. Not too hot, not too much sun, waves that were fun and predictable, and best of all, NO SAND!! YES! Loved that. (Our family loves to go to the beach and I love them, so I go too, but I hate sand and sometimes the water is too cold and it gets really hot.) 

GWL is the perfect compromise. Loved it. Oh, and the life vests, what a relief to know that I did not have to worry much about drowning. They were great to have on hand for the little kids.

Bella finally in the pool!

The WATER SLIDES:

The Double barrel drop I went in.....what was I thinking?!

Another one of my favorite things.....
A slide for EVERYONE!! 
 Thrill seeker, check; Baby, check; Middle of the Road; check. Roller Coaster lover; check. Want to keep together on a slide? Check! Besides some of the lines, which could get long, the slides were great. I loved the family raft ride, River Canyon Run, which always had the shortest line ( the middle line) because I was able to experience the fun with most of my family members, including my 4 yr old. It was a blast. I also LOVED the roller coaster blue slide, The Hydro Plunge Coaster. SO much fun. That one I rode with my 17 yr old. Great ride. The Double Barrel drop...just too scary for me. If you like being scrambled like eggs, go on the Double Barrel Slide. It was like a wild disco ride/Charlie & the Chocolate Factory. Again, not for me. The slides got easier to ride at 8pm, since the lines were less; the same went for 9 - 10 am. (An advantage of staying overnight at the hotel.) The closing time is technically 9 pm, but they give you time to pack up and leave, so there is no great rush at 9 pm, but they do kick you out of the rides, pool, etc at 9 pm.

>

Where the Double Barrel Drop spits you out...

View of the beach from the stairs to the slides. Loved the lighting. Just right.

HOTEL STAY:

The Grizzly Bear Suite was great. Spacious and comfy, nice bathrooms, with a Jacuzzi tub (which I loved). Larger Mini fridge, small microwave, a table, balcony (nice to watch the stars) 3 televisions, closet space too. 
 The ONLY thing I did not like....the beds. I woke up SO sore that I had to sleep at the feet of my son on the pull out. Therefore, I got very little sleep since he kicked me most the night. I will be bringing an air mattress with me for the next time, for sure.

 We brought our own food for snacks and bagels for breakfast, which worked out great, since it was an inexpensive way to feed them breakfast. There is a Starbucks in the lobby if you need coffee, or a Dunkin Donuts Drive Thru not too far down the street. 

One great thing about the hotel, is that they allow food to be brought in. If you can remember to bring your own water, please do!  A much less expensive alternative to buying it at the hotel!!

Happy Diner to be

We ate out at Friendly's down the street (great service from Danielle) the first night.  ($82 with tip for 7 people-Vianne was too sick to eat). 

(The 2nd year, we went on a Wednesday night and were lucky to be able to take advantage of the kids eat free deal....so I think the bill was more like $30!!)

The plaza deli had great sandwiches and cost us about $45 for lunch for 7. ( Not so bad for $6 per person) Plenty of people were there with packed lunches and goodies as well as those who indulged the snack bar there. The fries were good, but it took a very long time to get our $3 fries. 

BRING WATER. Their vending machines charge $3 per bottle. Since I was making an attempt to save money by bringing snacks, I wish I had more sandwich baggies and larger zip locks for food storage or to save uneaten sandwiches to be saved for later.

Many of the people there are running around with no shoes, but I chose to wear my Crocs, which they do sell there in a little crocs store. (Did not see prices) They have several shops to purchase things you may have forgotten, but know that there is a Kohl's not far from the hotel on 611, where we purchased a couple of things. ( Goggles, being one of them!) Walmart is not far either, but there was a lot of traffic on 611, so a normal 10 minute ride could turn into much longer.

WHAT I WISH I BROUGHT WITH ME:
More plastic baggies for storage
Some garbage bags for dirty clothes
Air mattress
Goggles

SOME THINGS I AM GLAD I BROUGHT WITH ME:
SNACKS
PAPER TOWELS
UTENSILS
PAPER PLATES
KIDS' PILLOWS
Water Shoes/ shoes to wear in the hotel room

DID NOT NEED:
Towels
Many shoes

view from the bar...no, I wasn't drinking!

Bella's favorite thing to do...squirt the water!

<Photo 10

The Lazy River....