Elena just put the finishing touches on her science fair project. You would think after 4 years of projects, it would get easier, but it still ends up being a monumental task. The monumental task of course is reigning myself in – holding back the urge to micro-manage and letting her do it herself. That, and trying to get an 8-year-old to summarize her entire project in a few sentences. Have you ever known an 8-year-old girl to summarize anything in 300 words or less?
So between our scientific endeavors, yet another winter illness, and a short road trip, a blog post of weightier matter is just not possible right now. Instead, I'll leave you with a few tidbits you might find interesting.
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The above-mentioned road trip was to Shipshewana, Indiana. We bought a deal through Living Social for an overnight stay at Splash Universe. I went with the intention of taking lots of pictures and writing up a review. Once we were there, I found myself totally uninspired and incapable of taking a single picture. The place wasn't awful by any means – the kids had an absolute blast. But I wasn't about to gloss over the not-so-fantastic parts. I don't like writing bad reviews if I can help it. Either I really like something, and I'll share it with you, or I just won't mention it. My two biggest complaints? For one, the water park is pretty small. The kids kept themselves occupied for the most part, but even a day and a half was stretching it as far as keeping everyone entertained. Number two: if you're going to advertise that the temperature inside Splash Universe is always 84 degrees? Perhaps you might want to make the water temperature somewhat close to 84 degrees as well. At least, make it warmer than the bath water you ran yesterday. The only truly warm water was in the baby pool, and we all know why that water is warm.
That being said, if you can find a good deal (we paid $130 for an overnight stay and 2 day passes to the water park), and you just happen to feel like visiting northern Indiana, by all means go for it. If you're only going for the water park aspect and there isn't a similar deal available? I'd skip it. I'd love to visit something like Great Wolf Lodge to compare experiences.
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I did a guest post over at Indianapolis Amy's blog about one of my favorite Spanish tapas: croquetas.
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Holding true to my prophecy, we've yet to have a complete week of school since Christmas break.
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Finally, I've fallen in love with the blog Dinner: A Love Story. I particularly enjoyed this post on recognizing that it's not always easy to prepare a complete, from-scratch meal with young children underfoot. Who am I supposed to be connecting with here? The kids or the chicken thighs? It's always helpful to remind myself that it's more important that everyone feels involved and that we sit down and enjoy each other's company, rather than having everything on the table be perfect.
Angie – What a weird coincidence…Our family just spent two nights at the above-mentioned Splash Universe with my sisters and their families. I am not sure where the deal came from, but it was something near 1/2 off. They definitely oversold themselves in some regards. There was not room on the comment cards for our collected list of gripes. Our biggest one is the kids’ three almost new swimsuits that now look they’ve spent the summer at the pool. The chlorine level in the overheated kiddie pool must have been very high. My niece’s hot pink suit faded to purple in a matter of minutes; we thought it might be hypercolor, but the pink never came back. With a spectacular price break, we may make a return trip someday, but we’d also rather try out Great Wolf for comparison.
That's funny that you mention the chlorine, because I immediately threw our suits in the wash when we got home and they came out still reeking of chlorine. I've never had that happen before. I guess they have to neutralize all that pee somehow 🙂
I'm with you – if you can get some kind of steal of deal and you're looking for a diversion in the winter (or something to keep dads and kids occupied while you shop in Shipshewana), it's not a bad way to spend a day. But I wouldn't ever pay full price and I wouldn't go out of my way to book another stay there.
Angie:
I’ve had a lot of experience with Priceline…Is Great Wolf on Priceline? If so- you might be able to get an excellent deal– like 1/2 off.
Thanks so much for making the croquetas:)
I've never tried Priceline . . . off to check now!
I’ve not been to Splash Universe, but I’d be willing to bet you a million dollars that you would thoroughly enjoy Great Wolf!
I was really impressed with Great Wolf & how much there was to do at the water park. And if it’s warm enough outside, their outdoor pool is really nice too. It’s definitely worth a trip!