Shipshewana!

Wow!! Shipshewana is all kinds of amazing! As we were driving through rural Indiana late last night, it seemed we were getting further and further away from anywhere that might have an indoor waterpark.  We started passing tons of Amish Buggies, and before we knew it we were in the lobby of Splash Universe! The hotel is brand new, and totally awesome! This kids were just a bit out of sort, with jet lag, and the we're-tired-of-traveling grumps.  Even Jude had a rough time getting setttled down.  Finally, well after midnight, everyone was asleep. 

 

We woke up bright and early, and I have  to admit that I don't think this little hotel in Amish Country has seen anything like the craziness that ensues when you put Jackson, Shane, Finley, Griffie, Juneau, Nova and Jude in an enclosed space.  C-R-A-Z-Y!

 

We set out early to explore the waterpark. Juneau's favorite feauture was the floating lilypads to jump across.

Cris, Nova, and Finley must have taken 50 trip around the lazy river...and still wanted more!

The funniest and cutest thing this trip is the development of the "true love" between Jackson and Nova.  Jack is so sweet and kind-hearted, just like Nova. Very first thing this morning, at breakfast, Nova whispered "mom, I think Jack Loves me!!" I asked her why she thought that and she said "he keeps showing me with his kindness and silliness!". Throughout the day I would see Jack and Nova holding hands, and by the end of the day, on the car ride to get pizza, Nova said "Isn't Jack just so totally AH-MAZING? Even though he's a 1st grader he still loves me, and I just can't wait to see him!"

This evening was the nightly Dance Party at the hotel.  Each kid has their own unique style of dance, and it was soooo funny to watch them on the dance floor!

They danced for an entire hour!

Everybody had a blast...especially the adults who were watching their sweet moves!

I think this group of pre-teen girls sitting against the wall were envisioning something a little different when they came to the Dance Party. 

We had a blast exchanging gifts

Shane the Puzzlemaster loves his Perplexus puzzle

Jude participated in the festivities. He got a ton of compliments on his little penguin outfit from his cousin Melody

In typical random Stickley-Good fashion, we came across some unexpected events (reminiscent of our last indoor waterpark trip to Alamosa, which included a quit trip to a gator farm)...like this marionette show that was held in the hotel this evening. 

Betchya didn't know a marionette could blow up a balloon....

They can also swing from a trapeze

The gang

At least in this one everyone's looking at the camera...but we are missing Griffie!

Shane wanted his picture by the "BIG SLIDE!" He and Cris must have gone down the "BIG SLIDE" 10 times :)

After the Marionette Show, the puppet master let the kids have an up close look at the puppets, and they had a little lesson about marionettes! They loved it!

Another fun-filled day with friends tomorrow, then off to start our official Christmas rounds!