Natalya's Birthday at the Waterpark

It's Natalya's birthday and, as we did last year, we headed up to the indoor waterpark in Duluth for the celebration. The reason we head here is because it's roughly equidistant travel for us, Jessica's parents, and Jessica's sister and, of course, it's warm. After opening her presents from us and her Australian grandparents at our house, we set out for Duluth just after mid-day. The weather and road conditions were fine and we made good time. We stopped at the McDonald's in North Branch because Natalya wanted to play in the indoor play area. She climbed all through it for quite some time and wasn't intimidated by the other kids as she sometimes is. In fact, I think she had a great time there.

Natalya opening her present from her Wilkes grandparents

When we got to Duluth we immediately noticed it was much busier than it had been the year before, probably because it was a Saturday night this time and because it was newly opened last year. Our room was quite a walk from the waterpark but it was all enclosed so that was OK. Jessica's folks were a little after us, followed by Mandi a few hours later.
Natalya playing with Grandpa

Natalya checking things out with grandma

Natalya and mum having a good time


We enjoyed Natalya's favorite meal of tuna casserole and then headed over to the waterpark for some fun. Being three this year Natalya could enjoy it a little more and Jessica could do a little more because she wasn't pregnant. Natalya was still a little scared of the bigger slides but found plenty to entertain herself. As you might imagine, she wasn't happy when it was time to leave, even when told there'd be cake and presents.

Natalya blowing out her candles - get ready for take-off

The familyPresent opening and the cake ceremony was suitably exciting and the days festivities wore both her and her brother out. Pierce didn't like the water much but loved grinning at all the people. After a quick breakfast it was back to the waterpark for another session, then pack up and the trip back to Plainview. No fishing for me but it was fun watching Natalya enjoy herself. The weather outside the hotel was very much below freezing and a couple of feet of snow on the ground.
The main kiddies play area


Mandi and Pierce hanging out

Natalya enjoying a slideThe basketball master