Thanksgiving at Timber Ridge Lodge

Because of the new baby, 

and our recent busy schedules,

we decided to take a little family time 

for the four of us over Thanksgiving.

We headed up to Timber Ridge Lodge in 

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

It's normally less than two hours away…

but leaving the city during rush hour, 

the day before Thanksgiving, is another story.  

After that drive we were even more excited 

to relax in the countryside.

Our room overlooked a horse pasture. Perfect!

Timber Ridge is part of the
Grand Geneva Resort,

which holds a special place in our hearts as
the place where Mommy & Daddy got engaged.

The indoor water park isn't as impressive as those in
The Dells, or even Key Lime Cove,

but it was perfect for our tiny bathing beauties.

Grand Geneva is a huge operation,
 and offered plenty of activities
 we could have partaken in...

…but hanging poolside was our main agenda.

The rooms at Timber Ridge have
kitchens, fireplaces, big Jacuzzi bathtubs,
balconies and a separate bedroom for Mom and Dad.

On Thanksgiving Day we swam

 and watched the parades on TV
before heading to the main lodge 

for a fantastic buffet lunch.

The lobby was bustling and beautiful, 

it even "snowed" inside.

The buffet took place in a banquet room,
but we had our own small table.

Mommy loved the snow crab legs, lox
 and peel & eat shrimp,

Daddy stuck with cheese, sausages and traditional Thanksgiving fare.

Mila went for seconds (maybe thirds) on the cinnamon rolls. 

Mila has been such a great big sister. 

She loves to kiss and cuddle Willow.

It was relaxing to just spend
family time together, 

without the distractions of home.

Arguably the sweetest part of the trip:

Two sisters all tuckered out,

no sounds except for the fireplace crackling 

and the occasional happy sigh from Mommy

 when she peeks over to check on them.

Track & Field aka "Race Class"

This week Mila finishes her fall track & field class through the Chicago Park District.

She took it at Smith Park last spring and loved it so much we signed her up again. 

For an entire hour Coach Frank keeps kids ages 3-5

running relays and obstacle courses around the gymnasium.

 Mila tries VERY hard. 

She has quite the competitive streak 

and wants to "be the leader" all the time.

Though it reportedly can be tough to get into the Park District classes,

we haven't had a problem. Mila has also taken

art & abc classes, soccer, tap dance, swimming and summer camp through CPD.

 Most classes are a small fraction of the cost you'd find 

in privately run businesses around the city.

 Sometimes you get what you pay for,

(one of Mila's arts & crafts classes was a total bust)

but overall we've been more than happy with her teachers and instruction...

…and especially with what she calls "race class!"