May 31, 2010: Memorial Day at Trafalga

Griffin was lucky enough to win the grand prize for the Cat Walk this year, the Unlimited Family Pass to Trafalga. We decided to spend Memorial Day there since we all had the day off--and school was out! Unfortunately, everyone else had the same idea so it was MORE than a little crowded.

John put the kids to work in the morning, cleaning up the backyard with Trafalga as the incentive.

We decided to do all the activities we could, so enjoyed the 3-D rides they have and then headed for the batting cages. Ellie had recently joined a city softball league and this was a great chance for her to get some practice in.

After we finished the pitches, we did the slick track cars (of which I have no pictures). Then it was time for the arcade.

And finally, mini golf. Our family really plays by no rules. Just keep hitting the ball until it goes in.



Earlier at the batting cages, Griffin got socked in the throat with a ball. Boy, he was not only hurt, but madder than Hades! I think he spent a good five minutes screaming at the top of his lungs how much he hated softball and never wanted to have anything to do with it again. This is the result of that hit. We were just so grateful that it wasn't a little higher and more centered.

Ian Wins the $10!

As we were pulling out of Trafalga, I said to the kids, "I sure wish we could have used the other camera to take pictures tonight." Ian looked down on the floor of the van and said, "You mean with the red camera that's right here?" Boy, was Griffin mad! He really wanted that $10 for a "really good Lego toy." Ian said that he needed it more if he was going to have to start paying for gas. I don't care who found it, just that it has been found.

Here's the Wall-E cake from Griffin's birthday.

Griffin's Cat Walk Prize

We decided to take advantage of the lovely fall evening and use Griffin's prize to Trafalga for Family Home Evening. (Unfortunately, John had to work late and wasn't able to attend, but he's been so terribly sick that I'm sure he was looking forward to bed more than 18 holes of golf.) His prize package included two activities: a round of miniature golf on one of their three courses and either 50 pitches at the batting cages or five minutes on the slick track. Griffin chose the slick track and then the indoor golf course (glow in the dark!).

We all started on the yellow line and waited for him to count down so we could go. I figured being the only LICENSED driver (although Ian did pass his test last week--yippee!), Griffin and I would totally win.



Let me say right now, Ellie is not getting her license until she's at least 18. She lapped Griffin and I four times! Here she is coming up to pass Griffin and I and then passing Ian. She's a little speed demon! (I'm busting out laughing just typing this and remembering her little smile and laugh as she would pass us. I would be laughing every time she would speed by us and could hardly breathe by the time we finished my stomach was so sore from laughing.)

Ian passed us once.

Maggie wins the safe driving award, not passing anyone or running into anything. (For the record, I didn't pass anyone or hit anything either. The kids were under strict orders not to hit me since my surgeon would probably freak out if he knew what I was doing.)


The indoor golf course has been transformed to a glow in the dark, under the sea themed course. It's not conducive to taking pictures with your cell phone (no, no luck finding the camera, although I've offered a $10 reward for its' safe return), but we did our best.

Griffin's T-shirt

Bruce from Finding Nemo

Finding Nemo's Crush

I won the night, over par by 2. Giffin was 23 over, so we brought up the rear. Overall, it was a great night full of fun and family. I'm so glad we made it a family prize this year. It was worth it!