I’m not gonna say I’m a pro at these things, but I’ve learned my lessons. I’ve got the lonely gray hairs to prove it.
They’re like badges of honor.
You wear them proudly because not only did you survive this Parent Boot Camp experience you actually learned to have fun throughout The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. You know what it takes to get through a twelve-hour adventure with your kids and you pack plenty of chocolate just to make sure that you do.
Yeah … that’s right people. I made the trip to the LEGO Mecca of the world and survived. And once again I left my crazy at the door and this ensured a stress-free occasion even though there were plenty of pitfalls trying to bait me.
But what made this particular adventure a little different was that we didn’t have to drive back home the same night. This proved to be an awesome decision. I find that sitting in traffic, for close to three hours surrounded by stupid or careless drivers, tends to create pockets of anger within my Zen Zone. So in hopes of avoiding any George Costanza blowouts I thought I’d add a little something extra to our Guat getaway. I’d add a Sandbox List Adventure Item … a stay at the LEGOLAND Resort Hotel.
Dude.
Dude.
If my son was capable of doing a backward flip cartwheel, he totally would have … but seeing how his acrobatic skills were limited the high-pitched yes and high-five were pretty good too.
This was their theme song the entire day …
Yeah … this was where awesome started.
No time to waste … went straight for the rides and waiting for their turn.
After a few mini roller coasters and boat rides we headed into the LEGO Movie exhibit. Definitely one of the coolest things I’ve seen. Made me wish I was a Master Builder.
So we headed to the workshop and tried … we were no Master Builders, but we managed to create something worthy of a ribbon.
After being creative, we decided we had a need for speed, so they got their licenses.
Then we headed to one of our favorite parts of the park — The Land of Adventure — and tested our pilot skills in the mini airplanes with Ms. Earhart watching.
After all that excitement I thought I’d add some more to the mix and I surprised the kids with a stay at the hotel. Something that would not have been possible without the coupons and discounts a friend was able to give me.
I found the LEGO pit in the lobby to be an awesome waiting experience for the kids while I was checking us in.
The LEGO artwork behind the reception desk was even cooler.
Before heading up we decided to eat dinner at the restaurant. And in truth, I worry about buffets if they are not in Vegas, but this one … this one was both adult and kid friendly. It was also definitely tasty. I had seconds and thirds … and then dessert … it was a long day.
Once we finished, we headed to the elevators where Disco LEGO guy awaited us with the sweet sounds of the 70s and 80s. This made everybody in the elevator busta move … the flashing lights and disco ball were very encouraging 🙂
We got to our room and we felt like we were part of The Clutch Powers entourage (The Indiana Jones of the LEGO World). But as awesome as the room was nothing was more amazing than the bunk beds for my son. He’d always wanted to sleep in one. So I was able to cross off two Sandbox List items that day. I gave myself I high-five for that one.
