Baseball season is in full swing now. (You'll have to pardon the pun there.) Z. is on a team called the Scrappers. And I've been made the dug-out coach for the team. Ever try to get 12 little kids ages 6-8 all ready to go up to bat? Keeping them in the right batting order, getting whose bat goes to whom, whose helmet goes to whom, and having them not fidget and fight while waiting for their turn?? PE teachers everywhere have my undying sympathy.
Ohh but they are soo cute. And some of them are really serious about the game, with little "game faces" and everything. We had our first game this past Saturday. I don't have any pictures of it like a good Mommy... I forgot my camera at home! But some of the other bleacher-mommas might have some they can send my way. And I was too busy keeping order in the dug-out to really focus on taking good shots, anyway.
We eventually lost the game 6-5. It was so close. I was hoarse from screaming and yelling. Everyone was hot and sweaty.. and all I wanted to do afterward is take a nap! But it's great fun to watch. I just wish Z's daddy could see how well his boy does. So.. I've really got to get some pictures! We have another game tonight. So.. honey... I'll bring the camera with me. hehe
Oh... and N. went to try out for a local cheerleading squad. She's never cheered a day in her life, but her friend goes, so she went. And of course, upon coming home, was all jazzed about being a cheerleader. I'm jazzed about her having an activity.. but not so much about the $60 a month it costs to join the elite gym where they cheer. So.... we decided that when July comes around we'll sign her up for the county soccer team. Which will get her leg strength up, and maybe some endurance, and then next year she can try out for that squad again. (psst.. plus the soccer is only a one time fee of $25... and if she hates it, I'm only out that...hehe)
The kids are happy to only have a couple more months or so of school. Me too. Once school is out we are planning on going over to Oregon to get my mom and take her out here to live with us for a while. Plus, I want to see some of the family way out there on the West Coast... Should be fun. And we'll be thanking God for the military discount at hotels. (Hey everyone out there Super 8's have a nice discount for military!! Plus you can bring your pets!)
But.. here are some hotels worth checking out if you are on the adventurous side....
The Hobit Hotel
Lord of the Rings fans will be happy to know, that yes... there is a Hobbit Hotel. You too can come on down to Orotohonga, New Zealand at Woodlyn Park, and stay in a Hobbit house, complete with round windows and sturdy little furniture. A night will run you about $170 a couple, and anyone else is only $12 extra a night. Here's a look at the inside:
If you've got the urge to live out your J. R. R. Tolkien fantasies, then this is the place for you.
Also at Woodlyn park is:
The Waitomo Express
This 1950's refurbished rail car is now a hotel. It is advertised as "a completely self contained motel unit, situated on farmland with farm animals and bird life adding to the stunning scenery."
It sleeps 6 and at $130 a night per couple, it might just the get away you are looking for.
But that's not all at Woodlyn Park. There is also:
The Plane Motel
From the website: "This plane was one of the last allied planes out of Vietnam. Possibly the only accommodation of its type in the world. A 1950's Bristol Freighter fully refurbished into 2 beautiful self contained motel units. " The 2 units are the plane cockpit and the plane tail. The price will run you around $150 a night, and what an experience this would be! Again from the website: "With your accommodation we can book any caving adventures, Black water Rafting, 4 x 4 bike riding and also Horse riding." And kids get a free pass to the Kiwi House, which seems to be some type of cultural show. Here let me show you the inside:
Too see all the prices and get all the info on Woodlyn park go to their website http://woodlynpark.co.nz/ But book early! I'm sure hotels like this fill up fast.
But maybe you don't want to travel all the way to New Zealand for an unique hotel experience, why don't you head on over to Cave Junction, Oregon. There you will find:
Tree House Treesorts
With quirky little names like Peacock Perch and Serendipitree, this place is all fun! Where else can have an educational, and adventurous, vacation site in Southern Oregon, and where you can, lit-treely, "go out on a limb"? Each little cabin style tree house is built into the trees of the area. Most are heated and have small kitchen amenities. On the website you can see inside each of the cabins and see what they offer. Here's a look at the inside of one:
They describe themselves as "a B+B in the Trees!" There is a large main house where breakfast is served. Most of the cabins go for about $120 a night. You'd be a sap to not give it a try.... so head on over to http://www.treehouses.com/treehouse/treesort/home.html and book your stay today!There's something about New Zealand.. Also from New Zealand comes...
Wagon Stays
From Christchurch, New Zealand we have"Where luxury meets history." The settlers would have considered themselves lucky to bunk down in these bad boys, which feature queen-size beds, computer-controlled showers, flush toilets, fully equipped kitchens, and satellite TV. The carriages also have glass doors that open to balconies, which are perfect for kicking back with a pint of ale after a long day of going absolutely nowhere. Here's a gander at the inside:
From Christchurch, New Zealand we have"Where luxury meets history." The settlers would have considered themselves lucky to bunk down in these bad boys, which feature queen-size beds, computer-controlled showers, flush toilets, fully equipped kitchens, and satellite TV. The carriages also have glass doors that open to balconies, which are perfect for kicking back with a pint of ale after a long day of going absolutely nowhere. Here's a gander at the inside:
They don't venture to share the price, but you can go here http://wagonstays.co.nz/newzealand/main/ to contact them or book your stay. To New Zealand or Bust!Ok that's enough to get you started thinking about your upcoming summer vacations. What are you doing still reading this blog?! Go and book your family for Pete's sake!
