What's Really Important

Grizzly and Jack tell their story
above the fireplace

At this time of year it is hard to slow down and enjoy the season.  We are so busy fighting crowds while looking for the perfect gift, wrapping presents, baking cookies and preparing ourselves for a few special days that it is difficult to get everything done, let alone enjoy the season.

This year, in an effort to simplify the holiday season and take more time to relax, I decided to skip all of the gift buying and instead spent a weekend at Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Resort in Utica, IL in LaSalle County with my extended family.

After all, What better gift is there than spending quality time together as a family?



Kids enjoying a movie in one of
the rooms in the cabin

I have five nephews age six and younger, and my cousins have five more children between them--that's ten children total.  They are adorable, well behaved kids, but it is hard to get all of us together and find activities that all ages, from children to grandparents, will enjoy.

These 3 bedroom cabins are much larger
than they appear!

At Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Lodge in Utica,   

A large dining area and snack bar-plenty of room
for a large family dinner

We stayed in one of the resorts three story luxury cabins that can accomodate up to 18 people. 

Only twelve of us from my immediate family were able to stay overnight and sleep in the cabin and it was very comfortable.  It was so nice to all be together-it felt like a weekend long slumber party!



Indoor water park

We spent

the day playing in the indoor water park Grand Bear Falls.  It is the perfect place for families!  The grown ups had as much fun as the kids!



Kids of all ages enjoying the waterslide

There are two large slides for adventurous older kids and brave adults. The lazy river, wave pool, small slide, are fun for all, and a baby pool, and a water playground cater to smaller kids. 

The water was a comfortable temperature, and it was nice and warm in the waterpark--which I am certain is no small feat in the middle of December.

Everyone had a blast and played in the water all afternoon.

Best Buddies on the Merry go Round

Excited about his winnings in the amusement park

After dinner we enjoyed the Enchanted Forest indoor amusement park.  It was really fun.  The smaller kids played in the bouncy houses and merry-go-round. 
The bigger kids were able to ride a rollercoaster, tilt-a-whirl and several other fun rides.  It was like an indoor carnival.
As an over protective aunt, I appreciated the diligence of the staff, who measured and enforced the height requirement for the rides.  This ensured the safety of the children, and they were great about convincing the little ones that they should go on rides that are more appropriate "and more fun" for them. 

We have decided that we will make this an annual event for our family, and plan to stay even longer next year.

This place gets two thumbs up!



Enjoying the amusement park

From the moment we arrived, at Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Resort,  everything was beyond our expectations. 

The cabin was much larger and more comfortable than we imagined. 

The waterpark is the perfect size to accomodate guests who are staying at the lodge. 

The staff was excellent and made sure we were enjoying our visit.

Best of all, it is close to home!  Right in our own Backyard--which means no long car ride for the kids!