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Is There Such a Thing as "Fun For the Whole Family?"

I ponder this question with every activity we plan.  As a Mom and Stepmom of seven children between the ages of 23 - 5, I often ask myself if there really is such a thing as fun for our whole family.

It’s winter, and I am not a big fan of the snow.  Infact, when it comes to skiing and snowboarding count me out.  As a child, I loved sledding.  Until, one cold day the sled got out from under me. I flew across the ice until the sled caught up with me and decided to run over my face.  We didn’t have the soft circular sleds back then.  No, we had the red flyer.  You know the kind, it had  the heavy glossy wood platform and the steel red blades. Lets just say, it was not a pretty sight.  So, as a mom of three girls, I have managed to lead by example and not practice the skills of skiing or snowboarding with my little ladies. Then I married a fearless man who climbs steel columns and skyscraper buildings for a living.  I gained three fearless stepchildren who love the daring sports and anything else that puts me in a panic. We added our "baby", now 5,  to our family, and to my surprise, he is as much of a daredevil as his brothers.

 I gravitate to indoor activities in the winter.  If I could  take our family of nine to warmer climate every winter I would, but that just isn’t feasible.  So, I search winter getaways that have other things to do for my children who aren’t snow-friendly.  What are the obstacles in that you’re thinking? Let me share.

For some reason the art of  jewelry beading, candle making and sand art no longer interest our older girls.  Seems that spas and shopping do not interest our boys.  The enjoyment of just sitting around and taking in the sights has escaped the minds of our new generation, and oddly enough, sipping hot cocoa by the fireplace while reading only interests me. 

So, here is what I need; I need a winter wonderland resort where there is snow, a mall, a spa, Xbox Live, high speed internet, a fireplace, a gym, a pool, Lego land, swings, circus clowns, an animal petting zoo,a kiddie campus for the little guy, and a casino and wine tasting wouldn’t hurt either.  Don't forget, it must have Wi-Fi and easy access to Facebook and Twitter, and a DVR incase they miss the horrid episodes of Family Guy, or worse, Jersey Shore, and please have several restaurants on premises for our 9 finicky eaters. Oh, and  make that within driving distance because with a family this size flying is a second mortgage.  Any ideas?

I took a deep breathe and gathered my thoughts, searched out my options, thought of the cramped car, the luggage that once flew off the roof, the 7 ipods in the ears playing different music in each and decided...

There is such a thing as fun for the whole family….its in our livingroom, with popcorn, raisinettes, swedishfish, m&m’s, nachos, and a good movie.  But wait….what rating will our movie be????? !!