Home

Yesterday we packed up and headed home. Although we all had a wonderful time on our getaway, we were all happy to be home. We couldn't beat the location of our hotel room (on the boardwalk and steps away from the beach) but the cramped quarters became a little difficult to navigate. Containing our little trouble seeking toddler in a single room was construed as an invitation to wreak as much havoc as possible in a small space. He proudly succeeded in his mission.

Scott and I immediately unpacked and began the laundry when we arrived home. We were desperate to rid the sand from all of our possessions. The grit didn't seem to bother the boys, but it drove Scott and me crazy! Despite thorough cleanings, I'm fairly certain that a significant amount of sand will remain embedded in my prosthetic components until Christmas.

While we are happy to be home, I am going to hold onto some wonderful memories.  Scott and Robby went on a deep sea fishing adventure where Robby proudly caught a halibut fish "for the halibut." Timmy discovered the ocean and was enthralled with the sand. He was not happy with the waves and water, but finally tolerated having his toes covered (as long as he was clutching onto his Daddy's hands.)

By far my favorite memories are of my nightly boardwalk strolls with Robby. Each night after Timmy fell asleep we walked 1.5 miles to the Dippin Dots ice cream store. We spent the time hunting Pokemons, talking and people watching. After eating his ice cream we continued our hunting and conversations during the return trek to our room. Our strolls lasted about 90 minutes and I loved every moment! I don't get that much alone time with him anymore, but this is something I would like to change.

I think all of us want to return to some sense of normalcy after the chaos created by my back-to-back adventures. The boys (especially Timmy) need some downtime with their own toys in their own environment. I need space and an adequate wi-fi connection to catch up on some reports, and Scott has been missing controlling a television remote.  Even though we had a fantastic vacation, there is no place like home!

We have had a wonderful mini vacation but I am ready to go home.  This morning we will pack up, say goodbye to the beach and boardwalk and head back to our house. Robby misses his cats and video games. I am sure that Timmy misses his toys. Scott and I are desperately missing breathing room and space.

Quick Vacation Update

This blog will be short because the internet at the hotel is weak and I am writing this post on my phone.

Yesterday we had a wonderful family day.  Robby, Timmy and I strolled the boardwalk in the morning, capturing Pokémon while enjoying the warm ocean breeze.  We then went to the ocean, which Robby loved but it turns out that Timmy was not a big fan. He put the death grip on Scott each time a wave came close to touching him. After swimming in the pool for a bit Robby a d Scott headed out on their big fishing adventure aboard the "Happy Hooker" boat.

The fishermen returned a few hours later with smiles almost as big as the fish that got away.  The pair is toying with the notion of going on a nighttime fishing excursion tonight.  Although I know that they want to go, Robby is scared of the ocean at night and I don't want to pressure him.  He will have plenty of other opportunities cities o go fishing.

We spent the rest of the day alternating between the beach, the pool and the boardwalk.  I am sure that today will be spent in the same way.

We Arrived

Good morning from the beach!

Robby was thrilled when he realized our destination, a feeling which only intensified when he learned that our bags were packed and that we were staying for a few days.  Today he and Scott are going fishing while I entertain Timmy in the pool.  In the evening we will hit the boardwalk again, soaking up as much of the experience as possible.

I will try to post updates throughout the day!

Surprise Vacation!

I wasn't confident that we would be able to do it, but somehow we managed to keep our beach vacation a surprise. Robby has been asking to visit the ocean for a few years, and the stars have finally aligned to make that wish a reality. He has absolutely no idea that today we're headed for the beach.

Saturday night Scott took Robby out shopping so that I could pack our bags. Last night I sneaked out and put everything into the car while he was sleeping. This morning we're going to head to IHOP for breakfast (because I have free pancakes for a year) and then we will continue driving until we reach our hotel. I'm not sure when Robby will figure out our destination, but I can hardly wait to witness his reaction!

I know that the boys will thoroughly enjoy their time in the sand, but I have to admit that it isn't my favorite place. Since my amputation I have become more of a mountain girl. Walking on the sand is labor intensive and exhausting. Between navigating the soft terrain and dealing with sand stuck in all of my prosthetic components, the joys of the beach have been all but eradicated. Despite the difficulties and frustrations that ensue when visiting the beach with a prosthesis, I am looking forward to the next few days because I know that my boys will be having fun and will be happy.

While I'm not looking forward to walking on the sand, I am excited about visiting the boardwalk.  I have such strong childhood memories of the scents and scenes of the boardwalk at dusk.  Each summer we would visit and stroll through the shops and among the crowds. The smells, lights and sounds are firmly etched in my mind and I remember them as clearly as if I was walking there last night.

I can't wait to share these experiences with my boys (including Scott who has never been to a proper boardwalk.) There is something magical about summer evenings on the boardwalk. I have no doubt that they will be awestruck by the experience.  The next few days should be a blast- even if the beach is involved.