Swimming and Geocaching

Yesterday we had planned to return to Virginia, but Robby asked to extend our stay so he could go to the pool with his cousins.  The temperatures were hot and the sun was blazing. Lacking any real reason to return home immediately, I decided that staying and swimming would be a good use of our day.  

Robby, Timmy and Tiffany all had a blast splashing and playing in the pool. After a few hours we returned back to my Mom's, where we dried off and ate dinner. When Timmy was sleeping for the night we sneaked out and went Geocaching at a local park. We topped off our Geocaching with a trip to the ice cream shop.

Driving back to my Mom's we noticed the bright yellow full moon. I encouraged my nephew to pull out his telescope so we could all take a better look. At first he said that he couldn't find it, but finally admitted that he didn't know how to use it. With a "don't worry, I've got this" attitude, Robby grabbed the telescope and set it up like a seasoned pro.  We ended up setting up the telescope in the middle of the street (thankfully there is little to no traffic that time of night) and Robby helped JR learn how to use it. 

I'm relieved that it is finally Friday. With near constant travel, I'll be glad when things finally slow down for awhile. Although we all had fun in Ohio, the stress of trying to keep the boys tame while around others is simply exhausting.  Today the boys and I are headed home. I have to admit I'm looking forward to kicking my leg off, curling up on my couch in my jammies and sipping on a glass (or two) of wine.  

TSA "Screening"

My recent airline travel has confirmed my belief that TSA is in desperate need of continued training. None of the agents I encountered knew how to handle my prosthetic. I know how the screening is supposed to unfold and I become frustrated when I seem to know protocol more than the employees!

The "security" screening on our outbound trip consisted of the agent asking me what other people do, followed by a quick "I think you're fine honey. Have a good day." I wasn't swabbed, nor was I patted down. It doesn't exactly instill confidence, does it?

On the return trip, the agent only did a visible inspection. Although, in all fairness, using the term "inspection" may be deceiving. In reality she looked at my prosthesis, said "I see you have one of those prosthetic legs. I think I have to swab your hands."  After my hands (but not my prosthetic) were swabbed, I received a kind "Go ahead dear." It is frustrating that the TSA screening experience continues to be piecemeal and inconsistent.

After a long evening of travel, we arrived safely at my Mom's house. Today we will make the final of our trip as we return to VA. The boys and I have been away now for two weeks and I think we are all anxious to go home.

Traveling with Timmy went as well as anticipated. He was high maintenance but behaved, which is really all that matters. We lucked out by discovering a playground at the airport, allowing him a much needed energy outlet before being confined in a seat. If you ask me, every airport would benefit from not only continued disability training for their TSA agents but also by offering a small playground.  

Last Day in Ohio

Yesterday we packed up the boys (and Grandma) and headed to a local amusement park. The weather was overcast and muggy, but the boys were excited for an adventure. Although the weather was overcast and muggy.  Eventually the skies opened and we were treated to the much anticipated thunderstorm. We were bummed to get rained out of our Ohio adventure, but at least the boys were able to ride without interruption for two hours. 

Today we are packing up and heading home. Well, at least back to Pennsylvania. We fly into Philadelphia tonight and will drive to my Mom's for the night. Tomorrow we will (finally) return to Virginia. Robby, Timmy and I haven't been home for two weeks. Although we have had a lot of fun, it is time to go home.

Day 3

Hello from Ohio (again).  

Yesterday was laid back.  Scott and the kids ran errands with his Mom while I stayed back to work. I know that his Mom appreciated the alone time with the boys and I truly appreciated the quiet opportunity to focus on my computer. 

Today we are going to a small amusement park in the area. I know that Robby and Timmy will thoroughly enjoy running and playing. Both have some penned up energy that needs a constructive outlet. They have been well-behaved so far, but neither of us want to risk what might come from the boys being idle for too long.  

Picnic

Greetings from Ohio. 

Saturday morning we woke up before dawn and headed to the airport to catch a 6 AM flight to Ohio so we could attend Scott's family reunion. Traveling with a tween and a toddler is stressful under the best circumstances. With everybody sleep deprived, nervous and cranky, the trip was anything but relaxing!

The picnic went well. Robby thoroughly enjoyed speaking with his Great Uncle Grover, who was a POW from WWII. My little history buff sat next to him for hours, asking questions and absorbing all of the information he could glean. He even recorded some of the conversation so he could have it for future reference. I was impressed by Robby's questions and proud of his thoughtful behavior during the interaction.

While Robby was busy talking I was running after Timmy, who was his typical bundle of energy. He alternated between jumping on the trampoline, petting the bunnies and the admiring the chicken coup. By the time the afternoon was over we were both filthy, sweaty and tired.  

Today I will have the boys to myself while Scott runs errands with his mom and sister. After the commotion of the past few days, I'm looking forward to some quiet time. While I take the opportunity to knock out some work, I think Timmy will be content to play with his trains and watch cartoons while Robby will occupy himself playing video games. I'm sure that they will be ready to go by the time Scott comes home from his excursions.