Turtle Trek Redo.

Last summer our family vacation was planned around an opportunity to watch baby sea turtles hatch on the beach. I had planned on going on the Turtle Trek with Robby, but at the last minute I changed my mind and sent Scott instead. I didn't feel like I was physically strong enough to walk several miles on the beach. I feared slowing down the group, and perhaps more importantly, I worried about embarrassing Robby.  

This summer we have again planned our vacation around Robby's love of turtles. He has spent the last week at his Sea Turtle Internship, having the experience of a lifetime. Scott, Timmy and I have been at a nearby hotel, enjoying the pool and Florida in general. Tonight I am again signed up for a Turtle Trek. Unlike last year, I am not bailing this time.

Motivated by abandoning the trek last summer, I have worked all year to become physically stronger. I have lost a lot of weight and I am in better condition. It hasn't been easy, but I've always kept my goal in sight. I don't ever want to let Robby down again.

While I still have trouble walking on the sand, I have no doubt that I am physically capable to participate in the adventure. I've worked hard, and I'm ready. Tonight, I am going on the Turtle Trek!

Growing Up

As the week is progressing, we are hearing from Robby with less frequency. During his first few days we received text messages every few hours, often to just say hello or to connect. Yesterday I received only one message, a happy face emoji. I know that this is a good sign because it means he is becoming adjusted and is feeling more comfortable being on his own.  But I would be lying if I didn't admit that I miss him.

Even though I'm not hearing from him as much, I know that he is having a fantastic time. He was trained to handle the baby sea turtles and was fortunate enough to pick up and redirect 41 little "turtlinies" to the ocean after they wandered towards the city. I didn't have to be there to know the excitement and happiness that must have been shining on his face as he carefully picked up each little hatchling. 

Tomorrow night I am scheduled to go on the Turtle Trek he is leading. I am looking forward to experiencing the sea turtle hatchings myself, but more importantly, I can't wait to see my little Koopa. I have missed him so much!

It is simply weird not having Robby with us. At the pool, or at the beach, his presence is missed. Even Timmy has begun to ask about his "brober." I am slowly accepting that Robby is growing up. I hate change! 

Laid Back

We had a laid back vacation day where nothing of true consequence happened. Scott and I took Timmy to the beach and to the pool a few times, thoroughly delighting and ultimately exhausting my little water bug. He has an abundance of energy, but when he crashes, he goes down hard. He fell asleep early and slept soundly through the night.  

Timmy is sleeping better on vacation, probably due to the excitement and activity level. I'm getting spoiled by his sleeping until 8 in the morning. Typically up at 5, those extra three hours each morning have been a wonderful gift.  I'm trying to figure out a way to keep this good sleeping spree going beyond vacation, but short of putting in a wave pool,  I am not coming up with any ideas.  

We didn't hear much from Robby yesterday, which I suppose is a good thing. He texted a few times and assured me that he is doing well and having fun. I was hoping for a phone call but it never materialized. Although I know it is both normal and a good sign, I miss him!

Today we are going to repeat our beach and pool adventures. Timmy seems delighted with both, so we don't feel the need to venture beyond the resort. It is kind of nice staying put and not always being on the go. I think I could get used to this vacation lifestyle!

Piratical Adventure and Koopa Reunion

Turtle Internship is in full swing, and from all accounts Robby is having a fantastic time. He is truly in his element, walking the beach each night trying to protect all of the turtles. On Sunday night he was even lucky enough to see two turtle mommas come to shore to lay eggs. He was so excited as he recounted the scene that he was difficult to understand.  

He is loving everything about his internship with one glaring exception. He is not happy sleeping at the rescue center. Each day he calls both Scott and me, asking to spend the night at the hotel. If he had a valid reason we would accommodate his request, but he is simply homesick. As hard as it is for me, I'm encouraging him to stay with the other interns. Staying at the center is part of the experience. This is his first time sleeping away from us, so he is having a difficult time adjusting. I'm hoping that by the end of the week he is completely comfortable.  

With Robby away with the turtles, Timmy has been basking in the attention of being the only child. Yesterday we went on the Pirate Adventure cruise. He loved getting geared up and fighting the other pirates with water cannons. His smile and gleeful waving at every boat we passed while on the cruise was contagious. 

Late last night Robby sent me a text that he was guarding a nearby next. I threw on my dress and ran out the door to greet him. It was great seeing my Koopa, even if the reunion was brief because he was working. I was able to watch him in action for a few minutes and was left in awe. He demonstrated a confidence and a poise that so far has been untapped.  I'm so incredibly proud of him!

I don't know what we are doing today, but I know that Hamlet will have fun. My little adventurer seems to have fun regardless of the activity or the setting. So far this has been a fantastic vacation.

Turtle Adventure has Begun!

The hotel room became eerily quiet on Saturday afternoon. Our whole family feels off center with Robby's absence. Even Timmy, who typically craves attention, has been more mellow and has been asking for his brother. We explain that he is at work with the turtles, but I'm not sure he fully understands. Although I know he is having a great time, I really miss my Koopa.  

Dropping off Robby was difficult. He was terrified and on the verge of tears throughout the morning. I know that he was excited, but the prospect of his first sleep away camp was also overwhelming. I did my best to remain upbeat and optimistic, even though I was struggling with letting him go.  Having my little boy grow up is hard!

He was stoic when we dropped him off, giving me a quick hug and fist bumping Scott before we left.   He put on a brave face, but I could still see the scared little boy in his eyes.   Even though I was both anxious and sad, I knew that as soon as the turtle work began, he would be in his element. If anybody was made for this internship opportunity, 7it is Robby. 

My anxiety evaporated a few hours later when he called me.  Scott was in the other room when he heard me say "Hey Robby" on the phone. Apparently the turtle nest outside our hotel was starting to hatch. Scott threw on his shoes and was out the door before I could tell Robby that his Daddy was on the way down to say hello. When I saw the selfie that they took, I knew that he was having the time of his life.  I don't think I've ever seen him, or Scott, so happy!  I already put dibs on the next opportunity to see Robby.  

With Robby safe (and happy) at his internship, we spent the day yesterday at the pool. The ocean was too rough for Timmy, but he had a blast splishing and splashing throughout the afternoon. Today we will spend the day in water, whether it be the ocean or the pool we have yet to determine. Either way, I know that we'll have fun!  

Hopefully another nest will hatch near the hotel so I can see my Koopa. I miss him!