Polluted Pool

As predicted, yesterday was spent working. When I wasn't on my computer I was unpacking, cleaning, cooking and tackling the laundry. Vacations are wonderful, but the preparation both before and after the trip is exhausting!

While I was working the boys were content to just relax in front of their respective electronic devices. I think they both needed some time to unwind and to be quiet. After so much time together, everybody is enjoying their solitude in their respective corners.

This weekend will be spent catching up on everything I didn't take care of during our vacation. I'm hoping that the hot weather holds on for a few more days so that we can use the pool. Our little pool is certainly not as luxurious as the hotel pools, but it has become our summer oasis.

While we were away I worried about the pool water would be green and dirty because the filter wasn't running for nearly a week. Truth be told, I was expecting the water to be green when we arrived home. To my surprise, it was crystal clear. I think I had been overdoing it with chemicals. In my zeal to create the perfect water balance, I was polluting our pool. Lesson learned- less is definitely more.

Home!

 Yesterday morning, Scott and Timmy hit the beach one final time. While they were busy playing in the waves, Robby and I packed up and prepared to head home. Leaving was bittersweet. We had a wonderful vacation, but I think we were all ready to return to our "normal" lives. 

Traveling was long but rather uneventful. Despite experiencing a lot of turbulence, our flights were on time. We even managed to get Robby to band practice (albeit 30 minutes late). 

Today will be spent getting caught up on work, laundry and other household chores. I think the boys will be content to just relax quietly. After our busy vacation, we all need a break!

Heading Home

Sigh.  All good things must come to an end, and that includes our vacation. This morning we are visiting the ocean one final time before we pack up and head to the airport. Leaving feels bittersweet, but I know that we have created wonderful memories.

Unfortunately yesterday was not the ideal final day for our adventure. The skies were angry and we were forced inside for much of the day. We tried to go on the pirate boat, but again it was canceled. Needless to say, I had a very disappointed little buccaneer. 

Robby was content to spend much of the day relaxing and playing games on his laptop. I worried that he was bored, but I think he was perfectly happy doing his own thing. He was able to see the ocean from his hotel window and thoroughly enjoyed just being a teen with a laptop.

We did manage to sneak a quick dip in the pool between storms, but the water was cold. We quickly retreated back to our hotel room and relaxed for the rest of the day. We probably should have used the time to pack, but I don't think any of us felt motivated to acknowledge the end of our vacation. 

Because we didn't work yesterday, today we will dash around the room and throw everything into the suitcase before we leave.  I'm sure it will be hectic, but hopefully our trip home with be smooth and event free. Ready or not, we are heading back to reality.

Another Busy Day

 We had another memorable day. Because the weather wasn't beach worthy in the morning , we decided it was the perfect day to tackle our boat activities. I booked a fishing trip for Robby and Scott while Timmy and I were scheduled for a piratical adventure. 

Unfortunately, the skies opened up as soon as we arrived at the dock. Scott and Robby were able to set sail on their fishing trip because the boat was going away from the storm. The pair weathered the storm in the comfort of an air conditioned lounge within the fishing boat. Timmy and I did not experience the same luxuries.

Our pirate adventure was canceled because of the storms. We were disappointed (and soaked by the time the decision was made), but I tried to make the best of the situation. We took an Uber back to the hotel, dried off and headed to the gym. Timmy thoroughly enjoyed "working out" for nearly 3 hours. 

I continue to be amazed by the graciousness and kindness shown to Timmy by other guests using the gym. He was instructed to not bother anybody at the gym, but that didn't stop him from silently studying and mimicking the workouts. So many people took time to help him with the machines and to answer questions. As somebody who is completely out of my element in a gym, I was so appreciative of their patience and kindness. 

When Scott and Robby came home from their fishing trip and seafood feast, Timmy was dressed and ready to hit the beach. The trio managed to squeeze an hour of fun in the surf before the storms started again. By the end of the day I'm not sure who was more tired, Scott or the kids.

Today we are trying the pirate boat again. The weather is beautiful so it looks like we will set sail. It is our last full day of vacation, and we plan to make the most of it.

 

Relaxed and Refreshed

We have been having a wonderful vacation. After several extremely difficult years, unwinding and just having fun feels amazing. The weather has been gorgeous and we have been soaking up every moment.

Timmy loves everything about this trip. Between the pools, the gym and the beach, he has been in constant motion. He stops everybody in the hotel hallway to say hello and to tell them that he is "living his best life." I love that kid!

It is hard to know what activity Timmy is enjoying the most but I think it may be the gym. This kid of mine loves to lift weights and work-out. He has taken every opportunity to participate in Beach Boot Camp and Beach Yoga. Whenever he isn't in the pool or at the beach he is either at the gym or begging to go to the gym. I wish I had his energy!

Robby has been loving his spacious room in our hotel suite. He has been able to spread out, close the door and relax by himself. He has been having a lot of fun in the pools and on the beach. We've been continuing our vacation tradition of walking for ice cream in the evening. I love just strolling and talking with him and those opportunities seem to be fleeting.

We still have a few days left, and I plan on soaking up every single moment.