Homeward Bound

 After a quick yet fun getaway, today we are heading home. It always amazes me how quickly time flies when you are surrounded by sunshine, pools and the ocean. Sigh. It is going to be hard to return to reality, but I guess I don't have a choice. While I'm sad to be leaving, I will be happy to be reunited with my little Friend. (I never thought I would miss a pup this much!)

Although our trip was quick, we all had a great time. Timmy thoroughly enjoyed playing outside in the pools and sand. He is my little water bug and took full advantage of every opportunity to get wet and to splash. Robby, who is at the age where hanging out with his parents is no longer "cool," had a great time tooling around with Tiffany. He is definitely at an age where vacations are more fun with a friend.

Today we will play for a few hours before packing up and heading home. I'm not looking forward to the traveling, but I am going to push that out of my mind for now. I have a few more hours in my happy place, and I intend to make the most of it.

Vacation Update

 Yesterday was filled with sunshine, swimming, sandcastles and Segways. 

Swimming Fun and Walking Misery

 With one glaring exception, yesterday was a wonderful first full day in Florida. We woke up early and hit the pools before lunch. In the afternoon we return to the water for a few hours after lunch but before dinner. After dinner the kids (and Scott) went to play in the ocean for a few hours while I saw on the sand and watched. Everybody was all smiles and giggles throughout the day, which is always a good sign on vacation.

The only hiccup in an otherwise fantastic day arose on the walk to dinner. Our favorite Italian restaurant in Fort Lauderdale is about a 1/2 mile walk from our hotel, which is normally not an issue. Unfortunately, I felt like my prosthesis was conspiring against me from the moment I stepped outside our hotel. 

My leg went from being uncomfortable to unattached in about 100 steps. I stopped to fix my leg which patched the problem for another few steps only to have the prosthetic suspension to release again. I was constantly stopping to reattach and realign my ill-fitting leg. Between the heat and a socket that is too big, I was battling a lost cause.  

It was an absolutely miserable walk both to and from the restaurant. I was so frustrated that I would have cried if I hadn't been so angry about the situation. No matter what I did I couldn't figure out a way to don my leg securely and comfortably. Nothing from my normal bag of tricks was working! 

A quick 1/2 mile walk stretched into nearly 40 minutes because of the constant stopping to fuss with my prosthesis. By the time we arrived at the restaurant I was frustrated and everybody else was overheated and tired. My leg was able to rest during dinner, so the trip back to the hotel was easier. I still had to stop to realign my leg, but I was able to take more than 100 steps at a time. I have no idea why my leg wasn't holding its suspension on the walk to the restaurant.

Today my leg is feeling good, the sun is shining and the temperatures are rising. It is going to be perfect day for the pool and the beach.  Hopefully my leg will cooperate!

 

Arrival!

Hello from our family happy place!  We had an early morning flight, which is definitely a mixed blessing. Yesterday we arrived in Fort Lauderdale in the early afternoon, allowing us the opportunity to take full advantage of the day (and night).  Unfortunately, the kids were grumpy throughout the travel portion of the day due to the early wake-up and frustrating crowds. 

This year we brought an extra kiddo on our family vacation. My niece Tiffany, who just graduated from High School, met up with us at the airport as a surprise. I invited her along because I knew that she would enjoy the vacation and she deserves to be celebrated.  I also knew that Robby wanted a friend along on the trip because is at the age where hanging around with his mom, dad and little brother on the beach is not nearly as fun as it was in the past. This way Tiffany gets a vacation, Robby has a buddy to hang around with, and Timmy is ecstatic to be able to play with his cousin at the beach. As far as I can see, this is one of those rare situations where everybody wins!

This morning the kids (and Scott) will hit the beach while I stay in the condo and work. Sigh. I used to love walking along the beach and playing in the ocean. My amputation has definitely changed my thoughts on the sand and the surf. It is so frustrating to walk on the sand with my prosthesis that the entire activity is no longer fun. Scott now carries the parental load when it comes to beachy activities. 

After lunch we will head to the pools to play in the water for a few hours. (I am definitely a pool lady!) In the evening, Robby and Tiffany will probably walk along the tourist strip while Scott and I take Timmy for ice cream before winding him down and tucking him into bed. Hopefully the weather cooperates!

Travel Day

 I spent the weekend working, cleaning and packing. Today we are heading to Fort Lauderdale for a few days to unwind and to enjoy some time together in the sun. While we are having fun in Florida, my sister will be staying at my house. She gets to enjoy some time in a different environment and we can rest easy knowing that our pets are being well cared for and are happy. It is a win-win situation!

To say that I'm excited about our vacation would be an understatement. While Scott and Robby have had an awesome summer adventure, Timmy and I have been watching much of the excitement from afar. I'm glad that we are all going to do something together this summer. I feel like everybody is splintering in different directions.

We should arrive in Florida early enough to enjoy some time at the beach and the pool. But until we can enjoy our vacation, we have to get there. Wish us luck traveling. This is not our family strength!