Big Climb

 Robby seems to be having an amazing time in New Orleans. He does not text often, but when he does the messages are filled with excitement and the few photos that he has shared show nothing but smiles.  I certainly miss him but I am glad that he is not in constant contact. The fact that he is too busy to text me is a good thing for him. I am happy to follow along on his adventure through the official messages provided through the museum staff.

With Robby away, Timmy is thoroughly enjoying his week of attention and fun. Yesterday he enjoyed pancakes, bacon and breakfast fries (long cut homemade hash browns) for breakfast before embarking on his unknown adventure for the day. To his delight, he had a rock climbing lesson and was able to climb for nearly 90 minutes. When he finally took the harness and helmet off he was a sweaty and exhausted little mess. But he was happy!

Today it is raining and Friend has an ear infection so our plans are going to have to be flexible. We had planned to take him to the Heavy Metal Playground to drive a bulldozer but the rain is going to wash out those plans. I also want to stay relatively close to home so that we can pick up Friend when he is done with the vet. The poor little pup has an ear infection and the only appointment we could get is a drop-off. I hate leaving him there, but I detest seeing him in pain more. 

I'm not sure about today's adventure, but I'm sure I'll think of something!

 

Wet Leg

 After nearly 20 years as an amputee, this past week I had another first. When packing up the car to go to the water park, Scott and I had a colossal miscommunication when it came to my water leg. I put it next to the luggage to be stowed in the trunk, assuming that its purpose was obvious. Scott, in a hurry to get out the door, carefully put my leg inside the house for safe keeping. We were halfway to Great Wolf before we realized that I did not have my water leg.

My mind began to reel as I tried to figure out how I was going to navigate a water park in my everyday leg. The long drive and heavy traffic provided me ample time to process and to devise a plan. Once I got over the shock of not having the correct leg for the first time in 20 years, I began to accept plan B. 

I knew that my everyday leg is waterproof. Although using it in the pools was not ideal for a variety of reasons, I refused to allow the absence of my water leg to ruin our special getaway. Although I always find it annoying, I tried to psych myself up to accept the incessant leaking that will inevitably present every time I move for the next few days. 

It has been nearly 24 hours and my leg is still leaking. I am deliberately keeping my leg upright because when it tips over it always leaves a puddle of icky dirty water. Eventually, the leg will dry out. In the meantime, I'm trying to remind myself to not become frustrated with it.

Great Wolf

Yesterday was certainly memorable for our family. 

Dropping off Robby at the airport was difficult but not as angst inducing as I had anticipated. He was so excited for the adventure that it was impossible for me to feel anything but pride and happiness. I already miss him, but I know that he is safe, happy and settling in for an amazing week. 

While Robby was in the air, we packed up the car and headed to the Poconos. We told Timmy we had to drop my computer off for repairs before picking up Friend and returning home. (Robby laughed when we told him because this was the exact excuse we told him when we surprise him with a trip to the beach.) Timmy, completely unaware of the rouse, sat quietly in the back of the car for nearly 5 hours as we navigated through horrendous traffic. 

We thought that he would become excited when he saw the entrance to Great Wolf Lodge but he seemed completely unphased. It wasn't until we pulled luggage from the car and checked in that he began to squirm and squeal. Apparently he thought we were just "taking in some sights" and he didn't even consider that he would be staying. It was definitely a memorable experience!

Timmy ran to the room and immediately climbed into the cave themed bunk room. It was surprisingly hard for us to convince him to leave the kid cave so we could explore the water park. A promise that he could sleep in the cave was enough to lure him into his swimsuit. We spent several hours splashing and playing so much that we were all water logged and our cheeks hurt from smiling. It was an amazing day.

By the time we got back to the room Robby texted us. The museum coordinator arranged for a party bus to pick up the kids at the airport. Talk about the ultimate icebreaker and a great start to the week! He and some new friends were preparing to explore the area around the hotel before the program began in the evening. I felt relieved to see the huge smile on his face in the photos. 

This morning I woke up in a bunk bed cave with Timmy. After all, how could I refuse his request to sleep in the cave with him? (In case you are curious, my back is now killing me. Cave bunk beds are definitely designed for the young.) Thankfully I'll be spending lots of time in the pool this morning to work out the kinks. 

Flying Away

 Today is a huge day for my (not-so) little Koopa. This morning we took him to the airport, saw him through security and wished him well as he embarks on his New Orleans adventure. He will be at the World War II Museum Student Leadership Academy this week, learning all about the museum, curation and the everyday heroes of the horrific conflict. 

I anticipated tears as he walked away at the airport (mine not his), but I was surprised by my own reaction. While I'm sad to see him leave and nervous for him to be so far away, I find myself so excited about this experience that any negative emotion has been pushed to the back.  He is going to have an amazing adventure and I can't wait to hear all about it.

Yesterday afternoon we came to DC so that we could be close to the hotel. His flight departed at 8:30 and we wanted to avoid traffic and any other unnecessary stress so we decided to turn Father's Day into a little getaway vacation. It was fun relaxing at the hotel and playing in the city for a few hours. This morning we were very happy to avoid the traffic and the stress of the beltway at rush hour.  

With Rob on the plane to NOLA, we are packing up at the hotel and heading out. It's odd to be leaving without Robby, but Timmy is primed to fill any void left. He doesn't know it, but he is going to have an amazing adventure today too. We are going to Great Wolf Lodge and he has no idea!