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.

 

Beach Day 1

 Greetings from our ocean side paradise. After a smooth morning of travel, which may be the first time this has occurred for our little family, we quickly settled into our high rise by the sea. The apartment is amazing, full of space for us to spread out with a beautiful view. We have access to two wonderful pools (assuming I can get the boys out of the ocean.)

To be completely honest, I would be happy to spend my days in the pool. I love to look at the ocean, but I hate walking on the sand and swimming in its waves. I quickly become unbalanced and uncomfortable in my prosthesis at the beach. I would much rather look at the ocean from the comfort of a warm pool.

Unfortunately, the boys do not hold my same opinion on the beach. They are all excited to hit the surf. I'll be there, trudging behind and watching them from a beach chair. I will probably get in the water a little bit, but not enough to become submerged. Thankfully Scott loves the ocean, so I am happy to let him take the lead on these activities.

The weather is shaping up to be beautiful. I'm sure we are going to have a fabulous day (even if it is on the sand.)  Stay tuned for pics!

 

Heading South

We are packed up, excited and ready to head to Florida. To say that we are excited would be an understatement.  Timmy has been begging to go to the beach for several years. Robby is eager to return to his sea turtle beach. Scott and I are looking forward to hearing the ocean and unwinding for a few days. Although, when you vacation with kids, unwinding rarely becomes a reality.

Yesterday I spent the majority of the afternoon packing, repacking and then fretting about what we packed. By the time the sun began to set I called an end to packing, zipped up the suitcase and put it into the car. I know that I packed the essentials (medications, water leg and puppy blanket) so if we forgot anything else we can pick it up in Florida.

This morning we are hopping onto a plane and heading south. Wish us luck!

Vacation Bound

Yesterday was hot. I'm talking 106 heat index hot. Normally I would have been miserable, but instead I was happy and comfortable in our pool. (Have I mentioned how happy I am to have a pool?)

I knew that the temperatures were going to soar, so I woke up early to get my work done. By the time everybody started to roll out of bed I had already clocked five hours. I was able to log off after lunch to play for a few hours. In the evening I finished my work while the boys were tuckered out from the heat and the pool.

I'm not a morning person, but my summer schedule is working beautifully. Of course, just as I'm starting to get back into the groove of a routine it will be disrupted. Tomorrow we are heading to Florida for a few days. It has been several years since we visited the beach, and everybody is excited for this long overdue vacation. (I will still be working, but the oceanfront scenery certainly will be an upgrade from my couch.)

While we are in Florida, my sister and her kiddos will be vacationing at our house. Between the woods, the stream and our pool, they are going to have a great time. As a bonus, I don't have to secure a cat sitter and my pool shouldn't be green when we return home. 

Our vacation begins in about 26 hours and I'm feeling overwhelmed with everything that needs to be done. After working and swimming, I will be busy packing and getting the house ready for our house guests. I am going to stock the pantry with their favorite snacks and treats. After all, I have to keep my status as World's Best Aunt!

18th Ampuversary

 After a long trip to Ohio and two plumbing disasters, I was in desperate need of a respite. On Friday the boys and I piled into the car and drove to visit my Mom. Robby and Timmy were excited to spend time with their cousins while I was eager to unwind and relax. Sometimes, there is nothing better than going home to visit your mom!

On Saturday I celebrated my 18th Ampuversary. It is hard to comprehend that so much time has passed since my amputation. Every year on July 3 my mind drifts back to that difficult day. As much as I try to celebrate overcoming and thriving, I can't help but remember the fear and uncertainty that I felt in 2003. I have never been one to dwell, but once a year I feel an avalanche of painful memories. 

In spite of my Ampuversary, we had a great time at my Mom's house. Robby and my niece laughed and schemed throughout the weekend. They enjoyed late nights of TV watching and card games. We even managed to squeeze a few mini adventures into our short visit. Between some mischievous activities that cannot be revealed (wink wink), trips to Dave and Buster's and setting off fireworks, we unofficially kicked off our summer of adventures.

Today I'm back home and back to reality. It is always hard to leave, but it is equally as comforting to be home again. In a few weeks we will return to my Mom's for an extended visit. I can't wait!