Some of my favorite memories from growing up are from vacations we took as a family. I guess we did a lot of vacations after my parents were divorced because we would spend some of the summer with my dad and some with my mom, going on vacation with each of them. We got to see a lot of different things, go a lot of places and make wonderful memories. Greg also has fond memories of his semiannual treks to Las Vegas to see his grandparents. Now as parents we really want our kids to have some experiences that they will remember fondly.
This year for vacation we headed east. We wound our way to Palmyra, NY and back. I always find I have more time to think and reflect on vacation. They really are relaxing and renewing.
The first day we got up early(ish), stopped at Krispy Kreme doughnuts for breakfast and drove to the Chicago suburbs, where there is a fun waterpark that we went to, Rainbow Falls. We had packed the car the day before so we were able to get there with plenty of time to swim. It is so great that the kids are getting taller. All of the kids, except Jake, were able to go on all of the waterslides. Adam of course , with no hesitation, headed straight for the waterslides all by himself. The other kids eased into it by doing doing some regular swimming and the lazy river. Greg used his amazing persuasive powers to get the other kids to try something they had never tried (I think Lizzy was raring to go and put in her two cents on why Ben and Anna should give it a try). He got the kids started on the slides by going down with them on a double or triple tube, but after a while they were all doing it on their own. It is great for a parent to be able to see their child try something new and feel confident and successful. I was especially proud of Anna because she is so cautious and careful about trying new things.
I enjoyed spending a lot of one on one time with Jacob. He loved going down this little slide in the little kid area over and over and over. How can you not love the enthusiasm and joy that exudes from a 2 year old? I also got to help Liz with her front crawl for a while. It helped me remember how much I love to teach just about anything. It is wonderful to know you are helping and changing someone just by sharing what you know. I also loved going down some of the slides with Ben and Anna.
I think Greg enjoys being a kid again. He and Adam were the only ones to brave the funnel slide where you drop in at the top of this big funnel and go around and around and then drop through the bottom. It was fun for us to watch them. I have found that as I have aged and had children I am content to watch and enjoy the fun others are having. I don’t have as much need for the adrenaline rush you get from doing crazy rides or slides. I am happy letting the others get to do those things while I stay with Jake. It is hard to believe he is the only one that really needs me a lot anymore. ( I know they all need me, just in more independent ways.) It was a great first day. Unfortunately it all came to a quick end when someone at the pool threwup in the pool where the slides come out. No more slides. I am just glad it wasn’t one of my children! No pictures from the first day. Most swimming places don't let you take cameras in anymore. I hope you are all enjoying your vacations too.
2 comments:
I am so glad you had a nice time. It is strange to have our children so grown up but it is delightful at the same time.
I can't wait to talk to you. I will try to call you this afternoon, we have swimming lessons this morning.
PS- I love the new family picture, so very fun!
That sounds like a fun water park, we are going to be moving to Michigan not far from Chicago, we'll have to check it out. Bummer about the throw-up though.
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