October is crazy for us. I'm telling you we have something going on every weekend up until the minute Maggie arrives. Nothing like staying busy to make the time pass.
This past weekend was no exception. One of the few perks to Clay's job is an annual conference at the Ritz Carlton on Reynold's Plantation...absolutely beautiful and sooo kid friendly. I strongly recommend it to anyone. This was actually mine and Jack's 3rd year tagging along. Usually we go in July/August, but this year it was our jam packed October. The first year J was only about 3 months old and I think Clay was just trying to get me out of the house...have I ever mentioned Jack was a very hard newborn? Last year Jack was closer to 16 months and it was definitely more enjoyable. However, he was was still napping twice a day, couldn't swim and talking very little. So, this year at a whopping 30 months old-it was perfect! Jack had an absolute blast, I felt like I was on vacation, and Clay only had to work half of the time. I'm telling you--it was absolute perfection!
Initially Clay was worried about how Jack and I would keep ourselves entertained while he was at the conference, seeing how it was October and all. However, last minute Clay suggested I bring Jack's bathing suit "just in case". "Not a chance", I thought, but I reluctantly packed it. Well come to find out, the pool was heated and the weather was beautiful. I can even say it was hot out there. Good call on Daddy's part.
We started our vacation out on a cloudy semi-cool morning. Again, I thought there was no chance of Jack wearing a bathing suit. So after breakfast, Jack and I took a nature walk on the grounds and played on the playground in the courtyard area.
We eventually made our way down to the "beach" at the lake's edge. By this time the sun was beaming and kids were swimming everywhere, many of them in their clothes. I guess their parents were thinking the same thing I was. I hung out on a lawn chair while Jack 'CAREFULLY' played on the beach. And by carefully, I mean no sand or water on his clothes. And if it got on his hands, you better believe he was off to rinse them in the lake immediately. I kept encouraging him to get in with his clothes..."it's okay, we have more clothes in the room, we'll change when you are finished playing". But, oh no, he wouldn't think of it....it was pitiful-- he wanted to get in sooo bad with the other kiddos.
So, I did the unthinkable. I stripped him down at the water's edge and let him run wild....naked. He LOVED it. I saw a cautious reserved 2 year old transform before my eyes into a wild adventurous tot. It was great! He was covered in sand from head to toe and didn't think twice about getting wet. He had the time of his life and the fellow beach goers didn't mind either, they thought he was a riot to watch.
When a wedding began to assemble on the lawn behind us, I decided it was time for us to head up to the room to get proper swim attire. Daddy met us there and the boys changed into their swim suits. I opted out:) Jack and Daddy filled the rest of the afternoon swimming in the outdoor pool before lunch and naps. After naps, Jack was rearing to go again. We rented fishing poles and headed down to the dock. Jack was by far more interested in the worms than the actual task of fishing. However, he did hang patiently on the end of the dock waiting for a fish to bite. It was Clay and I who gave up and lost patience....maybe next time.
To top our evening before dinner we rented a canoe and headed out on the lake. I wasn't sure how Jack would do with this...being the cautious type and all. But, he was great!! A little fear in his eyes when the boat rocked as I boarded, but after that all was well. His narration about the nature around us was very impressive....from the birds overhead to the island in front of us to the fish below. Jack was an excellent tour guide.
So that's how we spent our days. I am so bummed that I forgot to bring my camera out in the evenings. They have a campfire and all the kids and parents make s'mores every night. Jack got his fill of dessert with "maushmellow cookees" after our dinners. Needless to say, Jack was up way past bedtime and he would be feeling it come nap time...actually we all were. He did surprise us with being a great sleeper though even with us all sharing a hotel room. It was like one big slumber party in there. Next year it will be 4 of us...wow!
