Unintentional Stay-cation

We planned a trip to see family this week, but due to an unexpected illness we ended up cancelling and spending the week at home. It has been a very good week, an unanticipated answer to prayer for more family time all together. We wanted to do some fun and different things, but the weather here has been unbearably hot! We couldn't really do anything outside that didn't involve large amounts of water, so we had to improvise and just relax. We have done some regular things, like go to Justin's therapy sessions, but Randy was able to accompany us and meet Miss Penny for the first time. We also did a few "couple" things, like watch some movies and go out on a date night just Randy and me. We were able to do some housekeeping things that needed to be done, like clean out the pantry and apply for Justin's passport. It has been a really fun change of pace, but I think Randy will be ready to go back to work next week!

We had some lazy mornings, and I was able to make breakfast and eat with the whole family together (except for Justin, he can't wait for biscuits to bake). I couldn't convince the kids that it would be fun to sleep in though. Travis did some repairs around the house,





and then we went to the Children's Museum for some cool indoor playing. Can you see why this is one of Travis' favorite places? We were able to introduce Randy to some of what we do every week.




Justin even got into the spirit and tried to stand up next to the train tables they have. And then he got tired and just rolled around on the floor. Of course we had to take a ride on the carousel, and Randy was able to get away with only one ride, not the usual way Travis cons his grandparents (I get 3 rides because I am 3!)




You'll have to just trust me that this is at our favorite birthday restaurant. We celebrate every year at the Melting Pot for our combined birthdays. Mine is in May and Randy's is in July, so we split the difference and celebrate in June. We enjoy the long, drawn out meals and the quiet atmosphere that the Melting Pot provides. Anyway, it's a tradition!

But I think our favorite activity this week has to be swimming! It's too hot to do much of anything else, and our friends' pool is the perfect spot to relax. If you have ever seen an oasis, this is it! Palm trees and a rock waterfall, and a beach entry make for the ideal swimming hole! We invited some other friends, the TD family, and made a morning of it. With Justin having surgery last year, we weren't able to swim much, so this summer has been a real start over for Travis. He has been doing great and each time we swim he is more confident and enjoys the experience that much more. He is scheduled to begin swimming lessons next month, and I think he will be ready. He has gone from being unwilling to jump in the pool without holding on to a hand and not letting his ears go under water, to jumping in by himself and going under the water and coming up with a huge smile on his face! I am so excited for him to enjoy swimming as much as I did as a kid. One problem was that Travis developed a fear of the pool cleaner. (The one that crawls around the bottom.) It crawled up the side and sprayed him when he was going to jump in, and that was the end. He is now convinced it was out to get him!

The beach entry was the perfect place for Justin to sit and splash. There actually were a couple of areas with benches to sit with 3-4 inches of water on then where Justin could sit. He did require constant supervision, as he face-planted once when he leaned too far forward. It doesn't seem to bother him too much. He sputters and cries for a second, and then he's ready for more!

Travis started "swimming" with his water wings on. I am glad he is getting the idea of how to move in the water.

The TD family, sans Mr. TD. Someone has to work I guess!

Justin did some surfing on a kick board.

And playing with the water that pours out of the hot tub. Not necessarily very hot these days!

This is another one I just love!

This is how we discovered Justin's tooth the other day. Justin enjoyed this position because he could watch the trees blowing overhead.

The whole family enjoying the pool.

Princess TD and Travis relaxing after a tough morning of swimming. They are even holding hands! So cute!

Our week is coming to a close and it's almost back to "reality". Somehow being on vacation at home feels different than going away on vacation. It certainly involves less planning! I am so glad we had this time at home, and maybe we can do it again sometime?