Excessive Amounts of Disney Pictures

 Totally a normal way to navigate the airport.  Kid has got the right idea.

 Obligatory Magic Kingdom picture.  I unsuccessfully tried to get one of all of us.

Happiest place on earth.

 Before we went through security.  Best time.

 Pretending to be a Super Hero

 Too excited to breathe!!!  This was just outside Hogsmeade village.  That is definitely not real snow. 

And this is what happens when your kid refuses to pose with you.  You get pictures knocking out a very short Wolverine while hiding a beer behind your back.  How about them claws?

Da da da da dum. Da da da da dum.  

This kid.

Surprise Birthday Disney Extravaganza!!

In a fabulous bout of luck, I got put on an Ideas to Go project right before Wyatt's birthday on a Friday in Orlando, FL.  And then I found out Michael was on the project too.  Of course, off and running, we decided to plan a trip around it.  I felt mildly guilty about going to Universal Studios without Wyatt but Hogwarts was winning over my decision.  It wasn't until I spoke with Rebecca and she said she was on board that it turned into a Surprise Birthday Extravaganza!  I booked Rebecca and Wyatt's tickets on our flights from Wednesday to late Saturday night.  It wasn't going to be a ton of time, but it was going to be enough.

It wasn't until Monday night that I got everything booked.  And we all kept it away from Wyatt.  He had NO clue.  I sent him to school Wednesday morning like normal with the intention of picking him up early and telling him we were going to the airport.  I had written to his teachers to collect his missed work and told them about the surprise.  That morning he definitely figured out something was up when he realized I hadn't packed him lunch.  "Mom, I don't want to be a buyer.  Where's my lunch?"
"Don't worry about it, Buddy"
"But Moooooooom!!  I need lunch!!"
"Yes. I know.  But just don't worry about it.  You will have lunch."
"Are you coming into school?  Am I having lunch with you?  Do my teachers know?  Are you coming to the class?"  Etc, etc, etc.
I literally shoved him out the door.  I WAS NOT letting lunch ruin my surprise.  Most kids dream of having a surprise trip to Disney.  I sure as hell did.  I was determined to make this happen.

Of course, it became a contagious surprise so Gammy, Pa, John and I needed to pick him up.  All of us were so curious to his reaction.  And it went something like this:

PURE.  BAFFLEMENT.  He had no freaking idea what was going on.  AT ALL.  All the way to the airport he just kept hugging me.  An 'its ok if Mom's here, I guess' kinda hug.  I thought he was finally comprehending by the time we got to the airport until he said me "Mom, I'm still not really sure what's going on."  Classic 5 adults are too excited to breathe and the one kid is totally confused.  I think it took until checking into our hotel for him to really get it.  But once he did, man, it was ON.

Early Thursday morning we hit the Magic Kingdom.  It kind sucked, simply because the weather wasn't great.  It was rainy and cold-ish.  But considering we were coming from the teens, 40-50 didn't seem that bad.  However, the upside to the nasty weather was the amazingness of NO LINES.  Literally, I have never been to Disney and walked onto so many rides.  The longest line we waiting on was 30 minutes and it was Flight of Peter Pan, which we were NOT missing.  I am not joking when I say that Wyatt was so excited he couldn't even walk in a straight line.  He was jumping and skipping, his hands flapping uncontrollably.  Pure joy.  Pure amazement.  I think this trip was my favorite so far.  He fell right into every story.  When we went Soarin', he really believed we were flying.  When we got into yet another clam shell, he was convinced it was real and we were underwater.  You could see his mind exploding on every ride we went on.  It was all the excitement and magic without the junk lugging and carrying.  I am pinning 6 and up being the perfect Disney age.  Plus, I got to take him on his first "roller coaster".  Which Rebecca strategically filmed and we had to go on more then once.  Because he loved it.  Awesome.

The next day, Rebecca and Wyatt headed to Hollywood Studios because that's where all the Star Wars stuff was and Wyatt was BEYOND fixated on going there.  Michael and I had to work, but thankfully it was a relatively easy day.  I can't say much about what happened at Hollywood Studios.  But Wyatt definitely got to sit on a speeder bike and they had to ride on Star Tours 3 times.  On their last ride, they picked Wyatt to be the rebel spy on his ship and showed him on the screen for everyone on the ride.  They gave him a "Happy Birthday" button when we bought our tickets.  He wore it everyday.  But that also meant that every single Disney staff person was wishing him a happy birthday.  He was thrilled and mildly confused that everyone knew his name.  He MILKED that button.  It got to a point where I think he was insulted if he wasn't recognized.  Rebecca and Wyatt were so tired after there adventure and then being stuck in traffic picking us up that they decided to chill at our Port Orleans hotel pool. While Mike and I decided we should go to Epcot to drink around the world!


Saturday was our last day with our flight leaving at 6:50pm.  None of us had been to Universal or the new Harry Potter world, which I think was the highlight for the three adults.  We were DEFINITELY more excited then Wyatt was.  He has no frame of reference for Harry Potter.  We haven't read the books and he hasn't seen the movies.  Trying to explain the premise seemed impossible.  But he was a sport and let us have our fun with promises to visit the Superhero area.  Honestly, it was incredible.  Universal is knocking it out of the park.  The rides were cutting edge and so entertaining.  I don't want to ruin it but the main Harry Potter ride was beyond amazing.  Hogwarts and Hogsmeade was like walking right into the movie.  There were talking paintings, a real sorting hat, Olivanders Wand shop that looked exactly how you would picture it, digital snow, Honeydukes etc, etc.  I am still in awe.  Disney will always be Disney, but we are definitely adding Universal to every trip now.

Showing his button on Its a Small World

Wyatt was more interested in the Superheros, which was pretty awesome in itself.  They had some of the characters just walking around.  He loved pointing them out as we walked by.  But when I tried to get him to take a picture with Wolverine, it didn't happen.  They had a whole Jurassic Park area too.  Which, again, despite not knowing it, he was really into.  Michael wanted to drag him on this splash down ride.  I was against it, as was Rebecca, but finally the boys won out.  I was a boat ride, that goes into the dinosaur run compound with Raptors spitting at you and a giant T-Rex that is about to eat you before a huge splash down. Wyatt loved this ride.  Thought it was just the coolest.  I LOVE that he is not afraid of this kinda stuff.  That he actually enjoys these rides.  I love roller coasters so I am too excited to get him back here when he is tall enough to ride the big ones.  This was his reaction:

We barely made it to the airport in time for our flight.  We were just having so much fun.  We definitely could have stayed another 3 nights and next time I am sure we will. I am so glad we got to do this.  Beyond glad.  Seeing his face light up all over these parks was worth every penny.  I am sure every parent says that or else no one would go.  I already can't wait to go back.  When I became a parent I became fixated on providing more for Wyatt than I had.  Which is extremely hard because I had a lot.  But I think you always just want more for your children.  We took family trips to Disney all the time as a kid.  But a Surprise Birthday Disney Extravaganza?!?!  That is definitely a first I was proud and thrilled to provide.

62 Months

Big Guy,

I have to admit, I have been a little absent this month.  Not really absent, I spend everyday with you.  But absent more then I usually am.  I have been plunking you in front of your wii so I could paint the house.  Or spending my Sunday after work at the house, while you played with Gammy and Pa.  Plus I have been going out a lot, knowing that once the move happens my social life is going to get more complicated.  Also understanding that you will need me more when it is just the two of us.  Its been stressful.  I've felt guiltily about leaving you so much in Gammy's capable hands whether its to do work on our home or its it grab a beer to decompress from working on our home.  But I really think it is going to be worth it in the end.

Birds of a feather...

We had an open offer to join my friend, Thomas, at his house in Vermont to go skiing.  We finally took advantage of it.  We left at 9pm planning on driving through the night with you sleeping.  Of course, we decided to go in a mild snowstorm.  Awesome for skiing. Not so much for the roads.  By 2am, into back roads VT, Jen and I were white knuckled as our car was skidding out all over the place.  Eventually, about 10 miles from his house, our car decided it wasn't going to make it anymore.  Lacking 4 wheel drive we got stuck on a hill.  I offered to leave it, jump in Thomas's Jeep and illegally make the rest of the drive with you on my lap.  Thomas and Seth decided to tie a rope from his car to mine, in a snowstorm, at 3 in the morning, and tow/drive the rest of the way.  As soon as this was going on, you woke up and demanded to know "What is going on?  Is this a dream?" And you stayed at rapt attention until I got you out of the car and into the house still not entirely convinced it was real life. 

I signed you up for ski school so you could learn with professionals and I could get some slope time in as well.  You were really excited and marched right off without a second glance behind you.  I think Jen was more nervous then either of us.  It was the most perfect day for learning, with all the snow the night before it was beautiful powder, sunny, and warm for skiing.  I was surprised at how good I was after not being on skis for 7 years.  But I was even more impressed with you on skis.  I went to pick you up early from ski school and watched you for a while.  You had made friends.  You got on the magic carpet like you had been doing it for years.  You went down the little training slope by yourself.  I was so proud of you for jumping right in.

Thomas, Seth, Jen and I waited for you to finish your lesson and asked if you would like to try a chair lift.  Thomas used to be a ski instructor on Mt. Snow for years so even though I was a little hesitant, you seemed confident and with Thomas' help at least we would get down!  You loved the lift but were a little intimidated by the bunny hill.  Thomas ended up skiing backwards in front of you, I stayed by your side, while Seth and Jen shouted encouragements and took pictures.  We made it down.  It took a long time but we did it.  And then we all called it a day and went to the bar!

The next day I took you by myself.  We missed the opening for the lesson because of a lazy morning.  The only thing they had left was a snowboarding lesson, which I thought was awesome but you didn't want to.  I didn't want to push it because you did so well the day before.  So, we hit the bunny slope.  You were definitely more tentative with just me.  You wanted to hold my hand the entire time but I knew you didn't need too. We had a blast anyway.  You were one of the best skiing partners I could have had.  It really was an amazing trip.  I can't wait take advantage of Thomas' house next season a lot more.

At bedtime, we have reinstated talking about our highs and lows.  You have also added "left and right" which are the funniest part of our day and the overall feeling of the day.  I think it is a testament to what kind of kid you are that every night you start off with your high being "right now and the whole day."  Then I make you think about it and give me a real answer.  I can't even remember the last time that you had a low.  You always have several funny parts.  Including lots of things that I don't remember like "when you said "monsteroni and peas instead of macaroni and cheese.  That was funny."  Your feelings are always happy or excited or content.  Clearly, I am instilling my sense of perpetual optimism from a very young age.

I love you everyday, 

Momma

Snow Bunnies

Sailboating

Our trip to the Dominican got canceled when Lizzy got hospitalized for a bout of enflamed intestines (whatever the hell that means).  Lizzy was in a lot of pain for days.  Probably something one shouldn't have in a third world country.  We are planning on rescheduling our trip; I'm not sure when.  Needless to say, we were all pretty bummed.  It was a the right choice to stay home.  But we were all depressed.  In an effort of cheer us up, I called my friend Eric who just started his own sailing company; Narwal Yacht Charters.  He was generous to fit us in so last minute and we look a lovely sail around Manhattan at sunset.  The pictures really say it all:

Seriously!  Could this be anymore beautiful?!  I don't this view could ever get old.

My little sailor with his Gammy.  I thought Wyatt was going to get seasick even though he has been on boats before.  At one point he turned very green and asked to go in the cabin.  I distracted him and he was back to his joyous self in no time.

I love this picture.  Love, love.

The official old man of the sea.  He has salt water in his veins.

Eric let me take the boat for a spin.  I miss sailing so much!  I am so grateful for the wonderful memories with my family, to Eric for showing us an excellent day, and for the spirit of vacation that lives on his boat.  It wasn't the Dominican but it wasn't half bad either.

Disney = Magic

Sleeping Beauty's castle in California is not as impressive as Cinderella in Florida.  Clearly, someone married the wrong prince.

Wyatt insisted on going to this Jedi Training show.  They pick kids out of the audience, dress them up, teach them a light saber move.  Seemed innocent enough.  Wyatt didn't get picked.  He was upset but then 1/2 way through the show full costumed Darth Vader and Darth Maul showed up.  They made the  kids, one by one, go up and "fight" them.  Some of these kids were terrified.  Wyatt looked pretty happy that he didn't get picked after that and was quite content with his R2D2 cup.

 If anyone is going to DisneyLand, I highly recommend this World of Color show.  It was fan-tastic.  There was music, lights, dancing water, fire.  Classic Disney.  Classic awesome.  And even better was we got damn good seats at an outdoor patio bar.

Radiator Springs

Mater's junkyard jamboree.  These things looked innocent but they kinda packed a punch.  Wyatt was sliding around in that bench like crazy.  Almost gave him whiplash.  But he wanted to ride it again after.  He is so going on roller coasters with me when he gets older.

Waiting for the Car ride.  Those are suppose to be thumbs up.  We're working on it.  He was mildly concerned because he wanted to ride in a Lightening car and a blue car pulled up then (thankfully) drove away.  We got a red one!

 Mid-day the kid passed out.  We were on line for Its a Small World and he just fell asleep in Becca's arms.  Then slept through the entire loud and raucous parade.  Exactly like he did when he was 2 in Disney World.  Maybe he just doesn't like parades.

Luigi's flying tire ride was not what I expected at all.  I thought it was going to be all Alices Tea Cups.  The best way to describe it is like a air hockey table.  You sit in these huge tires that get air pumped beneath them, then you use your body weight to make it move.  They go terribly slow.  But its a ride I have never seen before so it was still fun. 

Red photo op!  They had all the major characters around and all of their eyes moved which was neat. This was Wyatt's standard pose for everything.  I asked his about it eventually and he said its his "Clutch Powers" pose.  Clutch Powers is this cocky Lego animated guys that always has his hands on his hips.  Armpits, hips, eh, close enough.

Let's Go Lego

On our way to LegoLand.  Seriously, could this kid be any cuter or any more excited?  I think not.

Some of the brilliance that was Lego mini-land.  A life-sized Lego R2D2.  How do they do that?  And I wonder if it is just the facade or if its sold Legos.

More mini-land.  Yes, that is the NY skyline.

Wyatt had a heart attack when this guy walked out.  These Hero Factory things are his favorite right now.  He could not believe that this guy was standing next to him. "Mom!  I know his name!  I really know his name!"

La La La Jipsac

I don't really know where to start.  Our trip was amazing.  From start to finish.  Wyatt was so enchantingly well-behaved with the plane rides, the over stimulation that was numerous theme parks, time changes, and his mothers secret agenda of relaxing.  Hayley was so kind to let us occupy her bedroom, fill her home with lucky charms and bacon (for a vegetarian that's pretty drastic), spent hours building elaborate sand castles, and was so game to be dragged to numerous theme parks.  Rebecca was, as always, my support system, patiently waiting with Wyatt while I sorted out rental cars, playing endless Legos and generally being the amazing Aunt that she is.  Seriously, I didn't want to leave.

Hayley had said that she needed to work on Friday, so Bec and I planned on taking Wyatt to LegoLand.  I wasn't sure how Wyatt was going to do with the time difference but I figured he could sleep on the 2 hour drive there and back, which he did.  Of course, Hayley couldn't stand to be left out of such a great adventure and decided to come.  I have to say, Wyatt was thrilled, however we weren't fooled as much. It is a great theme park just not quite up to par with Disney magic. We did have a really great time and the joy on Wyatt's face was well worth it.  We had a disappointing competition with 8 year olds on a fire truck mission.  We were fairly confident that we were going to beat the pants off of everyone considering it was 3 adults against children.  I still blame our last place loss on a truck malfunction.  The water park was fun and we got Wyatt to ride on the pirate log flume.  He said he didn't mind that it went fast but he didn't like all the water in his eyes.  Hayley lost her underwear and had to go commando for the rest of the trip.  Really Hay, in a kids theme park?  (Just kidding.)  The Lego mini-lands, which were models of well known cities made out of Lego's were pretty impressive and expansive.  We also caught this fire fighting show that (I am not sure how it tied into the Lego theme) had this incredibly annoying theme song "Put the wet stuff on the hot stuff" that Wyatt still sings.

We spent a good two days at the beach which was 2 blocks from Hayley's house.  Wyatt loves the ocean from all our beach days down at Jen's and we have become quite seasoned.  He could stay there all day. Our last day, he got sunburn on his butt crack (literally thee ONE place I didn't put SPF 70) because he was laying on his belly playing in the sand for most of the day.  His poor little butt.  I still can't quite describe what the ocean does to me.  Yes, we live on the water but there is something about the vastness, the crash of the waves, the smell of the salt spray, the feel of soft sand between your toes, that just makes me relax.  It feels like home.  I am glad that Wyatt loves it as much as I do.

It was also on our second day, when we got back to the house, that Wyatt proclaimed "It smells like old jipsac in here."Of course, none of us knew what he was talking about.  And he kept on saying it, determined to get us to understand.  Finally he showed a clip of one of his movies to Rebecca.  What he was trying to say was "It smells like old gym socks."  "See Auntie B.  They say gym socks but I like to say jipsac."  Yes Wyatt of course you do.  I don't know what it is about the word jipsac that makes me instantly crack up.  Maybe because it sounds a little dirtier then it should.  Or the way it just kind of rolls off the tongue.  Either way, it became the running joke and sure fire way to make anyone crack up.  We called each other jipsac's all week.  Even Wyatt got in on the action with a well timed "It smells like jipsac in here." during a quiet moment in the car.  There were silent texts to one another.  And "Oh he looks like a jipsac" when we were at the bars.  Or a "What is this jipsac?" at the gift shop. Really, it is just so all-purpose.  And I swear as soon as Hay and I had a beer in us, Rebecca was the FUNNIEST JIPSAC ON THE PLANET.  No joke.

Then the pinnacle of the trip, Disney!  Ohh the joy.  Ohh the wonder.  Ohh the instant happy.  How do they do it?  Carsland really was pretty magic.  They did an excellent job at recreating the Radiator Springs main drag which put you right in the movie.  There were only 3 rides but 3 very good rides so I guess its ok.  The Cars racers did a re-cap of the entire movie, complete with animated talking cars that were real as hell.  It was crazy good.  Then there was a little race at the end that wasn't roller coaster, but wasn't a carousal either.  Also, did I mention that this park sold beer?  When your at Disney for 12 hours straight beer makes it so much better.  Wyatt was impressed by Cars but he LOVED Tomorrowland Star Tours and all the Star Wars stuff.  He really believed we were in outer-space with 3CPO and he really thought that guy dressed up was Darth Vader.  10 minutes later, he really thought we were in a submarine swimming with Nemo.  Everything was so worth it to see his face all lit up.  Best. Trip. Ever.  Maybe until we go to the Dominican Republic in 2 weeks.  Yeah, 30 is starting off real good.

In the Next 30 Years

So, I am turning 30 tomorrow.  I have to admit it is a daunting number.  Made harder because I am not where I thought I would be at 30.  I don't know many people who's lives are exactly the way they planned them or are exactly where they thought they would be.  Actually, I can't think of one.  And maybe it is better that way.  Maybe if you live your best life everyday, the planning just doesn't matter so much.  I like that thought.  Stop planning, stop searching, stop thinking.  Just live a happy life.  I think I am doing a pretty damn good job of that.

Wow. 30. Do I actually want to admit that I am a little excited to what the next 10 years will bring.  My 20's were so filled with anxiety.  Anxiety about leaving college, getting a real job, relationships, financial independence, who I was, my next move, then the joy and test that was Wyatt.  Its just SO much. I have this great hope that my 30's aren't going to be like that.  That its going to be about loving myself, loving others, being happy with who I am and where I am.  I am sure there will be hardships but I am content and hopefully to put some of those old anxieties to rest.  I am excited at what lies ahead for me and for Wyatt.

To start off my next thirty years, Wyatt, Rebecca and I are taking to the skies.  Yes, tomorrow, the day I turn 30, we are headed to California for a week.  Hayley is so graciously allowing us to crash and Delta so graciously offered cheap last minute tickets.  What's to think about really?  On the agenda: Legoland (like RIGHT NOW!!  Wyatt is BESIDE himself!!), Cars-Land in Disney, the beach, some booze, some friends, and hopefully some glorious sunshine.  Not a bad way to start a decade.

Catch ya on the flip side!

mtn jam

I dropped Wyatt off at school at 9am on Friday.  He seemed barely phased that I was leaving.  Even told his teachers "Momma's going camping.  But its not for kids camping."  They both looked at me with raised eyebrows.  One of them told me to "Be good!  Have fun!" on my way out, like I was an 18 year old.  Wyatt gave me a hug and turned away.  I think I expected it to be more ceremonious. I wanted to linger. Give him another extra long hug but I forced myself to turn and walk away.  The bigger my fuss, the bigger his fuss.  I kept on thinking of going back but thought better of it.  My therapist was convinced I was going to cry but I didn't.  Go me.  As I pulled away, I took a deep breath and put him in the back of my mind.  He was in excellent hands.  They would call me if there was a problem.  "Just relax" I told myself.  "Have fun. You deserve a good break every 5 years."

By 3pm, we were unpacking our tent and gear with a cold beer in our hands.  By 6pm, we were listening to Gary Clark Jr, then the Roots and Gov't Mule.  It rained a lot but that's what rain gear is for.  What's the point of being a dirty hippie all weekend if there's no mud!?  And there definitely were some hippies.  Where do they live all the time?  Or are they bankers and lawyers that break out their mexican poncho's, Birkenstocks, joints and dreads on the weekends?  I can't remember the last time I saw that many dreads.  There were these bunch of (gorgeous) girls who were quite proficient in the hulu-hoop.  Where does one go to learn that?  Are there classes?  Do-it-yourself DVD's you can watch at home?  Seriously, they were REALLY good.

On Saturday, we woke up early and then I took a nap before we went down to the concerts.  Like a legit nap, people.  We were drinking with lunch and I decided to lay down for a while.  Because I could.  Because I didn't have to worry about anyone but myself.  I can't even describe how cool that feeling was. Poop when I want to.  Sleep when I want to.  Eat when I feel hungry.  It has been 5 years which I think why it was such a novel experience.  Don't get me wrong, I love Wyatt.  I love my life.  I wouldn't change anything but having this little respite, a little chance just to be myself for a while was liberating, enlightening, refreshing.

First up was Zach Deputy, then my lovely nap, then The Word, Givers, and Ben Folds Five.  I love Ben Folds Five. For years. I would have gone just to see them.  They were amazing.  Literally, I almost peed in my pants (like only a true mother can) when they started playing "Kate".  Best moment ever.  Jen said that normally I am 95% happy but when I was there I was 167% happy.  If I was like that all the time she wouldn't be my friend.  I told her I probably wouldn't be my friend either.  We drank a lot.  We danced a lot.  We ate a lot. My phone ran out of battery on Saturday night and I left it until Sunday afternoon. It might not seem like a big deal but for me its huge.  I am not attached to my phone but when I am away from Wyatt, I am.

We packed up Sunday morning, planning on cleaning up camp then catching some more concerts and heading home around 7ish.  We caught Trombone Shorty (hello first seat trombone in HS), the Carolina Chocolate Drops (who played cow bones and washboards), Tedeshi Trucks Band, Dawes and some of Michael Franti. I loved Dawes but I kept finding myself looking at my watch.  Was their set going to be over soon?  When are we starting our ride home?  It had nothing to do with the rain and everything to do with getting to see Wyatt before he went to sleep.

Wyatt was asleep when I got home.  But he was just the same as I had left him; safe, happy and loved. Mom said he had one brief moment where he was upset during a thunderstorm and was concerned that momma was camping but smooth sailing otherwise.  He smiled and hugged me in the morning.  I am so grateful and happy that I got that time but I was just as happy to come home.

Off We Go

I am leaving tomorrow for a weekend camping/music adventure in upstate NY.  Without Wyatt.  I will be gone from Friday morning until Sunday night.  It is the longest time I will have ever left Wyatt, to date.  Ever.  60 potential hours of freedom.  I am feeling apprehensive about it but also wildly excited.  Its a weird land to be in.  Total opposites.  I'll be excitedly hopping around packing, looking forward to being a dirty hippie one minute to squeezing Wyatt so hard he can barely breathe and wondering what cute things I am going to miss the next.

He'll be fine.  In the loving care of 4 grown adults with "no rules cause Momma's away."  With all the attention my family will throw at him, I doubt he will even know I am away.

Then again, he tried to convince me to bring him with me today.  We were shopping for supplies:
"Momma, where are you going camping?"
"Hunter, NY.  Its on a mountain."
"I love camping!"
"Yeah I know you do, bud.  But this time its not really for kids."
"Most kids can't go because they can't climb the mountain but I can!  I climb mountains when we go cut christmas trees."
"I know you do. But our tent is too little."
"We have another tent. We can bring 2 tents!"
"Maybe bud. Maybe"

When we got home he wanted ice cream for dinner because there are no rules.  "Not yet bud. Not yet."

More to come.  Hopefully, much, much more.

Vacation Bliss

So....vacation.  It was 4 weeks ago and feels like a lifetime away.  It was the most relaxed and carefree I have been in a long time.  But of course as soon as I found myself back within 10 miles of home, all holy hell broke loose and it is back to the daily grind.  Perhaps more stress then I left with actually.  But I guess thats always the way.

OhMyGawd you guys.  Our house was f-ing amazing.  I want to live in this house for the rest of my life.  The balconies.  The ocean breeze.  The hardwood floors and hot tub.  The first night Wyatt and I got to enjoy an ocean view room (Just cause not everyone was there yet.  Evidently, ocean view rooms where saved for the "adults", whatever that means.)  It was blissful.  Sounds of the ocean lulling us to sleep. The cool beach breeze blowing the curtains. The sunrise over the water. Totally an indication on how the rest of the week would pan out.

Wyatt was in his element. He would wander to the beach after his daily pancake breakfast.  "Mom, I'm hungry.  I want pancakes." was the daily request. When he was done with the beach he would move to the house. Then the hot tub which we lowered to a balmy 80 degrees. Then to one of the upper decks for some puzzles.  He was so content to wander around from person to person.  Wyatt and cousin William were amazing.  They got along so well.  They got on the top bunk of the bunk beds with Mike and were playing delivery trucks.  Seeing Michael trying to keep up with 2 truck loving boys was hilarious. I have to admit I think Wyatt's most favorite day was at the hotel during the black out.  He ran up and down the hallways with a flash light for HOURS.  Ohh right. And there was that time in the lobby while we were playing scrabble that he asked "Did you spell Vagina? You spelled vagina, right?" in his loudest voice possible.  Yes!  That was memorable!  I actually spelled Vampire, which I thought would be equally impressive.  Evidently not as impressive as a 3 year old yelling vagina in a generator powered lobby filled with hurricane displaced people.

Lizzy tried to wake board. It was a huge failure. I have a thousand pictures of her laying in the sand.  Most of the family watched and heckled.  Because, seriously you guys, it looks like it should be so easy. In all fairness, I tried as well and I believe there might be a shot video of me EATING IT and then letting the wake board float out into sea.  I think James was the only person that really got it.  Trust me guys.  It is WAY harding then it looks.

There was an EPIC game of drunken Jenga.  Honestly, it was an impressive game regardless of the drinks consumed which I think makes it more impressive that the game lasted so long.  I took a ton of pictures and most of them are hysterical for the faces of the people in the background.  Take this one of Tim for instant.  Brilliant.  I think the best block was STFU which had everyone screaming "Shut the Fuck Up" at everyone else.  Or maybe the accent block which had Michael imitating an Indian/English accent and mumbling about elephants.  But I think them most memorable game moment was on our last night playing Catch Phrase.  Tim was trying to get Dad to say Guerilla Warfare.  Tim goes "Very sneaky fighting through the jungle. A huge monkey with a banana."  Dad just sat there for 5 minutes looking blankly.  We were trying to finish all the beer before we left, but still, thats no excuse.

This requires a little back story. About 3 months ago, Wyatt, Mom and I were in OshKosh and I just went up to pay when Wyatt ran up to me with these "sparkle shoes".  They looked like Chucks but are silver and sparkly with pink stretchy laces.  I didn't really care that he wanted the sparkle shoes.  I would have bought them for him.  But I'm cheap and they were $32.  I don't think I would even spend that much on shoes for myself.  He threw a fit.  I had to carry him out of the store crying.  I thought he would forget about it by the time we got home.  He didn't.  Because he has an amazing memory.  Every time a package arrived at the door he asked if they were his sparkle shoes.  While in NC, he tried to get into a locked closet, insisting that his sparkle shoes where in there.  I tried to appease him with different sparkle shoes from Sears.  He was not impressed and not fooled.  "Those are not MY sparkle shoes."  In a crazy turn of fate, while shopping, I found Wyatt's Sparkle Shoes on sale for $15 in NC.  I was going to wait for Santa to bring them but I couldn't stand it.  I gave them to him the moment I walked in the door.  With the whole family there to witness the joy on his face and then a little annoyance when I couldn't get them on his feet fast enough.  It was LOVE.  He loves these shoes. He insisted on wearing them on the first day of school. Wyatt, my love, you ROCK those shoes.

Holy Hiatus, Batman!

Hello.  Anyone out there.  Have I lost all interest since I have taken a big ole' sabbatical. I really wish I could say it was for some really good, fabulous reason.  But it's really not.  I've just gotten lazy.

Anyway, first topic of business:

Saturday pictures are going to be postponed for a while.  Because I went and got my camera (well, Rebecca's really but I was using it...see: worst sister EVER) Stolen.  Yes, thats right.  The beautiful digital SLR that I love and cherish has been stolen.  So, I am stuck with a little point and shoot that is not much fun to use or my camera on my blackberry that takes pretty awful pictures.  I really haven't been taking that many pictures as a result of this disaster.

When we were coming home from Colorado I was faced with a dilemma. I had a decent sized pack that I was carrying (with my laptop, toys, books, snacks, markers, essentials) plus our coats and Wyatt and his small backpack with cars to look after while navigating 2 airports.  I really wanted to add my camera to that list but with its extra weight and size I thought it would break the camels back and surely I would lose something; probably Wyatt, as I was juggling all our things.  I sat in our room, packing, staring at my laptop in one hand and the camera in my other.  I decided to keep the laptop with us and stow the camera in our checked bag.  I put it into the case, wrapped it in Wyatt's winter jacket, tied the sleeves around the case and buried it in the middle of our suitcase.  I also threw my point in shoot camera in the bag as well.

We get to the airport, check our bag, get on our flight.  Our bag goes to Newark.  We go to JFK.  Great. By the time we land in NY, we have been traveling for 8+ hours.  Its 11pm.  Wyatt has reached his toddler patience level after being AMAZING on the flights.  I am ready to be home and fed...cause, did I mention, we almost missed our connection because we were late landing.  And missed getting lunch and US Airways evidently doesn't sell dinner.  Great.  I didn't even really care that our bag didn't show up.  I was just happy to be in the home stretch with a potential Diner in our future.  When I go to report our missing bag there are about 15 people on line.  There was NO WAY it was going to be ok.  So, we left.  I decided I would deal with the bag tomorrow.

I had to pick the bag up at JFK 2 days later. Since I didn't file a claim immediately they couldn't send it to me.  Wyatt was ok with the extra trip cause we made a pit stop at Auntie B's.  When I got my bag with the little lock still in place, I just grabbed it and left.  It wasn't until I got home that I realized the SLR camera was missing.  Everything else in tact.  Everything else accounted for.  I was livid.  I AM Livid.  When a lady from US Airways baggage told me that she was sorry for my lost items, I lost it.  I was screaming 'You stole my camera.  It wasn't lost.  It was stolen!'  Clearly, they have not owned up to the incident.  But believe me.  I will get them to give me something.  Damn it.  I paid $25 in baggage fees for them to steal my camera.

When I told Bec, I asked if she wanted the good news or bad news.  The bad news: I lost her camera.  The good news: it gives me a damn good excuse to buy a new fancy one with my tax return!

Ah, Wilderness!

Our fabulous adventure has come to an end and my God, it was an amazing opportunity.  We had such a blast with a little mild drama mixed in, just a typical family vacation!

So, Dunton is very hard to get to.  We flew into Denver then waited for a flight to Durango, which was delayed, then had a 2 hour drive to Dunton.  We got in around 2 am with the 2 hour time difference.  It was a little concerning when the driver turned onto a red dirt road and told us it was another 10 miles of switchback turns with no guardrails.  However, when we woke up the next morning and had a look around, it was worth it.  This place is gorgeous.  Way up in the mountains with log cabins dotted around.  The views are incredible and the food is to die for.

The first day of shooting were these fake saw horses that the kids got to sit on.  All the boys wore boots and spurs, the girls in cowboy hats.  Wyatt ran up with a carrot trying to feed this fake horse with a lampshade head.  Considering he got about 5 hours of sleep the night before, he did great.  But he most definitely had more fun running around with the kids then shooting pictures.  The next day was robots.  I told him to go fix the robot.  He grabbed a tool out of the spare parts bucket and got to work.  However, every time the photographer gave him direction he insisted that he was fixing the robot and refused to move from his spot.  He is 3 going on 80.  A little old man stuck in his ways.  And he is just so stubborn.  (Which is probably genetic.  I am not sure who is more stubborn, Terry or I.)  I was slightly embarrassed about his lack of cooperation but at the same time, I wasn't going to make him do something that he didn't want to.  This is suppose to be fun, for myself and him, and I will always strive for that no matter who I am upsetting.  So, I didn't force it which I think got the photographer (and company) a little upset with me.

The natural hot springs very relaxing despite some coaxing and hesitation.  Wyatt just couldn't seem to get past the red water and stone siding.  Plus the 106 degree heat.  I thought it was really exotic.  At the outdoor spring there was, what seemed to me, a run off/over flow stream.  So, while I soaked in the hot spring, Wyatt played contented in the hot stream.  We took a small hike to the frozen waterfall through the snow listening for wildlife.  Our cabin was a little hike from the Saloon area.  We hoofed it several times.  The first time, Wyatt insisted on piggybacking and when we got to the cabin I literally thought I was going to die.  I could barely catch my breath.  It was only later that I found out we were at 9,000 ft and it does funny things to your body.  And here I thought I was entirely out of shape.

A stock photo of our room.  The coyote was right there.

While Wyatt was napping one day and I was reading in bed, I caught a glimpse of something out of the corner of my eye.  A coyote came down from the hills crossed the small frozen trout pond and started digging right outside our french doors. I jumped up, took a ton of pictures, then ran around our cabin trying to find someone to tell.  Of course, almost everyone was napping or with doors closed.  The coyote stayed for about 30 minutes.  When we got home Wyatt told the story over and over.  Funny cause he was sleeping.  A total indication that I talk way to much.

I have to admit, I was a little nervous.  This was the first time I have done anything like this, to this extend, with Wyatt by myself.  He has reached a somewhat challenging age.  He is amazing 90% of the time.  But there are times when he throws fits, or repeatedly tells me 'No', or refuses to listen, or it feels like I have said his name 12 times in the past 10 minutes.  Its totally normal toddler behavior but my patience levels are less then stellar.  6 days, no breaks, 4 planes, long car rides, altitude sickness, new food, best behavior.  Its a little intimidating.  I wasn't sure if I was going to make it without a fight.  Well, of course, we were going to Make it.  I just thought that maybe with one of Wyatt's meltdowns, I might have my own.  Just for good measure.  Stamp my feet a little.  But I didn't.  He didn't.  We didn't.  We survived and had a great time.  I am giving myself a well deserved pat on the back.