Family Time!!

At the end of April, we headed out on a little family holiday. At the time we were pretty sure that our summer would be spent in and out of the hospital and so we didn't think we would be going camping (thankfully, that has changed to the fall so we can enjoy the summer and plan some camping trips!!).

But back to April; we thought we would be the best parents ever by taking them to a hotel with a little waterpark This waterpark was designed for all ages, including toddlers. And so with that in mind, we were eager to make some fun and exciting memories with our kids.

Haha! We should have known. All those "fun and exciting" memories that we were hoping to create were blown out the window the first day. No, nothing went "wrong" per se. It's just that we forgot that our children are a wee bit timid and easily overwhelmed. And when you enter into a waterpark, and the first thing that they see happening is a very large water bucket dump over gallons of water, yeah, we didn't get too far that first day.

The tears flowed quickly and the quivering that was happening with their bodies was not because of being cold. The both of them were petrified!!!! And just when they started to relax a bit, that bucket of water would dump again. Every 2.5 minutes! Yay!!! We are such great parents, eh?!

Keziah spent a good long while on the other side of the park, behind the tables and by the window, trying to take it all in. This picture breaks my heart!

That finger in her mouth is the first thing she does when she is scared. I can always judge how scary a show is that she is watching by how many fingers are in her mouth. This picture was taken when the bucket was filling up. When it dumped? There went all her fingers, into her mouth. I can just read what she is thinking here: "What kind of parents are you guys???"

But eventually, we convinced her to come to the toddler area, where there were little slides and stuff. Thankfully that was on the complete opposite side of the park of the water bucket. But as you can see from Lincoln's picture, we could still see and hear it. He is keeping an eye on it:

For the next 2 days, everytime that bucket dumped, both of them would freeze where they were and whip their heads around to watch it. It was actually pretty funny. And if we were holding Lincoln, he would squeeze on tight!! (We really didn't mind....:o)

Once relaxed inbetween water bucket spills, we had a great time!!!! Keziah really enjoyed the slides and swimming all around.

By the last day, we were able to persuade her to slide down a bigger slide. This was huge for her to accomplish, as it was right beside that dreaded bucket.  But she did it!!! Once.

Even Lincoln had a turn! Obviously he thought it was no big deal.....still sucking on his fingers as if he slides down these type of slides every day.

Outside the hotel, they had a large playground as well. The weather was very nice, so we were able to spend some time out there:

 "It's okay, dad, you can reach it. Don't be scared!)

Although it was busy watching both kids in a waterpark, Nathan and I did manage to find some time talking together at mealtimes. Usually mealtimes can be a bit hectic especially in a restaurant with a 3 and 1 year old, but this time it was calm, quiet and we hardly noticed the kids. The reason? Here, this picture shows you:

That's right. Every booth had a TV. Definitely not something I would recommend for every day, but it sure was a treat!

On the last evening, Nathan's parents came by for supper. We headed out to enjoy some Dairy Queen. Here we thought Nathan's dad was the only one that loved Dairy Queen so much. But it looks like he has some competition!!

(I think he regretted his choice of a small ice cream cone. Not much was left for him!)

All done! Time to wipe the mouth.

The next day, we packed up and headed home. Although the first day had its hiccups and thoughts of "What were we thinking????", it was a great little family getaway. And to top it all off, if you ask Keziah what her favourite part of the holiday was, guess what she'll say?! That's right. That huge bucket of water! Go figure :o)

For Lincoln, I do believe it was the hotel hallways and the freedom of running up and down it often.

So yes, mission accomplished. Some great family memories were made! We are thankful that God has blessed us this way, that we are able to enjoy this time together.