Staycation

We’re on a roll, and we can’t stop now. We need to soak in the last few delicious drops of summer that remain before it’s back to the grind of two opposing half-day/quarter-day preschool schedules, full-time graduate school at ASU, real projects that have been on the back burner boiling over for quite some time now (baby books, Ebay store, and whatnot; augmentative communication device, powerchair, myo-prosthesis, and AFO implementation and utilization. It’s almost time to quit slacking and awaken from our summer daze of short work weeks, long hazy days, and fast fun-filled moments.

So we took a weekend with our friends, the Ericksons and the Goosens, to stay at the Arizona Grand Resort, which is famous for its water park with a lazy river, wave pool, slides, kiddie play area, and a giant hot tub. Aside from arriving later than planned on Friday night, I would say that we got the good out of that trip if anyone ever did! We spent nearly every moment we could in the water until it got too dark or until we were just plain starving or exhausted. While the weather was partially cloudy at best, overcast and rain at worst, it didn’t stop the fun. When we were less than warm, we just hightailed for the hot tub to get the blood pumping so we could start all over again. We even came back the night of the day we checked out after the kids finished their naps at home. We are troopers for a good time, what can I say?

Alas, I have to be the worst wannabe photo blogger ever, because I never take pictures of the truly priceless and wonderful and special moments like I should. Who does that? But, it needs to be said that it’s quite difficult to carry my nice camera (which I’m still very protective of ever since my kit lens got ruined) to the fun parts of places – in the water, on the trampolines or the fast rides. Not to mention, it isn’t easy when I can count on having to carry Ari or Bella pretty much at all times. And then have to worry about lighting and composition? Forget about it! I don’t know how other people do it, but I’d love the pointers!

The moments I want to take away and remember forever? Gabe fearlessly captaining his own inner tube in the wave pool, wanting desperately to go out to the “waterfall” at the deepest point of the wave pool, feeling the thrill of being a pirate. Gabe playing with Noah and Garret, pouring water over each other’s heads and faces and laughing hysterically each and every time. Ari who was happiest only when she had her face entirely submerged in the water, blowing bubbles for half-minutes at a time. She got looks from everyone who must’ve thought she was drowning. Not my Ari, not my mermaid. Bella traipsed happily about the water, getting in to her shoulders, running to and fro with a friendly smile for anyone, friend or complete stranger. The rapids in the lazy river were “alligators!” according to Jake, which made all of my three nervous every time. Gabe begging desperately to take his nap and stay one more night at the hotel – he just loves hotel rooms!

Bathing beauties.

Breakfast at Cracker Barrel.

The boys pretended they were pirates and that Rustler’s Roost was a pirate ship. I always thought it looked like one. Gabe: “No, what AAARRRGH you doing?” (that’s supposed to be a hook by the way).

Dancing the night away to the live band that played at Rustler’s Roost.Hotel love.