2013 Family Vacation : Day 6 {Last Hurrah at the Wave Pool}

We headed over to the wave pool after naps to get in a late afternoon swim.

Toes in the sand on a beautiful Friday night.

This is a constant Connor face. I'm sure that there was a lot questioning going on.  There was live music, the sun was setting and it was getting later and we hadn't eaten dinner yet, which obviously relates to a TON of toddler questions.

ALL of my boys participated in a clean up sand toys party.

We didn't get home until after 7:30, which is an hour after the boys typically eat dinner.  They did great and enjoyed their time at the pool.  It was good to break up the normal routine and there was definitely a good night's sleep to be had by all of us after a lot of Fun in the Sun.

2013 Family Vacation : Day 6 {Rehoboth Beach}

We finally made it to the beach.   The boys helped us with carrying things since you have to park at a metered spot and walk to the beach. 

The boys couldn't walk in the sand with their shoes on.  They complained that it was uncomfortable and hot.  It was so funny to listen too.

To say that Jackson was happy to see the large beach would be an understatement.

Connor was a little concerned about the ocean and Jackson was SUPER excited about throwing his sand toys in the water.  He initially didn't realize that the water wasn't see through and that he could loose the toys.

Luckily, we have the daddy sand toy retrieval system in place.  He definitely came in handy and so did others that were kind enough to help us out retrieving the wayward boat.

Jackson really loved the ocean.  After warming up, he would run in and run back without concern of the waves at all. He figured out when the waves were crashing and made sure to get back in enough time.

Connor remained skeptical about the entire ocean and waves crashing. He was more than willing to let everyone get water for the beach pools.  Maybe he just appreciates being in a supervisory role.

Working together on digging the beach pools.

I could have taken hundreds of pictures of Jackson in his gust for the ocean.  It was such a difference in comparison to last year when they would barely let their feet get wet.  He was so happy about the entire experience.

Connor tends to follow Jackson in most things but he wasn't willing to give in on the ocean.  He barely warmed up to the idea of getting his feet wet.

The happiness is just heart melting. 

We'll leave the ocean to Jackson and let Connor be our man in the sand.

2013 Family Vacation : Day 5 {Wave Pool}

We headed out to the wave pool.  On our way out, Jackson was admiring a scissor lift doing some maintenance on the condo.  He was very excited about this lift and wanted to stay and watch them do their work. 

He agreed to join us when the option of helping with the elevator presented itself.

Once we arrived at the pool, the boys were off in separate directions.  Connor went to the water and Jackson was off to the playground AGAIN! 

Connor working the bucket and helping out with water retrieval to help with the sand pools.

The noodle was used for fishing.  Their imaginations are amazing.

Jackson and the serious face working with the sand toys.

This portion of the day is really disturbing to me.  I'm not so certain that he does it because he likes the taste of the chlorine, which doesn't make much sense, or if he does it to make us laugh.  He is kind of silly that way BUT it's so disgusting. 

We were doing everything we could to encourage him to come in to the water but he is obviously happy playing.

Connor heading in once the waves started.  He had finally figured out the noises and the timing and placement so that he wouldn't get knocked over.

2013 Family Vacation : Day 4 {Making the best of the rain}

We woke up to an incredibly rainy Wednesday morning.  The rain slowed down a little and we headed out to the park in front of our building and to pick up lunch but I think that it was perfect timing since we were enjoying so much fun in the sun since we arrived.

Working the elevators is ALWAYS a big deal.

After a good nap and despite the rain still pouring down, we made a run for it to the car and over to the indoor pool. We weren't the only ones that went and I'm fairly certain that I didn't need to get in the pool as I got soaked parking the car and running to the door.

We had a lot of fun and Jackson got to use his turtle. It's a lot easier in the regular pool. However, Connor is still not willing to trust his turtle and float around.  He is completely unwilling to try despite the progress he made in his swimming lessons.  So, he takes full advantage of his Daddy being willing to hold him.

Jackson picked up the paddle board as he maneuvered around in the pool near the 5 foot deep section.  He was able to get deeper in the pool than I was.

Happy face for finally being on land.

2013 Family Vacation: Day 3 {Funland}

After spending numerous days at our resort, we headed out to Rehoboth to walk on the Boardwalk and get in some rides at FunLand.  Prior to leaving, I had told Connor that I was excited to ride the rides too and he told me that I couldn't do that because and I quote "who's going to take the pictures."

The Boardwalk is full of lights,  sights and sounds and the boys take it in very differently.  Jackson does a lot of jumping and down and shaking and Connor looks out and takes it ALL in.  He'll remember EVERYTHING that he saw or heard and bring it back at a later date whether it be good for bad.

 

We reached the rides and the boys were definitely ready.  They are getting better and better about waiting in lines. 

The helicopters were up first and the boys finally figured out how to get the helicopter to go up and down.

Connor was absolutely terrified of this ride and the person running the ride came over and started tickling his toes to loosen him up.  We've never ever seen him that scared over anything.  He loves ALL of the rides at Hershey and it was incredibly surprising to see that face since it is so similar to the frog hopper that he was laughing out loud at several months ago.

After the drama of the prior ride, we opted to go to Connor's favorite ride, the carousel.  It is something that will ALWAYS put a smile on his face.
 

And despite some protest from Jackson, he obviously enjoyed himself. 

He was over the drama of the previous ride and off we went to the super fast cars that not only go forward but backwards too.  This face confirms that he was ready to go and really enjoyed himself.

After the need for speed cars, we ventured over to the firetrucks and boats.

Swings are always a big thing for Connor and he could probably ride this ride repeatedly for hours.

They were storming the gate to get in to the train ride as it was the last one of the night.

And, this is the face of someone who realizes that it is his last ride and/or wasn't happy with the color of the train car.  You never know with our moody Connor.