Late last year, I decided to attempt this endeavour. In November, 2008, I started going over potential "new things" for the upcoming year. My wife's first idea was "Why don't you go on a vacation with all the kids by yourself ?" I knew she was joking, but I thought it would be a good idea.
I have been alone with the kids before (either at home for a weekend,((while my wife was out of town)) or at my parents house), but I had never gone on a vacation with just me and the kids. Why not wrap up this crazy year with a little R & R with the young ones.
We spent a couple of days at The Landmark Hotel in Egg Harbor, Wisconsin. The only thing my kids cared about was if it had an indoor pool. It did! After we checked in, the kids loooved the fact that there was a loft in our room. They had a full-fledged upstairs kids floor!! They loved hanging out up there with their feet dangling over the ledge and watching kids shows on their own TV. We ended up swimming a couple times, making microwave popcorn, baking a pizza, and staying up late watching "Pirates of the Caribbean". I forgot to pack food for breakfast, so we had a "Daddy breakfast" of garlic bread sticks and Diet Rite (the only food left in the place). Then the batteries on my son's cochlear implants started flashing and I realized I left the batteries at my parent's house nearby. One last swim and it was time to go. Back at my parent's place, we realized my daughter's irreplaceable Blankie had been left in the room. Rivers of tears fell that night, but were replaced with sunshine and happiness the next day when I drove back and retrieved it. We had a great time while Mom hopefully had an even better time unwinding from the holidays rush, at home by herself.
It was a great way to end up the year. The kids had a fun time. While we soaked in the hot tub, my youngest said, "Hey Dad, our whole family is here ... except Momma :( ... " Well, don't worry buddy, Momma will be coming next time".
We all had fun this year and I thank everyone for helping out, especially my wife! I will recap my year in the next week. I want to thank everyone for their encouragement and also for giving me a hard time whenever possible.
Pictures: Checking in, pulling over on the side of the highway for a chilly picture of a farm with frozen Lake Michigan in the background, dinner, hangin' in the hotel, and my 10 year old daughter's blanket (which she forgot and I had to drive back to the hotel for), and checking out for good!
Video: Thanks to my oldest son for joining me, FULL CIRCLE- back to the Polar Bear-- This Time Only Observing ... Thank God!!
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