Byerly Park

Bahama Mama

For spring break this year, Venesa and I did something rather unexpected... we snuck away for our first kidless vacation since... well, since we were actually kidless. Wow. It's hard to believe that Costa Rica was seven years ago. But then we got pregnant with child #1, and just like that a vacation went from being a two-week out-of-country adventure to being redefined as a trip to the grocery store without kids in the shopping cart. Children sleeping past 8am: the new paradise.

But this was real. Four days and 3 nights on a Royal Caribbean cruise. To the Bahamas and back in the blink of an eye. The activity options were endless.  They had everything from rock climbing walls and beach volleyball; to belly flip contests, sporting events, scavenger hunts, and potato sac races.  If the pool on the ship didn't float your boat, there was also the water park and lazy river at Atlantis in Nassau. Aquariums. Jet skis. Nature walks. Snorkeling. Kayak excursions. Take your pick. Us? We chose... none of the above. For 4 days and 3 nights we pretty much... slept.  And we ate.  And we found a nice spot by the pool or beach (whichever was closest) and we slept some more... until it was time to eat again.  And then Venesa got a massage.  While I slept.  The difference between this vacation and every other vacation that we'd taken prior? This was the first time we'd ever been on vacation and actually needed a vacation. Man, we were tired. All of that activity stuff was for the birds. Somebody find me a hammock. Besides, didn't I already say that Costa Rica was seven years ago? I'm an old man now.  Raising three kids has left me with a bad back and a worrisome spirit. Zip lines? Save that for those crazy young people who have nothing to live for.  Been there, done that.   In less tha 48 hours I'll be back to grading papers, changing diapers, and preventing Justin and Jasmine from killing each other.   I'm taking a nap.  Wake me when we dock.  Or when it's time to eat again.

Anyway, we had a good time and the next cruise vacation is already on the radar: The spring or summer of 2015.. Alaskan Cruise to celebrate our 10 year anniversary. By then, I think we'll be ready for adventure again.

Jail Break

Sound the alarm.  We've got a fugitive.

In other news, Naomi finally made it to her 15 month check-up today (yes... she'll be 21 months in a week... shut up)...  Her shots are up-to-date, and we now have 25 pounds (60%tile) and 32 inches (24%tile) of baby on the run.

As for her jail break and her not-so-subtle request for a toddler bed, I was just thinking... we've had a crib set up in our house for almost 6 consecutive years now.  It's going to be weird to see it go.  Wow.  The end of an era.   Not sure whether I want to pop the cork or grab a tissue.  The truth is, it's perfect timing:  Since she's potty training, she needs to be able to get up and go to the bathroom on her own (mommy reported that she went by herself quite a few times today)... Yet and still, the progression still throws me for a loop.  But ready or not, here we come.  The last jailbird has escaped, and the inmates are poised to take over the asylum. Brace yourself.

Hide yo kids. Hide yo wife.