I just came back from a very nice vacation. We had a lovely time, after I stopped trying to control the spinning of the Earth on it's axis and learned to relax. Not completely relax mind you, just enough to have "a good time". This was a major milestone for me. I'm a necrotic obsessive control freak, and that's putting in nicely. We did have some rough times, like the lowest point of my parenting career so far, having to administer a spanking in the middle of the 'Happiest Place On Earth'.
My youngest daughter pitched a fit in Toon Town while finding navigating from point A (Goofy's front yard) to point B (Goofy's living room) a challenge. Since I knew the way, past Roger Rabbits wrecked cab, I attempted to show her. She screamed and ran off at full speed into the 50,000+ crowd. After a spirited chase, a well placed "whap!" and the horrified looks from permissive parents in all directions, I got a, "I'm sorry Daddy" and a new understanding of the joys of over stimulation.
Sea World, San Diego Wild Animal Park and Universal Studios, might have been too much to try and bite off all at once. I think this was evident when Patricia and I had a "Sea World Divorce" for about 2 hours. I got Alexis, and Patricia got Hannah. Luckily we made amends, somewhere near the Sea Lion arena.
Vacations can sometimes get rough. For the most part the end of the vacation was better than the beginning. We had a real blast at Disneyland and California Adventure park. Everyone had fun, and there were lots of us. Myself, Patricia, Hannah, Alexis, Antie Chrissy, Uncle Gosh, Anut Kath-a-leen, Eric, Grammy, Grandma and Grandpa. What a troupe! I have spent more time of the tea cups, Winne the Pooh (I still have the Heffalumps and Woozles song stuck in my head), and Pinocchio than I ever thought possible.
Funny story about Pinocchio. After 20 minutes in line with a perfectly behaved 2 1/2 year old, she finally realized that we had been waiting for a ride, and not naming the color of everyone's shirt that was in line. She freaked out. We could not get her on the ride and Patricia took her out of line, right at the boarding. This meant than I rode the Pinocchio ride with my sister-in-law and her husband. 3 grown ups, no child, riding Pinocchio. The Pinocchio ride is not worth a 20 minute wait.
There are lots of stories to tell, but I think that's enough for now. I leave with this last little gem. Hannah, with Auntie Chrissy, Uncle Gosh, and all three Grandparents watched the Golden Horseshoe Review, while we took Alexis on rides. At the end of the review, she apparently was dissatisfied, as she proclaimed, "I want my money back". I'm not sure what spawned this, but I'm glad I missed it!
10 comments:
That Sea Lion Divorce paragraph belongs in the Hall of Fame.
Welcome back.
Thanks! Good to be back.
I had fun with you guys - wish I hadn't brought along the "kill joy" but hindsight is always 20/20. Hope you share pictures!!!
Very nice post, we have all been down that "fun vacation" road! Take heart, as the children get older, vacations become much easier...okay I lie, but it was a nice try.
With your youngest, you will always have challenges, she reminds me of Erin so much, good luck with that.
Hope you are getting your much needed rest.
Boston Love-
We had a good time too! Patricia's got a load of pictures up on her facebook.
Missy-
It swung violently between really good and really bad. I don't recall any moderate moments.
Patricia was just nodding and echoing the Erin comment.
I'm glad you had a good trip. You are brave taking the kidsto all of those places. I won't venture doing that for at least 2-3 more years. We are too outnumbered to try it. :)
I loved you comment about the Sea World divorce. That was great. I could imagine us doing the same thing. :)
Becca Sports-
It's amazing that spending that much money, and a effort to "have fun" can turn your marriage into a near crumbling relationship in just a few short days.
It's a good things vacations don't last longer.
Oh...how do I go see that? I'd love to see the pictures!!
Boston Love-
Just shot you an email.
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