My friend Emily and I met at story time when our kiddos were just 4-months-old. They both have December birthdays, which means they get a double dose of presents and really, they don’t need a thing.
So Emily and I decided that instead of Jackson and Harmonee exchanging Christmas gifts this year, we should take a fun weekend trip and make some memories. Because Emily and I are all about making memories – and taking a thousand photos.
So a few weeks ago we packed up and headed to an indoor water park for a little fun.
It was FREEZING outside and snow was in the forecast but we put on our bathing suits anyway.
Jackson braved the cold water, ignored his quivering lips, and was fearless.
He slid down the slides a thousand times.
Each time making sure he said ready, set, go.
He got knocked down in the wave pool, went under, and didn’t even flinch.
I almost had a heart attack.
Jackson had a blast and so did his mama and daddy.
There was the exhilaration of going down the water slides.
Side slitting laughter with Emily as we crashed into the water at the end of the long yellow tunnel.
There was a McDonald’s picnic on the hotel floor.
And utter exhaustion at the end of the day
I tickled his soft cheek as his eyes fluttered and he drifted off to sleep.
And the next morning we woke to snow in November.
We bundled up in our pajamas and headed home.
Tumbleweeds danced among the blowing snow.
A blanket of white covered the backs of black cows like an inverted Oreo.
We arrived home exhausted and crashed for a nap as the fluffy flakes swirled down from the grey sky.
A winter wonderland greeted us when we woke.
We bundled Jackson up and headed outside.
Swimming on Saturday; snow on Sunday.
His little mitten hands scooped up the white powder and he threw it at his Daddy.
His face was full of wonder.
We played until our toes were numb and our cheeks pink.
Then we headed to Starbucks for a warm treat.