Nisi Dominus Frusta: One Fish, Two Fish

Last week our family took a beach vacation with some friends. Much needed. This was the first week-long vacation we've taken since Jan. 2007. Jason and I enjoyed getting to talk to each other about more than just day-to-day business. For example, on the ride home we discussed the finer points of the interstate mile marker numbering system. (We know, we're dorks.) Jason argued that it doesn't make sense to start the numbers over when you cross the state lines. I tried to explain that the system makes sense to everyone but him. It was a spirited debate. =)

Anyway, the kids absolutely loved the vacation, too. This was Selah's first trip to the beach outside my belly. I was pleasantly suprised at how she immediately took to the beach. She sat in the surf splashing the water, smiling at the waves, and digging her hands in the wet sand.

Jackson has always loved the beach, but this year he was much braver in the water. He played hard in the water and the sand. He made an X on the beach and pretended to be digging for burried pirate treasure. He and his friends played all kinds of pretend games.

They both loved the pool, too. Now you may be thinking, "Sure, all kids love the pool." So perhaps I need to give you some background on our kids. I wrote earlier about Selah's first pool experience in our backyard which she enjoyed for all of about 2 minutes! And Jackson? He freaks out when I get a few drops of water in his face in the bathtub. In years past, Jackson has cautiously liked the pool....as long as I was holding him and he didn't have to get his face or head wet at all. BUT THIS YEAR (cue the superhero trumpet music) I made a fabulous investment - a life jacket! (bought at a half-price consignment sale, I might add) All of a sudden Jackson's level of confidence went through the roof. He started by "swimming" all by himself - doggie paddling around with his life jacket on. Then he was jumping off the side of the pool into daddy's arms. Next thing you know, he was jumping off the side and didn't want daddy catching him. He was going under! Of course his life jacket popped him right back to the surface. By the end of the day he had shed his life jacket and was jumping in without daddy catching him. He would paddle to the surface, then Jason would hold him for him to catch his breath. By the end of the week, he was practically swimming with some assistance. I was amazed.