No Rain!

Started the day with a delicious cup of coffee from the lobby brought to me by #1-- he can be such a good kid at times!! Then finally fit in some exercise while the kids played on their computers. I really felt like I needed it after awaking with a puffy face from consuming too many potato chips and beers after the children fell to slumber!! I always regret it afterward but it's so yummy while I'm stuffing my face!

Anyway, the rain held off and it turned out to be a beautiful day. So we held off on the museum adventure. We went online to prepare and realized we went there last year while on our travels. Number 1 objected to going at all-- he remembered every activity and said he didn't care for it that much, could I take the kids after dropping him at space camp. Good enough argument- sounds doable, the other two didn't care- so we set out to explore the resort. Refilled my coffee, played some bingo--  Number 3 won 3 times! He was so excited. He won a pair of rainbow glasses-- just what he needed!

Number 2 won once and was quite content! After bingo we explored the playground and the basketball court. Then they were tired and hungry so we went back to the room. On the way we saw a funny garbage can to encourage using it---of course the 2 little ones wanted their picture with it.

After lunch they just wanted to veg out- so I let them! Then I got bored and asked if they wanted to go shopping. Number 3 was the only taker so we 1 and 2 to hang out - with 1 in charge. 3 and I found the coolest store called the World Market-- I loved it! I bought dishes to create a picnic kit for our travels. Then we went to Target to get milk and eggs that we forgot yesterday and to replace the loaf of bread I dropped all over the floor this morning. But of course we left with more because upon arrival I felt like I was at home and just killing another typical day. We found a clearance picnic basket to now put the contents we just purchased in, and also new water bottles with the freezable ice center piece. Then we found a snow cone  maker that I thought would be so fun, and a tankini top that I feel is much needed for these southern areas. I haven't seen one mom yet her in a bikini, so I haven't swam here because I feel awkward, problem solved now, tomorrow it's on in the pool!!! Cannonballs it is!!! Plus we all needed new books to read and there was conveniently a Books-A-Million in the same complex! This is why I try to stay at museums or the resort --so I don't buy more junk!!

On  our way home we saw an accident - what a horrible thing to witness-- this one makes about the 10th one we've seen on our travels so far. Each on is just after impact before the cops or fire fighters are even there. It's creepy! It makes me drive even more cautious. Then when we were almost to our exit - another one! What in tarnation-- again - i have become a really focused driver-- and it makes the kids talk about the many possible reasons that the accident occurred. Mia always says it was probably due to kids fighting and the mom turned to yell at them and lost control of the car. So needless to say -- they have been awesome in the car-- Number 1 helps gets things when they drop - and they've been getting along so well!!

After returning from our shopping outing we were supposed to go to the pool for a "flick and a float" but then the rain decided to make it's appearance, so we watched some boob tube. I think I can sense them getting dumber with every show  viewed. Gosh I hate TV!!!

I think I forgot to tell that yesterday we went to the Dukes of Hazard Museum.

This is what our room now looks like. Tomorrow we have to move rooms in the same resort because I wasn't able to get the 2 bedroom for the whole time---BOO! But I guess I can't have everything-- so we go to a 1 bedroom for the rest of the time. I'm sure it's going to be just as pretty. I hope the day is nice so we can hang out by the pool and not leave the complex.

I think the last kid is finally sleeping and I should hit the hay as well. As much as I anticipate doing nothing by the pool, that just doesn't happen. Hoping for another good day -- and coffee delivered by #1 (he can be such a good kid) in the AM!!

A New Destination Has Welcomed Us!

A new destination has welcomed us with open arms. After packing our belongings and bidding a farewell  to our temporary abode, (upon returning room keys and borrowed movies), we filled the gas tank, and set out on our way to Nashville. Everyone here seems so nice!! It's only about 2 hours away from our previous location, but it seems we have entered a completely different environment, we have left the woods and entered a  more urban environment, but I like it!! Don't get me wrong, our last visiting place hosted nice people as well, but just a little differently.

 So the resort is beautiful, I had help with my luggage, which totally rocked, I don't have to hear any sales pitches, and  my only gripe is I'm too short to reach the dishes, I have to climb on the counter, but the room is amazing!! The pool is heated AND There is SO MUCH TO DO --- FOR FREE!!! This city is starting to win me over- although it does have a fierce competition from southern California. Plus the lobby is close enough to our room that I can send #1 to fetch my morning coffee instead of brewing it myself! That's a total bonus! I even believe that there is a Whole Foods in this town. Yay!!!

We arrived a few hours early to check in , so we had to wait for our room to be cleaned, but it was OK, I asked the desk if they would hold our field flowers and they said of course. But it was really funny because when I came back to get my room key and flowers, the receptionist admitted that when she saw the flowers she thought- who would deliver half dead flowers, but then saw the note. I explained that we picked them wild and then she got it, and was a little embarrassed. I think they are so pretty, they are wild grown-- they make the room a little more "homely" feeling!

After checking in we went to lunch (I splurged because our room wasn't ready and it only blew $40 of our budget) did our usual grocery run -- hitting me at around $60, but I did purchase the rest of the items needed for #1's space camp--which he goes to on Sunday. Space camp drop off came upon us very quickly.

After our shopping as we proceeded back to the resort we stumbled upon a beautiful military grave yard. We ventured in and drove around a bit, it was so breath taking to see the amount of gravestones that were  unmarked. I plan to return with the kids when the camera is unearthed from our suitcases. I'll post pictures to show the enormity of what I am speaking. Beautiful.  I also told the kids they can do gravestone rubbings on the really old stones.

After telling my  Husband he informed me that we received another response form the last batch of military care packages we sent. How ironic. Anyway, he's going to try to scan the letter into the computer to email to me-- another YAY!!

Every hotel we stay at, we have packed away all the complimentary toiletries and coffee with accompaniments and then we add that stuff to care packages. But the last few weeks collection is going to a homeless shelter in New Orleans when we visit!

Now the kids story-- Number 1 has been surprisingly helpful - at times a bit confrontational, but mostly not! Number 2 is always good, smiling, and helpful. Number 3 is always giving me a reason to question parenting. Tonight he decided he was going to repeatedly try to dunk the basketball in the pool hoop and hang on it-- throw the basketball at people, flirt with the teenage girls, and splash me with water. Ahh I have to breathe deep-- all while number 2 made a friend and is playing so nicely!!

Thank goodness it's time for bath and bed-- hopefully the day will play out a little easier with #3 tomorrow. We need to fit in some education on this trip -- we've been lacking in that area since the start of vacation- so I'm shooting for a museum tomorrow- it  is supposed to rain- so it sounds like a plan! Until then.

Yay-- We had visitors!

So my sister in law brought my niece and nephews to visit us for the last few days. We had such a good time. This resort is like a summer camp for families. It's so neat, there are trails through the woods that go under the roadway, instead of crossing with children, that lead to the outdoor pool, the gymnasium and crafts center, the indoor pool, the tennis courts, and the lakes. We walked everywhere so we could travel the pathways!

Since we've been here we have seen much wildlife. We had a raccoon come right up to the patio sliding door, so we through bits of bread at it and watched it eat. 

It was so cute. Then we came home to a skunk passing our doorway. Number 3 almost got sprayed because he decided to chase it amid my screams of "Get over here-- come back---STOP"!!! Luckily for all of us,the last saying proved to be effective and 3 returned to my side. Ethan was encountered by a fox while walking from our room to my family's room, I heard it and ran like a sissy(it was really dark outside), but he was able to see it. Then we had a snake in the front yard, and we also saw many chipmunks, squirrels, and a deer!

We also turned all our walks into flower picking time, they are just so beautiful!

All the kids had a blast and I enjoyed company as well. Today we went to the largest tree house in North America, it was in the Guinness Book of Records. It's 7 floors of tree house. It was built by a Pastor to hold sermons in. We went last year, but it's so cool , we had to go again, and show the fam before they left. I'll post pictures tomorrow. Since our last visit, they had cleaned it up a ton and added some new things. If you are ever in Crossville TN be sure to stop and see.

The family headed out today after a super fun filled visit to our temporary abode. We were sad to see them peace out, but hope they'll meet up with us again!

Our stay here has been a good one, my only gripe being I had to move rooms, and my new room wasn't as good as the first one. Plus a good portion of my day was spent moving. Bummer! But I am excited to say that my status at Wyndham is finally VIP Platinum!!! And I was able to obtain a room in Oceanside, CA while surfing the website last night. Yeah!!! I'm so excited!!!

Tomorrow marks the end of this resort stay and the beginning of a new one. We are off to a country music capital and hopefully some good lawn entertainment!

Tipping Etiquette???

O.K. so as I have stated numerous times vacation is in full swing -- but I am clueless on one thing-- tipping etiquette. For someone traveling pretty frequently, I sure am lost when it comes to this. I know I'm supposed to leave a tip for the cleaning lady and the guy who brings your bags to the room. But these full functioning resorts offer more than a normal hotel in service so it leaves me confused. For instance at the beach, there was a golf cart "trolley" to take you to the beach, you called and they picked you up at your room, or you walked 5 miles. Then when you need extra blankets or run out of paper towels or dish soap - you call and walla it appears at your door. So how do figure a tip - or is it included in the steep price tag of resorts that offer such amenities. I welcome comments to help me tackle this dilemma!

vacation is in full swing

Vacation is truly in full swing! We have parted ways with Husband, Grandma, and Grandpa. Boo !!! We weren't ready for them to go yet, but it is what is is!
So departure day from the beach has come upon us, and we have made our way onto the woods. I MISS THE BEACH!! I do love to the mountains, just not as much.
As for our budget -- which is cheap-- since I plan to go all the way across the U.S. to the California coastline! Before leaving our home I hit the market for goods to take, totaling $130. Then while on the Island I spent only $17 on groceries. We did eat out too, but that was courtesy of Grandma and Husband! Thank You both!! Today we did spend a bunch on charcoal for the grill, fishing hooks, and a few more fresh goods-- $74. So I am challenging myself to be even more frugal. We'll see how that goes.  As for gas, I'm not sure yet, I have to find the receipts.

As for the resort- so fun, we are at Fairfield Glade in Tennessee. It's like a big summer camp for families! There's 2 lake beaches, one has a marina too so the boats are neat to look at, tennis courts, an inside gym, an indoor pool, but only 1 outside pool-- I wish there was at least 1 or 2 more, but the rooms are pretty big and that's a bonus with 3 kids! We like this place , we found it on our last year trip and wished we had more time to stay, we only stopped over on our way somewhere else, this year we are here for 6 nights!!! I'm not sure we have ever stayed so long in one place on our summer tours!

Today the kids and I took a hike through the woods and picked a bouquet of fresh flowers for the room. We also came upon a pretty lake, which we plan to go fishing at tomorrow - hence the buying of fishing hooks. We explored the activity center, playground, and indoor pool.
Number 3 is giving me a run for my money today. I think aliens have invaded his brain! I don't know what has gotten into him-- he's antagonizing #1 and #2 every chance he gets. I took T.V. away from them today--all of them. Maybe cable T.V. is the problem ?? They are not used to watching it- since we don 't have it at home-- and on vacation they indulge every chance we are in the room. So today I bellowed-- "Off!! It's going off- just like at home -- ALL DAY!!!" I thought they'd freak - but instead they broke out cards and played war, then went on the computer and looked up the song on youtube-banana phone, and laughed singing into a real banana for like and hour while I made dinner-- Perfect - they can function without the stupid boob tube. Guess it's staying off for tomorrow too! Until then!

Edisto Beach is Amazing!

We have transitioned into vacation mode sooner than normal, it usually takes a few days to become acclimated, this trip took about a day! I have already expanded my portfolio of timeshare points , thanks to Wyndham's incredible pitch, and now have no worries about where to stay!

Mother Nature has sent me along on my way with a parting gift from my backyard, a delightful patch of poison ivy along my arms.Thanks Mother Nature!! It showed itself about a day after departing and is slowly spreading to my face and legs-- Why did I decide to plant flowers before heading out!?!The salt water is helping some.

Back to vacation notes, We love this town and will definitely include it in future travels. We have heard it referred to as "Edislow", such a fitting nickname! Everything is so laid back, the restaurants are all mom and pop locations with delicious homemade food, it takes a while to get served, but it is so worth the wait-- everywhere we have been!!! There is no garbage fast food locations, or big box stores! I love it!! And as a bonus, all the locals and other vacationers are friendly. I forgot to mention that the fried scallops were delicious no matter where they came from!

Our unit faced the bay (complete with a private beach), so we could sit on the patio and watch the dolphins frolic in the water. If we chose to go to the beach, we just had to go down a flight of steps out our back door. Stunning!

While vacationing bay side, the kids have tried their hand at fishing, clam catching (with success, we cooked some!), beach walks, and shell hunting/collecting. We were even privy to a private island fire work showcase that was absolutely an amazing site to view! A local sells fireworks for a living, as it was his claim to fame, and he rents a barge, and goes full out! The show rivaled that of something Disney would put on. Amazing!!!

Today we tried going to the ocean side beach. The water was so rough the kids were a bit skiddish about wading in. I, as a neurotic mother, was O.K. with their hesitation, and convinced them to hold my hand. Good thing, because the waves kept knocking them right over. Number One was brave and ventured out to water with a depth deeper than his head, I couldn't take my view off of him, because I was afraid the ocean was going to swallow him whole. I was much calmer with gripping number Two and Threes little hands as tightly as I could without hurting them. It got to the point where number Three's knees hurt from falling and called it quits. Two followed quickly after, and One got thrown so hard, his boogie board smacked into his face as salt water rushed up each nostril-- not a pleasant feeling! So we lasted in rough waters longer than I anticipated upon seeing it, with a whopping total of 30 minutes!

Back to the bay side we went! Showers were not optional upon return, due to massive amounts of tiny seashells covering every one of our bodies. Post cleansing, we indulged in one last bay beach excursion as tomorrow morning marks a new location in our adventure. We are off to the woods!!

Vacation has officially commenced!!!

We have started our journey from coast to coast! Beginning in Edisto Island we will kick start our summer travels accompanied by Grandma and Grandpa. Our travels here proved to be trying! Our first hotel room was infested with bugs-- creepy-- crying kids grossed out by their presence forced us to request a room change. Much comfier, I'm glad we did! Then followed by a breakfast that took FOREVER to come out of the kitchen. By the time it came, an hour and a half later, we were aggravated, and didn't feel much like eating it at that point!
So if you venture out to travel along I-95 stay clear of the Howard Johnson in Chester!

Along funner notes, we checked into the Edisto Island Resort and we love it!! Happy kids are a  great thing!!