Making a Splash!

**My apologies if any of you read this before the edit. I started this post last night, and suddenly it disappeared! I just assumed it was totally erased!

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Long time, no see! We've been off on a little vacation at the beach. (Now I know you're thinking, "Is that such a good idea for them to be going off spending money on a vacation when Tracy is out of work?" Don't worry! The condo was paid for before the layoff, so we decided we might as well go ahead! Just keeping it real here!) Normally, I prefer Destin over Panama City, but on the recommendation of a relative, we decided to try Splash in Panana City. It was fantastic! The resort is geared to families with kids, with lots of things for the little ones. In addition to the pools, they have a mini water park, complete with water slides, water guns, and a huge bucket of water that fills and dumps every few minutes. They also have a lazy river, and a little fountain play area for the really little ones. We loved it! I didn't take my camera out on the beach or to the pool, but here are a few shots from the condo. If you're interested in learning more about Splash, you can go here and click on the photo tour. It takes a bit to get to the pics of all the water activities, but they're in there!

Do all kids love to ride the luggage carts? Mine do!

This is what Luke did every day after lunch.

A few hours of the beach totally wore him out!

Luke also got to sit on the barstool like a big boy. He only fell off once!
(Don't worry, he wasn't hurt!)

He also got very good at using the fork

to feed himself, even if it did take two hands!

Can't you see I'm rotten?!?

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We've also been busy with swimming lessons. This is Matthew's first year, and I'm totally amazed at how quickly he has learned to swim. After just two lessons, he was swimming! Tomorrow is our last day, and there's going to be a little "graduation party" with watermelon, snow cones, and their teacher will present them with a certificate and medals. I have enjoyed watching him learn so much and have so much fun, but I will also be glad when it's over. His class is at 11:00, which kind of messes up the day. He has had a ball though!

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And if that wasn't enough, I started piano lessons last night. I have been playing the piano since I was in second grade. However, my playing is mostly "by the book". A few weeks ago, at our neighbor's funeral, I heard a lady play who was outstanding, and I talked to her about giving me a few lessons, to add some "style" to my playing. You know, that old fashioned, southern gospel sound? Last night was my first lesson, and even though it's a challenge, I did pretty well on picking up her version of Amazing Grace. The hardest part for me is going to be memorization. She says that's what's helped her the most, and I can see where it does, but it's going to take some work....and some prayer!

Gotta get ready to go to swimming lessons!