Tropical Escape

Last weekend we went on our now-annual weekend getaway to Key Lime Cove Resort in Gurnee, IL.  As much as we were anticipating it, I have to interject that I was also dreading it because we were leaving Carter with my parents.

It was definitely the right decision-- logistically it would have been so much more difficult to see and do everything with a baby-- but ugh.  I felt like I was sacrificing one of my men for the good of the group and leaving poor Cartie behind.

For his part, Jacob had a blast. He likes going on trips; he likes swimming pools; he loves junk food, and he loves hotels, so he was in heaven!

We went down to the waterpark as soon as we arrived.

They have several different play areas, but Jacob's favorites were the waterslides and the wave pool.

After a few hours, we went back to the room to get ready for dinner.  They have a tropical-themed restaurant at the resort, so we just ate there.

Jacob and I before dinner.  Excuse the post-swimming hair.

After dinner we explored the resort a bit.  This is their "main street" where the shops are located.

We also went down to the arcade to play some games

and explore a bit more.  There were so many things to see and do!

All the fun wore Jacob and I out, and we were asleep by 9:30.  (Frank says we cut out on him early, and he could have kept going way later, but whatever... :)

We awoke the next morning to a freezing rain advisory, so we decided to head home instead of playing at the pool as originally planned.

Frank and I were comparing the experience to last year and couldn't believe how much easier it was with a 3 year old than with a 2 year old.   He listened and followed directions; he didn't run in the halls, and sat (mostly) quietly through dinner.  It was like having a legitimate person with us instead of a crazy toddler!

Although it would have been nice to have the extra time to play on Sunday, I was also ready to get back to Carter.  We'll definitely have a different experience next year, having both boys with us, and we'll probably be right back in crazy toddler mode with Carter.  We joked (well, we were actually serious) that we will need a babysitter to come with us so we can have some fun, too!  Applicants wanted!