summer vacation begins!

On Saturday (June 26th), first day of summer vacation, we started it off with a trip to the lake to meet up with Al's mom and stepfather, as well as Tyler's cousin Carli. Good thing we were there early, as it was a HOT day (which seems to be the new trend).

On Sunday afternoon we left around lunchtime to go to Atlantic City. My mom had another free room at Trump Taj Majal, so I decided to be brave (or insane?) and try keeping Jason overnight in a hotel. As you can see, Jason was so excited on the way there that he could hardly keep his eyes open.

After arrival and check-in we head off to the beach. Although it was quite hot and unpleasant for me, the boys had fun on the beach. Tyler played in the water, found shells, and practiced jumping down the shore. Jason proved to be petrified of the water washing up on the shore, so he stayed closer to my mom, instead watching in fascination as the helicopters went by (there is a helicopter tour company on the pier). Later Tyler and I found sand crabs, and Jason did find them to be of interest.















After a quick bath for the boys we had a great dinner (it was seafood night, complete with crab legs) at the Showboat Buffet. Jason ate the entire time, and in fact was the last one eating at the end. Apparently he really does enjoy social eating.

After dinner my mom and Tyler took off for the boardwalk my dad and I had to go back to the room to totally change and bathe Jason after an epic diaper explosion. Lovely.

We met back on the boardwalk and found Tyler watching the beach cats. Jason was quite fascinated by them.


Then it was off to the pier. Jason enjoyed a carousel ride. Tyler attempted to ride the crazy mouse, but that ended in tears when we determined he's "not old enough" (aka: 6 inches too short) to ride it. He settled for another new "ride", the bumper cars. He also enjoyed a few more of his favorites.




Eventually it was getting late so my mom gave him the choice of getting popcorn (his own that "I don't even have to share") or riding another ride. He chose popcorn.


We went back to the room and go the boys changed into pj's and my mom head down to the casino floor.

Luckily Tyler was pretty easy, and eventually I was able to get Jason to fall asleep in my arms (while nursing of course) about 45 minutes later. Maybe 15 minutes later I was able to ease free. He slept on his little makeshift bed of blankets/pillows on the floor from about 10-2. After then he tossed and turned and whined IN MY ARMS the rest of the night before waking REALLY early. At least it was progress!