Split Rock

This spring, Daddy found out that he was selected as a candidate at a special school for work. After our Myrtle Beach trip, we had just a few weeks at home before Daddy would have to leave Charleston until just before Christmas (that's right over 5 months!!).  Unfortunately, work took him away for a week during our final days together at home. Fortunately though he was able to take a few extra days off work in addition to his travel days before starting school so we loaded up both cars and headed north.  The drive wasn't too bad.  We followed each other and took lots of breaks.  Colin wasn't too fond of the whole experience, but hung in there till we finally made it to New Freedom.  We stayed the night and woke up the next morning just to get back in the car and drive some more.  Our excitement helped us get through the three hour drive since we knew once we got to our destination we'd be able to get these three together again....

The Derry clan had already been at Split Rock with Nana and Grandpa since Sunday when we showed up on Thursday afternoon.  We had four days together with the Goodwillie side of the family before having to leave and say bye to Daddy.

It didn't take long for Liam to begin sharing everything and anything with Colin.  He was so sweet and caring with him the entire trip. 

Soon after arriving we drove to the lake where Joergen and Colin spent some time getting reacquainted.

Colin got his first feel of the lake.

Grandpa was anxious to get Colin out on the boat so we suited him up and piled in.

The whole experience was nerve wracking for Mommy who couldn't help envisioning Colin flying out of the boat the whole time.  Daddy and Grandpa on the other hand were much more laid back.  Colin even got a chance to drive the boat. 

He survived the ride and was all smiles with Grandpa and Daddy afterwards.

Colin's new favorite place to be: on top of Daddy's shoulders while playing with his ears...

For our first night, Nana made an awesome meal which we ate on the veranda.

Lately, Colin's nightly routine is to crawl around for a good half hour following dinner.  On our way back to the room Liam joined Colin on his evening crawl. 

Later, Aunt Jen caught this sweet shot before bed.

The next morning, Colin chowed down on some eggs (that boy seriously loves eggs!!).

After Colin took his naps we spent another day at the lake.  Can you tell he was excited?

Swimming in the lake with Nana

The resort was having fireworks on Friday evening so we headed down early to get a good spot.  There's Colin on his favorite spot again holding on tight...to Daddy's ears!

Love this one of brother and sister with their little ones.

It was a gorgeous night so we used the opportunity to take some family photos.

Nana and Grandpa love.

Three generations.

With the grandkids...Liam and Colin are so funny together.

We also passed the time listening to the band.  Liam had no trouble getting in on the action...

While Uncle Anthony helped Colin sway to the music.

Turns out the fireworks didn't start till after 10:00pm.  Our 7:00pm on the dot sleeper was exhausted! After the first firework he started crying.  We tried to stay but ended up leaving before the finale because Mommy just felt so bad feeling Colin's little heart beat so fast. 

It must not have tramautized him too badly because he was all smiles with Aunt Jen the next day.

On our last full day, Colin and Joergen really started warming up to each other...well, sort of...

Joergen wasn't too sure what he thought about Colin sharing his toys...

After some deliberation he decided he definitely didn't like it!

It didn't take long for them to make friends again and check out their reflections together in the door.

Back to eyeing up what the other has...

And making up again with hugs (This is how Joergen hugged Colin the whole time, it was adorable.  I didn't quite catch the shot but he would lovingly lay his head against Colin's)

Our last day was hard on Daddy who was beginning to get depressed about leaving us for so long.

Colin made sure to give Daddy lots of lovin and let him know we'll be just fine while he's away.

What a sweet boy he is!

After having a little pity party for ourselves over our situation, we enjoyed another day at the lake and lots more cuddles with Nana!

Daddy's cousin, Anne, and her family visited for the day. It was great to see her and her husband along with their sweet girls.

It just so happened to be Nana and Grandpa's anniversary as well.  After a long day they finally had a few moments at the end of the night to relax together and open some presents.

Thank you Nana and Grandpa for providing yet another awesome vacation for all of us!