The River

About a week and a half ago we returned from Sam's first trip to "The River." By river I mean the Ichetucknee...no I didn't spell that wrong. It is a spring-fed, clear, cool river in the middle-of-nowhere northern Florida. Chris and his family have been vacationing there since he was little. In 2005 his parents went in on a cabin with his Aunt and Uncle, so now we can go whenever we want. Theoretically. Because, you see, its a 12 hour drive from Houston. So while this was Sam's first trip, it was only my third. I went once as a "single" gal (Chris proposed our first night there!), once as a DINK, and now as a mom.

Great-Grandpa Hunniford was able to join us there for a few days - isn't it amazing that Sam gets to vacation with his Great-Grandfather?! Aunt Becky was there for a few days too, and she brought her boyfriend. We finally got to meet him! So it was a full house there for a few days, but the rule at the river is "the more the merrier!"

Here's what's wonderful about the river: once you get there, you're there. Literally. There are no places to go or people to see. You hang out, play games, float down the river, play on the beach, eat food, hang out, sleep, repeat. I wore nothing but swim suits, t-shirts and gym shorts the entire week. Ahhh. It is wonderful to travel to your parents place - fully stocked so you don't have to pack as much. And when the co-owners have a three year old, there are also age-appropriate life jackets, waters shoes and toys for our little man as well.

Our trips to the river are always relaxing and this one was no exception - it was just relaxing in a "we have a 16 month old" kind of way. Chris's mom did almost all of the cooking - including a yummy birthday cake for me! - and there was no laundry, cleaning, work, etc for either Chris or me. But we shared a room with Sam and he didn't sleep well. As soon as he stirred and saw us the night was over - which meant 5:30 eastern (4:30 Texas time!) on our last morning. Thank you, Grandma, for taking him so Chris and I could go back to sleep! And of course our peaceful floats down the river were punctuated by moments of tears and unease, but those were the exception rather than the rule.

Actually, once we figured out the best way for him to ride, Sam really enjoyed floating down the river. And what was the best way for him to ride? Not in the contained little boat that mommy took just for his comfort. Nope. Perched on the edge of daddy's tube, practically falling in the water was the place to be. I mean, why wouldn't my child who was terrified of water back in May want to splash, pour and drink the 72 degree water the whole time? Other than position, our keys to a successful river run were a simple cup and squishy ball. The cup allowed him to fill, dump and drink to his hearts content. He even liked to drink from the ball - dunk it in the water and then suck it dry.

**Quick note: Sam started getting molars on this trip (the two fingers jammed waaaaay back in his mouth were our first clues, the chewing on ice our second). The obsession with drinking the cold water was likely related. Although he drinks his bath water too, so who knows.**

At the end of the run is a little beach area frequently populated by the "redneck yacht club." Boats come in for the day to swim, with music, food, etc...and dogs. I'd say 75% of the boats bring dogs. Oh what joy for our little man! He played with all kinds of different breeds, but one stood out. At the end of our trip we met a tiny little lap dog (complete with life vest!) that played so well with Sam. The two of them played their own little game of hide and seek/peek a boo around a giant tree stump. I'm not kidding - without any initiation from any adults one would hide on the far side until the other found him, then they'd both run around, hide again and repeat. Ohh the giggles! They had people from two other boats laughing too!

Let's see, other notes from the trip: Grandma and grandpa got him a monkey stool which he now loves to sit on. Sitting on Sam-sized furniture is now an obsession for him. Watching him stick his tiny tush out in hopes of hitting the seat is pretty cute too. Is it bad if I giggle when he misses? Also, he learned quickly that "go" meant we were going to the river and knew exactly which vehicle to head towards. He was afraid at first, but quickly learned to love rides in the golf cart. He did NOT like being in the very back of the Pilot with Aunt Becky - he knows he belongs in a car seat in the car.

We can't wait to go back as soon as possible!Who taught him to do this? Not me!