Hevins blog: Summer Vacation 2012

On July 29th, we headed to Debuque water park to begin our summer family vacation.This was a dream come true for Dalton. Ever since we had gone the first time in the summer and winter 2011 Dalton has continually asked "Can we go back to the water park again sometime?"

Before settling in at the water park we went to the River Museum next door to see a 3-D movie about whales. I was excited that both boys kept their glasses on and attentively watched the movie. Bentley just didn't like it when water sprayed out on us at times throughout the movie.

The boys enjoyed looking out at the river after the movie.

What a fun two days we spent at the Grand Harbor water park! We all loved floating together on a raft. It was so funny to see how relaxed the boys becam as we floated down the lazy river .

I was glad Dalton had already had swimming lessons as this extra experience in the water seemed to boost his enthusiasm for having fun in the water!

Once Dalton agreed to go down the larger twisty slides, he wanted to keep going and had a great time.

The boys enjoyed wading in the kiddy pool.

While Bentley wasn't fond of going down the twisty slides and floating in his inner tube, he obviously found two other favorite spots he enjoyed.

Bentley spent quite a bit of time going down the small slide that landed in the children's wading pool.

It was exciting to see him courageously go up the steps and down the slide all by himself while Kevin or myself waited to catch him at the bottom.

Bentley and Dalton's other favorite spot was the jacuzzi which we purposely saved until the end for only a brief period of time.

We also took walks by the river that was right outside our hotel. This was part my favorite relaxation time in just being together.

Dalton enjoyed riding his tricycle by the river while we walked.

Bentley was constantly pointing out the train that would occasionally pass by on the other side of the river.

I love watching our two sweethearts giving each other hugs!!

After spending two days at the water park, we headed toward Praire Du Chien the second part of our trip. This was the part I was looking forward to the most. We stayed at a hotel that offered a some of the courtesy's of a bed and breakfast. In addition to cookies and milk available in the early evenings, they served an excellent home style breakfast with omelets available by special order.

Bentley and Dalton enjoyed going up and down the stairway at the hotel.

Bentley has just started to walk down instead of sliding on his seat. I am always thrilled to see each of our boys grow in their abilities!!

We all enjoyed hiking, picnic, and and the outlooks at Pikes Peak Park.

After our picnic, Dalton and Bentley had fun walking around together on the benches.

The next day we went on a hike thru the woods on some extensive stairways.

Dalton and Bentley did a great job sharing an ice cream treat afterward!

We also had fun shopping and spending time down by the river while we were there!

At the pool in Praire Du Chien, Dalton was willing to float on his own for the first time instead of always wanting us to be right by his side to hold on to.