There is a strange phenomenon that I lived and understand completely but can’t necessarily explain:  For kids, there is hardly anything greater than staying in a hotel.  Add a pool to that and it’s pretty much heaven.  More on this in a second... 

One of the best times we can remember as a family came about two years ago when we went to Legoland and stayed in a hotel for two nights.  Madeline and Grant (3 and 4 at the time) had stayed in hotels before, but this was the first time we would do it with just the four of us.  The entire two days seemed set apart and very special, and the greatness began shortly after we arrived.

We check into our room and the phenomenon kicks in after about 14 seconds.  We were in one of those places similar to the Embassy Suites with a mini-kitchen, living room and a separate bedroom.  The kids began running around from room to room like little nutbars.  They were literally going crazy.  Screaming, laughing, jumping on beds, more loud screaming, slamming doors, screaming…

Jenn and I were marveling at our kids on speed when I decided to call them over to me.  I used a very serious tone and made them stand in front of me – no talking.  

“Madeline and Grant, you guys are being very loud and there are other people staying here," I said.  "I want you both to listen to me right now and do exactly what I say, do you understand?”  

“Yes Daddy.”

“I want you both to go back into that bedroom and start jumping on that bed even higher.”

(insert huge 3 and 4-year-old confusion turning into giant smiles here)  

“Do you understand?  Now get in there now and start yelling!”

And the euphoria began…..  

It’s amazing how freeing and fun it was FOR ME to be that Dad.  And it’s just as amazing how often I’m NOT that Dad.  I know there needs to be some sort of balance here…but I wonder if when I’m 60 it will be these kind of moments I remember.

With that in mind, here are 10 of those cherished times that come to mind:  

1)      Jumping in the pool in our clothes after a four-hour drive

2)      Madeline having a bowl of ice cream at IHOP for her Birthday Breakfast.

3)      Putting them in my lap and letting them take the wheel of our van around our neighborhood.

4)      Running in the sprinklers with them in my clothes

5)      Having a “messy dinner” (cover table with garbage bags and eat with your hands).  Thanks for this one Michelle...

6)      Nighttime walks around our neighborhood in our wagon with flashlights and pajamas.

7)      Sacrificing our little bitty Irvine porch as a permanent clubhouse.

8)      Letting them ride on the gas tank of a motorcycle taxi in the Dominican Republic.  Thanks for this one Michelle...

9)      Letting them climb up and slide down an A-framed roof of snow at a Big-Bear cabin

10)    And lastly, one of my favorites…..we were on our mission trip to the Dominican Republic and our transportation to and from a little village was a flatbed truck that we would all stand in (mmm, no carseat law).  One time on the way back it started pouring rain.  As I lifted Grant high above my shoulders in the wind and rain, he was yelling and screaming with such joy.  I can still see his face…

 

p.b. (post blog...nice)  Please add to this list so we can try some of your stuff!