Amenities

Since we only use cell phones these days, Ireland couldn't get
enough of this phone. I'm pretty sure she inadvertently called
the front desk a couple of times.

The girls were so cute with their newest nephew!

Did your family travel much? When I was a kid, most of our trips were to visit other family. Dad strategically planned each trip to maximize road time and minimize any chance we'd need to stay in a hotel. Mom would pack a cooler of rolls, deli ham, crackers and squirt cheese which were our glamorous meals for the duration. Rest stops were a Chinese fire drill. All six of us kids had to use the restroom and grab a quick snack in record time. By the time the gas tank was full and Dad's personal tank was empty, he pulled out of the rest stop with or without you. No dawdling allowed. On those incredibly rare occasions when we stayed at the hotel, it was a real treat. Everyone wanted to "explore" and my parents had eager volunteers to fill the ice bucket. Something about hotels brings back those memories.

The hotel we stayed in while visiting Jim and Vanessa certainly did not disappoint. Normally we opt for a place that serves breakfast but when I saw the swim area at this Marriott, I knew it was the place for us. Almost half of it was essentially a splash pad (in all of 1.3' of water) which the kiddies adored. They went so often, they started asking to go swimming right when they woke up. Not once did they complain pulling on cold and wet swim suits to head back downstairs for more fun.

While Ireland napped or while Brent had the girls down at the pool, I was able to relax a bit. Surfing the hotel cable, I was delighted to find the annual Barrett-Jackson Car Auction. The last time I watched that I was randomly up late with my dad. He commented on muscle cars vs other classic cars, a v six vs a straight six, which person was getting a deal and which one made a steal, and this feature vs that one. Suddenly I became incredibly nostalgic and homesick for my dad. I sent him a text message which he responded to... apparently he was randomly up late too.