Our flight tomorrow is at six a.m., leaving from Birmingham, which is about two hours from my parent's house in Huntsville. Because of the early morning travel time, my parents reserved us a room at a hotel with an indoor pool about 20 minutes from the airport. It costs a little more to stay in a hotel with an indoor swimming pool in North Alabama, but we found it was completely worth it! The boys and I had a blast going from the cool water of the pool to the hot water of the spa, playing Marco Polo and "walking off the edge" into the water, which is one of my boys' favorite pool past times. They make up pretend scenarios, such as they are walking along a solid path going to school, and they simply stride right into the pool, yelling as they descend into the water. This never seems to get old for them. We swam for at least 2 hours, then it was time for my dad's favorite past time, heading to McDonald's to get milkshakes for dinner. McDonald's play place and their food is another thing that never gets old for my kids. I don't know if it is because they are not able to go to a McDonald's except once or twice a year when we visit the states or if all kids are this way about Ronald's famous fries and play spaces, but it is always touted as one of the highlights of their trips back to the U.S., going to McDonald's. They speak the restaurant's name longingly when we drive by one without stopping, and they make faster friends there in the primary colored tunnels and slides than anywhere else I've ever taken them. It was a perfect last day before heading back to the islands for awhile.
It was a quickly organized trip for the sole purpose of taking care of my son's eye, but it was a much needed respite from the hectic work and school routine we've been in the last few months and a much needed time to catch up with family back home. Now, it's time to get back for the final push towards summer, when life on the island quiets down vastly as everyone else goes on vacation, the trade winds slow, and the waters surrounding the atoll become smooth like glass, making it perfect diving weather. As we prepare to head out in the morning, I look forward to our next adventure, even as I reflect upon the current one that is sadly coming to an end...
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