"Going On 'Cation?"

That is how Barber said it - almost daily. We are actually officially back from vacation but Simms is still on 'cation for another week - at home!

Lil' sis and Dawson invested in a time share for their family a few years ago - and we are so grateful that includes us!!! This year we went to Marriott's Fairway Villas at Seaview in Galloway, New Jersey. It was absolutely wonderful and relaxing. Here are some highlights:

• Swimming! The pool had wonderful little coves that were perfect for families and children. Jeter is now swimming underwater (it's like a switch was flipped overnight!) and Barber is doing pretty well with the arm thingy's (that's what we call them) and a hand barely supporting his belly.

• Couple's night out at the mineral pool. Grammie and Poppy took care of Brady, Jeter and Barber while Simms and I joined Lil' sis and Dawson for some time out without kids. This particular pool isn't chlorinated - it's mineral water only. Why? I don't know but it was in the spa area and no one under the age of 16 is allowed. Maybe it's better for your skin? Anyway, it was nice to be out for an evening on a double date of sorts.

• The ladies (Grammie, Lil' sis and I) scheduled to be pampered at the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Salon and Spa. We chose to have pedicures. It was the first pedicure ever for Grammie and Lil' sis...let's just say the bar was set high! Later that evening the men took in a round of golf at the Bay Course. Thankfully the rain held off and the weather (albeit a bit cool) was not too hot. Simms was thrilled with a first - he shot an 88. First time ever under 90!

• We all took a day trip to the Cape May Zoo. Definitely enjoyable to us all. The boys had a blast looking at all the different animals. Barber was so excited to see the monkeys and giraffes and zebras and alligators and...the list goes on and on. When we entered the reptile area, an announcement came over the loud speaker stating that a thunderstorm was expected in about 15 minutes. We decided to do a quick walk through and then head for the exit. Simms and Dawson headed for the cars while we waited under a covered picnic area. They arrived with the vehicles and then almost instantaneously the heavens opened and it poured. Buckets of drenching rain. Reminiscent of our honeymoon. Haven't heard about it? Maybe sometime...

• Simms and I brought Barber and Jeter to Ocean City for the day. We walked on the boardwalk, ate pizza for lunch, played mini-golf and then picked up some cotton candy for the trip back to the resort. Both Jeter and Barber got a hole-in-one on hole #17!

• Spending time with family is always a blast. Whether we are going on a trip together, eating dinner or playing games (Phase 10, Catch Phrase and Crazy Uno were the favorites this week), it is always enjoyable and time well spent.

Sometime this week I will write what's on my heart for "Father's Day". For now, I am going to enjoy our second week of 'cation together in our corner.