Treasure Hunt, Smores and More

Yesterday morning, we went on a treasure hunt around the resort.  We used a GPS and a guide to help us find each of the treasures.  The GPS lead us around the resort and even inside which was fun because we got to see some of the resort we had not explored yet.  While on the hunt, we learned about the types of trees around the area, the animals and their foot prints and the history of the land and surrounding areas.  Collin and Daddy had the GPS units and read them to lead us to each clue.

The first clue lead us to a gigantic puzzle. Collin helped us in the beginning put it together but we had to finish because the pieces were large and heavy...plus it was already getting hot out. The puzzle showed us pictures of different trees and leaves around the area.  This was helpful because the next stop had us find the different trees and identify them based on the different leaves. 

This stop had us name the different animals that left the foot prints.  We had clues that I read and Collin pointed to the foot print based on the clue.  We then looked at the picture of the animals.

Hot on the trail to the next clue

Identifying the different foot prints

Here are a few more pictures from the hunt that lasted almost an hour and a half.  Collin was engaged most of the time.  He was a little slow at times because it was hot outside and hard to focus a few times.

Looking for the way to the next clue

Heading to who knows where.  He got used to the GPS quickly and did a great job locating the targets.


After the hunt, we rested for a long time because it was sooo hot out and then headed to the pool.  As soon as we got there, Ashland greeted us.  She hung out with us the rest of the time we were at the pool going down the lazy river several times before talking Collin into going down the large, twisty slide.  She went down by herself and I held onto Collin.  I was surprised when he wanted to do it again and again.  I think some of it had to do with Ashland wanting to do it over and over.  We then went to the big pool to play "fishes and sharks". I was the shark trying to eat the fishes.  This is where Collin started going under the water a lot because she was.  He wanted to show me over and over again that he was doing it.  Not only was this trip relaxing and exactly what we needed, it helped him learn to have more confidence in the water.  Yeah!!!

After another rest, were the boys slept and I read, we had dinner and then Collin road his bike around one of the main areas.  Daddy would time him to see how fast he would go around the circle.  While out there, Ashland and her mommy walked by headed to the pool.  Ashland wanted to play with Collin "for just a little while" before heading to the pool.  They never made it.  :) 

Next was smores.  The kids heated their marshmallows up over a HUGE fire pit and then I helped put the smore together.  Collin was only interested in the uncooked marshmallow and the chocolate separately.

Next was movie night under the stars featuring Alvin and the Chipmunks: Shipwrecked. Ashland stayed through most of the movie. Collin wanted to stay all night and sleep outside. I must admit that it felt great out with a nice breeze (notice I did not say cool breeze).

When we got back to the hotel room, Collin wanted to sleep outside.  I could tell that he was not tired even thought it was after 10pm.  We went out our patio door and laid down the blanket.  We looked up at the stars.  Collin wanted to shooting stars so we both looked for one.  While doing so, I did point out the few constellations I knew.  There was Draco, the dragon and Orion, the Hunter.  We were out there for at least an hour talking about the stars and the sounds we were hearing.  What a memory!  I enjoyed every minute of it. 

We head back home today.  This was a much needed and fantastic vacation.  Ahhhh........ready for the weeks ahead that will be rough.