Monday, July 07, 2008
Vacation Tales Part IV: Floating
The highlight of the trip to Williamsburg (which was now two weeks ago!) was one particular moment at Water Country USA, the big waterpark they have there. Ellie and I were on the Hubba Hubba Highway, the lazy river (that's not so lazy - the current was pretty strong at times). They provided free life vests for everyone, so you could just float along and not have to worry too much about actually swimming. I was holding on to Ellie's hands or shoulders, helping her keep above the water, and she was having a great time splashing and twirling in the water as we bobbed along.
Then she said, "Daddy, I want to do it by myself."
So I let go of her and let the life vest do its work.
I can't describe the look of sheer joy and elation that overtook Ellie's face at that moment. I wish I had a camera. I tried very hard to burn the image in my memory, but I know it will fade with time. Not only was our little water horse having a great time immersed and splashing, she was doing it by herself.
Her expression said to me, "I am such a big girl now because I don't need any help to do this." It was a momentous occasion for her. She was just glowing, with the biggest smile I've ever seen on her. It was one of those moments as a dad that you just want to hold onto forever. So we went around the Hubba Hubba Highway about five more times, even making sure Mama got to join us. Every time was bliss, but that moment of revelation was one of the very best highlights of my fatherhood to date.
Then she said, "Daddy, I want to do it by myself."
So I let go of her and let the life vest do its work.
I can't describe the look of sheer joy and elation that overtook Ellie's face at that moment. I wish I had a camera. I tried very hard to burn the image in my memory, but I know it will fade with time. Not only was our little water horse having a great time immersed and splashing, she was doing it by herself.
Her expression said to me, "I am such a big girl now because I don't need any help to do this." It was a momentous occasion for her. She was just glowing, with the biggest smile I've ever seen on her. It was one of those moments as a dad that you just want to hold onto forever. So we went around the Hubba Hubba Highway about five more times, even making sure Mama got to join us. Every time was bliss, but that moment of revelation was one of the very best highlights of my fatherhood to date.
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