North Carolina Vacation

Here we are on the Tram at Orlando Airport that takes you to the Gates.
From where Caden is sitting it is probably better than a Disney ride.

Watching a DVD on the Airplane. If you look close you can see Caden and Brody holding hands.

I tried to snap a picture of the bonding because they were holding hands for so long, but I think it was mainly because they were both distracted with the DVD and didn't realize it.

No really, I am excited about going on vacation, really.

Were here! The Youngest Cousins together again!

Caden had lots of Love to give, but they both survived.

He enjoyed entertaining Payton when their naps didn't overlap.

GG was brave enough to take Caden in the 'not so' warm pool.

One day we went on an outing with Caden so he would have a story for Grandma Carol. We visited 2 lighthouses and were actually able to climb one.

Before the tough climb we decided to have some ice cream. This was a particularly interesting event because of the dramatic change in technique Caden implemented for consuming the ice cream. You will probably only find this interesting if you have see him eat ice cream in the past.

He went lick by lick, very deliberate and calculated through the whole cone.

Fascinating.

Then it was time for the ascent....or at least we thought. First, we had to have some negotiations with the Park Ranger and ticket sales people. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in the United States, and you are not allowed to carry anyone up or down. Anyone who makes the ascent must be able to do it totally on their own and also come back down alone. As you can see the very old staircase is narrow with tall shallow steps. Another obstacle to us beginning our climb was that Caden did not quite make the height requirement on the 'you must be this tall' measuring stick, and the tickets sales people did not recall a 2 year old ever attempting the ascent and were therefore unwilling to sell us a ticket until we spoke with the Park Ranger. The Park Ranger explained to us the details of the inside of the lighthouse. Some of the details included the fact that is was not air conditioned, but it did have 4 landings to rest, etc, etc. We took Caden aside and attempted to ensure he understood what would be required of him if he really wanted to climb up (and down) the lighthouse. He was obviously convinced he could do it, so we crossed our fingers and started the climb. It was a long climb, and Caden led the way. He did not want to stop at any of the landings to rest, but Mommy and Daddy made him at least look out the window at each one. He was determined to get to the top and Mommy and Daddy were only slowing him down.

We made it!
Unofficially-"The Youngest Person to Ascend and Descend the Nations Tallest Lighthouse"!

Great View from the Top.
When we got to the bottom we walked out
and Caden stopped and said;
"Lets climb up the lighthouse again!"
Mommy and Daddy said; "No Thank You".

Brody and Great Grandpop having at Great time together.

Our jumpiness whenever Caden came anywhere near Chaco unfortunately instilled a wariness of dogs in him. But with another year of age under his belt and 4 dogs in the vacation house, Caden was able to start to become more comfortable, and by the time we left he wanted to play with the dogs all the time.
Here you can see Harley tolerating some petting because she likes to be by GG's side.

This is a picture of Caden about to have his first crab. He liked it, but honestly, most Wilsons just like food in general.

Here we are preparing for the obligatory family photo. Everyone looks so excited, don't they?

This is the best we have on our camera, if anyone have a better one please e-mail it to us.

Great Grandpop with his 3 Great Grandchildren.

Here is a candid shot from"poker night". Is it just me or does Great Grandpop look concerned about his one remaining chip?