On our last morning at the beach, we did not go down to the beach. We would never have been able to check out on time, since getting all the sand off the kids is such an ordeal. So we gave them breakfast and then hooked them up to videos so we could get all packed up. Finally it was time to head out and bid our beach condo farewell. Simon, ever one to notice a pattern, asked, "Where's the ice lollies?" as we headed out the door. ("Ice lollies" is British/Peppa Pig for Popsicles.)
On our way of town that morning, we stopped by the Wilmington Railroad Museum. By chance, there was family story time that morning, meaning the whole family could get in for $5. It was fantastic luck.
Alice and Grayson enjoyed story time, while Zac took Simon to play with the toys.
Simon had a giant tantrum when we put him the van, because leaving this place of train heaven was completely unacceptable. Once we wrestled him into his car seat (no small feat) he cried for ten more minutes.
For lunch, we went to a Hibachi restaurant, because Grayson's dad loves them. We hadn't been to one in ages, and our kids', who we rarely take to restaurants, had certainly never been to one. Watching the chef and seeing the fire right in front of them was definitely worth it.
Worth what, you may ask? Simon eating on my lap and showering me with rice every time he took a bite that was too hot and spit it out. Simon sitting under the table, in the spilled rice, playing with trains. Simon laying on the floor driving his trains. Simon running around the restaurant. Luckily, the place was virtually empty and Alice, at least, did a great job behaving herself. We left a big tip and an apology for the mess. This too shall pass, I tell myself.
Then it was time for goodbye hugs as we went our separate ways and drove back to Cary.
What a great trip, says Self 4. Where should we go next?
