Savannah

Chris says there is a joke that consultants rack up Starwood points and take nice vacations while investment bankers buy yachts and mansions.

Earlier this year, he earned three free nights at a Westin Resort. We had to use them by the end of the year and decided the one in Savannah was the most feasible for us considering Sofia's age.

We arrived the evening before Thanksgiving and I was awe-struck when I stepped outside onto the riverside grounds of the resort. The majestic river and fresh breeze, the beautiful pool (heated so Lucas and Chris actually went swimming one afternoon) and hot tub, the outdoor dining/lounging spaces with fire pits, the hammock by the river and private boats docked on the water - it was almost overwhelming. We had had a rough couple of weeks with illnesses and grumpiness and instantly I felt everything lift off of me. There was even a ship docked in plain view named "WHO CARES." I decided that would be the motto of the vacation. In actuality, it is impossible to have a "who cares" style of vacation with an almost-one and an almost-five year old, but we did have a fantastic time.

We got a second adjoining room at a discount. My mom and Lucas slept there and we slept with Sofia in a crib in our room. The crib was key for us. If she can't stick her legs and arms through the bars like a little octopus to fall asleep, she will scream to the point of no return. So pack-n-plays just don't work for her. We brought her bumper and little stuffed lamb that produces whale sounds to reinact the normal bedtime routine. It worked!

The highlight for me was our first "date night" in nearly a year, albeit at the hotel restaurant after Sofia went down for the night and Lucas was happily watching A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving with "Mia". We had a couple of drinks and yummy food and just got to relax together like independent adults.

We were welcomed by a huge gingerbread village (a local contest with entries from schools and businesses.) Lucas got about a hundred "good shots" of the individual houses and buildings.

This is the "Who Cares" boat peeking out from behind the hotel's tree.

The view was a-maz-ing and meditative. Exciting too, watching the HUGE cargo ships pass by on the Savannah River.

We made a quick stop at Tybee (windy! freezing!) on Thanksgiving day. Sofia and I played in the warm car while the boys checked out the beach and pier.

Here we are at Full Moon for Thanksgiving dinner. I was beginning to worry we would have to settle on pizza because all restaurants were closed or full, but Full Moon seated us right away and they even had grass-fed burgers and yummy veggies (which we chose over the turkey dinner special.) Good beer too! An eco-friendly disposable cup for Lucas! And cheap! I was thrilled.

We are thankful that we have two amazing little travelers. We didn't even have to make extra stops during the long car rides. I pray many fun vacations are in our future!