Real World: Pohozie

Note: This is a true throwback entry.  Had every intention of writing this the second we got back from vacation, but better late than never.  So here goes!  

This is the story of 6 toddlers, picked to live in a beach house, to have their lives collide for a week, and to find out what happens when kids stop acting polite and start getting real.  The Real World: Pohozie.

At the end of August this summer, we were fortunate enough to spend a week at the beach for our second annual Pohozie family vacation in Figure 8, NC.  Pohozie is the very clever moniker that occurs when taking the Po in Powell, Ho in Hobbs, and Zie in McKenzie and stringing them together Brangelina style. Us parents are so witty, right?!

A whole lot has happened in the year since we last vacationed together.  The sweet, not yet crawling and barely-pulling-themselves-up-on-the-side-of-the-table 7 month olds are now walking, talking, fun-loving 20 month olds.

Ford

Ford is fearless, jumping into the ocean waves with gusto, his beautiful golden locks blowing in the wind. He is a true stud in training.  Adorable, sweet, and fun-loving, all in one.  Watch out, ladies. Fordy McKenzie will one day break your heart.

Lila

As the only lady toddler in the pack, Lila is sweet and adorable as can be, unless of course you want to take back one of the forms of technology she has hijacked - iPhone, iPad, baby monitor, nursing timer. Then she can hold her own, and you admire her for it!  It's obvious her charms have already had their effect on Brooks, who often follows her around like a love-sick puppy dog.

Brooks

Brooks, the kid who had just learned to walk last year, was right in the middle of the big kids and the little kids this year.  He was SO excited to spend so much time "with all my friends!" and fascinated with everything they did.  By the middle of the trip he had warmed up to splashing in the ocean but mostly preferred the comfort of the sand.  

John

John, the just-transitioned-to-the-big-boy-bed and still in the process of potty training 2 year old is now a "scuba diver soldier" in training, confident little 3 year old man who prefers to enjoy life without his clothes on. I've never seen such mastery on a boogie board.  His enthusiasm and zest for life are inspiring - truly!

Will

And the elder of the crew, Will, just shy of 4 years old at the time, is an accomplished athlete, treasure hunter and Candyland aficionado.  Will is always hatching "great ideas" and smartly informs his younger kiddo friends of the importance of eating healthy. "Broccoli is a super food. It will help you grow BIG and STRONG!" You tell 'em, Will.

Carter

And last but not least was little 8 week old Carter who just soaked it all in.  The salt air did him well. He was relaxed and happy the whole trip.  Fun to think he wasn't even alive last summer and next year he'll be keeping up with the rest of them!

Which makes me think... will there be more Pohozie babies on the scene next year?!  Only time will tell...

The kids had so much fun together (despite Brooks occasionally throwing sand in their faces or hitting them... oy!) and we left with so many fun memories: toddler racing on the beach at sunset, hunting for buried treasure, building sandcastles and digging holes, racing matchbox cars, and lots of naked time, which is very important for toddler development and social interaction.

Thus, despite my dramatic intro, things did get real, but they were great.  Even us parents got to enjoy many candlelit dinners on the back patio overlooking the waves and the glorious moon.  So fun to think what everyone will be like next year.  So fortunate to have such wonderful friends.

Until next year, Pohozie.  Keep it real.