Jacob on Vacation

We took Jacob out of school (gasp) to go on vacation with us.  His cousin was getting married and it seemed like a good idea that someone should represent the cousins so he got the gig.  The wedding was in New Zealand, did I mention that.  That's why we didn't have a problem taking him out of school and that is why he was happy that he got to represent! 
This might be our last vacation with Jacob for a while.  He graduates this May and has big, non parenting plans for the summer.  Hopefully he will find himself at University in the fall and then his life becomes his own.  Family vacations just might be a thing of the past for now.
So, Jacob on vacation.  Well, what would you do on vacation with your parents?  How would you spend your days while halls were decorated and cakes were made?  How eager would you be to follow your dad on the luge or your mom on the zip line?
Jacob on vacation is pretty remarkable.  It all began with a dance in front of Johnny Rocket's at Mall of America.  I know that we weren't going to know anyone at that mall, but it didn't matter because I know I would get that dance here at Jordan Creek as well.  Jacob was on it in airports.  I forget that he is a grown assed man and would constantly ask for his boarding pass and passport, but he had it under control.  He never whined or complained and never threw his apple juice about the plane as well.
Jacob on vacation is very similar to Jacob at home.  He slept a lot.  While Crissy and I created the cake, Jacob slept on the couch with the dogs.  The rest of the party was decorating the hall so Jacob should have been there but somehow he missed that and took a very long nap.  It was good though because these dogs were so happy to be sleeping with Jacob that they never begged for frosting!  Harlow doesn't play that. 
At the wedding and dinner the following night, Jacob showed me a side that I don't really get to see.  He was representing the American cousins quite well.  He worked the room, meeting some fantastic people and hopefully created some lasting relationships.  He was an attentive audience when we were treated to a little concert each night.  He was courteous, funny and a source of pride for Danny and me. 
There was one day when we all traipsed into Wellington on the train.  Everyone had separate goals, Duncan and Danny wanted to kayak (too windy), Crissy and Bobby had shopping to do, and Jacob and I had no agenda.  So the two of us set out to see the town.  We had no idea where we were going but went that direction anyway.  I don't know how Jacob would categorize the day, but I would definitely put it in the win column. 
Jacob and I bought some shoes, talked to a Amnesty International representative and then had a great conversation together about what she had to say and other political thoughts.  We took the cable car to the top and walked down towards the harbor with no plans in mind.  I love this kid that is no longer a kid.  I love that he spent the day with me when he could have gone off on his own to explore.  I know how fortunate I am.  I really do.
When the wedding festivities were over and we headed north for some adrenaline based activities, Jacob was ready to go.  He slept on my shoulder a lot on the six hour drive.  And as uncomfortable as it was, I knew that my shoulder wasn't going to be there in a few months. 
We went zip lining, something that scared me a little (a lot).  Danny was the first to go and I went second with Jacob behind me.  My thought process is that Danny will save me.  No matter what, he will save me.  And if for some reason he didn't, Jacob would.  I was brave and didn't need saving, but it was nice to be in between my two favorite guys in the middle of a New Zealand forest canopy.
Later, we luged.  The luge was a little go kart that had two speeds, go and stop.  One could go faster if one weighed more or if one got a faster luge.  Danny and Jacob went on the faster courses together while figured out how comfortable I was on the luge.  Once I got my bearings, it was on and those boys had to make an effort of keep up.  At one point, Jacob and I were needing to merge and Danny was fast on out tail (we are all on separate luges).  The track was narrowing and neither of us were really giving way so in an instant we both put on the brakes and I slammed into a barricade.  It was a whiplash worthy stop and Jacob didn't stop to check on me but with an evil laugh (I might have made that up) continued down the course.  Danny was ready to stop and check on me but I urged him to catch the little shit and beat him down the course.  Now before you think that Jacob wasn't very nice, he was.  I was part of the party and I was giving as good as I got.  It was such a great day.  We had seven runs down the mountain and we were a trio for almost all of those runs.
Jacob met his Aunty Sarah for the first time and I don't know if she knew quite what to make of him.  Jacob does this thing, this hug squeeze move.  I notice it most when I am frazzled or frustrated or trying to get something done.  I don'r know if he does it on purpose, but it always forces me to stop just for a moment to take the hug squeeze.  Well, he gave Aunty Sarah the hug aqueeze and that was a new thing for her.  Granted, Aunty Sarah had a lot going on that week with a wedding and Hori Americans staying at her house so I can see where Jacob thought she needed a hug squeeze.  Lucky he never played opposum or avalanche of love while we were there. 
I think, I hope, this vacation showed Jacob (as it showed me) that he is ready to take on the world.  He can navigate his way around.  He will ask questions, he will meet new people and he will have fun where ever he goes. 
I hope that this vacation stays tucked in his heart as a last hurrah for him and me.  I know that it will stay tucked in mine.
He is a wonderful adult.  He is a wonderful grown assed man.
Jacob on vacation is a wonderful thing.