Pt 2 of them (continued ver)

Chapter 241

Day 3 at the Water Park Resort

The third day started earlier than planned when Carter woke up crying at 5 a.m., his teething gums bothering him. His wails echoed through the suite, waking everyone except Sofia and Sarah, who were lucky enough to be in their parents' room next door. Colby groggily got out of bed to scoop Carter up, gently bouncing him as Malia fumbled to prepare a bottle.

Early Morning Fuzziness

Carter was inconsolable for the first twenty minutes, squirming in Colby's arms and nibbling on his fingers. "It's okay, buddy," Colby said softly, sitting in the living room while everyone else slowly emerged from their rooms. Liam, still half-asleep, dragged his blanket with him. "Why is Carter so loud?" he grumbled.

"Because he's teething," Caitlyn answered matter-of-factly, still rubbing her eyes.

After some effort, Carter calmed down enough to drink his bottle. By 7 a.m., everyone was awake and ready for breakfast. Sam and Katrina brought over donuts and fruit, which Liam immediately claimed as his own. "Liam, you have to share," Colby reminded him, setting Carter in his high chair with some mashed banana and teething biscuits.

Mid-Morning Pool Fun

Once everyone was dressed and sunscreened, they headed down to the main pool area. Carter, now more alert and curious, eagerly kicked his legs as Colby carried him to the shallow end. "Looks like someone's ready to swim," Colby said, placing Carter into his baby float.

Liam, however, was already causing trouble. "I don't want the kid pool! I want the big slides!" he whined.

"Later, Liam," Malia said firmly. "We're staying together for now."

Carter happily splashed around, giggling as Caitlyn and Colleen played nearby. Liam eventually joined in, although he kept trying to splash everyone, earning scolding looks from Caitlyn.

Sam, Katrina, Sofia, and Sarah showed up shortly after, with Sofia jumping straight into the deeper end. "You have so much energy," Sam said, shaking his head as Sofia challenged him to a race.

Snack and Nap Time

By late morning, it was clear Carter was starting to tire. His splashing became slower, and he rubbed his eyes with his tiny fists. Malia scooped him out of the water, wrapping him in a fluffy towel. "Nap time for this little guy," she said.

Back at the cabana, Liam refused to take a break. "I'm not tired!" he insisted, munching on some chips.

"You don't have to nap, but you do have to sit quietly," Colby told him, giving him a juice box and a coloring book. Meanwhile, Malia rocked Carter to sleep in her arms, humming softly as he clutched his bottle.

Afternoon Adventures

After lunch, the group decided to explore more of the resort. Carter was now energized again, babbling and pointing at everything he saw. Colby carried him in one arm while pushing the stroller with the other, trying to keep up with Liam, who was darting ahead.

"Liam, stay close!" Malia called, holding Caitlyn and Colleen's hands.

At the lazy river, Carter was placed back in his float. He loved drifting along with Colby guiding him, occasionally giggling when he saw Caitlyn splash water nearby. Liam, of course, tried to climb onto Colby's tube. "Get off, Liam," Colby said, giving him a look.

Sam and Katrina joined them, with Sarah holding onto Sam's arm tightly. "She's a little scared of the water," Katrina explained.

Evening Calm

By dinnertime, the kids were tired but satisfied. Carter nibbled on some mashed potatoes, though he mostly wanted his bottle. Liam was still picky, pushing his broccoli to the side. "Do I have to eat this?" he asked, earning a firm "yes" from Malia.

After dinner, they returned to the suite, where the kids got ready for bed. Carter, surprisingly, still had some energy left, crawling around the living room and giggling when Colleen played peek-a-boo with him.

Liam, however, was sulking because he wasn't allowed to stay up late. "It's not fair!" he complained.

"Life's not fair, buddy," Colby said with a smirk, picking him up and tossing him onto the couch playfully.

Bedtime Chaos

Bath time was a mix of fun and frustration. Carter splashed happily in the tub, giggling as Colby washed his hair. Liam, on the other hand, refused to get in. "I'm not dirty!" he claimed.

"You're covered in sunscreen and dirt," Malia pointed out, eventually coaxing him into the water.

Once everyone was clean and dressed for bed, Colby read a story to the kids while Malia rocked Carter to sleep. By the time the suite was quiet, Colby collapsed onto the couch with a sigh. "Day three down," he said, looking at Malia.

"Only 27 more to go," she replied with a smile.