When Treasure Hunting Turns Tragic

Jared was able to take some time off work during the first week in our new house.  Between unpacking boxes we took the boys on a few treasure hunting trips to enjoy the beautiful weather.  This particular trip turned tragic for Magoo and will be a story we tell for many years.

A short drive from our house is a small hotel that resembles an English Estate.  There are three different caches on the property.  The first is near the main gate.

Bebop and Magoo both had fun looking in all the cracks of the brick wall.  They eventually found the small treasure.

The second cache is located near the smaller pond.  Bebop wanted to play in the water, particularly the fountain.  I eventually convinced him the pond is not the best place to swim.

While looking for the second treasure, Bebop proved to be quite the explorer, climbing through the fallen trees and brush following his dad.

Magoo was a little more hesitant.  At one point he wiggled his way around a huge fallen tree branch and couldn’t figure out how to get back.  This is his face when he wants me to rescue him.

The third cache is located at the far end of the pond on the other side of the fountain in the picture.  The grounds are beautiful and I’ve seen at least 3 different wedding parties taking pictures near this spot.

The boys were watching the fish swim while Jared looked through the reeds for the last treasure.  Right after I took this picture, I told the boys to scoot back a little so they didn’t fall in.  Apparently Magoo didn’t hear me.  As he turned around to look at me, Magoo fell back into the water, bottom first.  The pond was only about 4 inches deep, keeping Magoo’s face above the water.  Despite that, it still gave everyone a good scare.

The poor guy was more upset that I wouldn’t give him a hug than actually falling into the pond.  He calmed down pretty quickly and started giggling as Bebop pulled off leaves and twigs.

In the parking lot, Magoo was eager to show off all the mud in his hair.  I had to wash it three times to get the mud out!

I stripped off his clothes and Magoo rode home in just a diaper.  Bebop thought it was beyond hysterical that his little brother was almost naked in the car.  We took Magoo home, gave him a quick bath and headed off to hunt for the rest of our treasures.  Now when I warn the boys to be careful, they both back away from open bodies of water!