Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Our garden

We came home from vacation to these...

Our little garden finally has some veggies!  Sadly there were some casualites... our corn didn't make it.  I actually shed a small tear for our corn.  
We have quite a variety growing in our little garden right now and we are hoping to expand soon.  Thankfully, Ryan has a green thumb and is pretty good at growing pretty much anything.  I am excited to eat some fresh veggies soon!

Vacation time....


Last week, we packed up our bags and headed to Orlando for some fun and relaxation. To be honest, our vacation was anything but relaxing.  I guess anytime you travel with 3 kids (one being a baby), the relaxing part goes out the window.  We did have some fun however mixed in with a little drama but that's our life these days.  We just go with it now.
The boys are definitely in their fighting stage.  Everything is drama with them lately.  When does it end?!?  They can get along one minute and then the next they are screaming at each other or throwing elbows.  I know this is normal but I am already over it!!  Add to it that Isabelle wet through every outfit we brought within the first two days and now I need a vacation from my vacation.  We are now in search for the diaper that works best for her.  Her usual diapers have finally failed us so time to move on to something else. 

We left Tuesday morning and stayed in a hotel until we were able to check into our Resort on Thrusday.
On Wednesday, we played a little golf... kid's style.

                                    



Izzy playing golf with Daddy

See... they do actually love each other.

Hole in one!

Daddy and Izzy got a hole in one too!

That evening we went to Ikea (of course).  We ate in the Cafe before the kids went to play and Mommy and Daddy shopped.  Third diaper fail of the trip.  I go to pick Isabelle up from her highchair and notice a small puddle on the floor.  Not thinking anything of it... I pick her up and she is soaked.  Imagine all five of us in the family bathroom.  I am changing Isabelle, Ryan is washing her outfit in the sink (yes... I forgot another outfit!), then Ethan attempts to dry her outfit with the hand blower all the while Aiden is playing with some toys (big helper).  Izzy is still damp but we make do until we can get back to the hotel for a fresh outfit. 
  During dinner that night, Isabelle signed "more" all by herself.  Of course, no one was around at the time to witness except mr but thankfully she is a champ now at signing "more". 

During this trip, Isabelle began doing a few new things.  She is waving at any and everyone even if they aren't paying attention.  She can give some great kisses.  Isabelle can sign "Thank you" and "all done".  Smarty pants!!
The next day, we did a little race car driving at the Orlando Grand Prix.  The boys had a blast!  They were able to race three different times and they improved on their scores with each race.  The first race was a little hard to watch because the boys crawled around the track (I think I actually witnessed a turtle passing Ethan!)but the next race they were more confident and picked up their speed.


Getting their lesson before the big race.


Best invention!!  Head socks so you are ok with using the helmet after someone else.

Can you tell he is pumped?!?


After their first race.

Going over their numbers and seeing where they can improve before the next race.

Isabelle had fun watching her brothers and Daddy race around the track.


That evening we went to eat at Chilis since it was within walking distance from our hotel.  In Orlando, every Chilis has a balloon guy.   
Izzy was a little unsure of him.
Eek! 

I have to give the guy props!  He made the best balloon animals ever.


We had a great dessert but soon realized when Aiden was getting sick walking out of the restaurant that just because he can now eat peanuts doesn't mean he can eat all nuts.  Who knew?!?  Sorry Chilis and surronding guests waiting to eat your dinner! 
We get outside and it is pouring rain.  Whose idea was it to walk to the restaurant?!?  Although, we did have some fun getting drinched in the rain.  For a moment, I felt like a kid again.  The little things that make us happy!
On Thursday, we checked into the Hilton Grand Vacation Par Soleil. This is their newest resort in Orlando and it was fabulous.  They had a great pool with a fun slide that we all enjoyed (minus Isabelle).


                      



This was the bathtub and the water came from the ceiling!!  I had never seen anything like it.  I did get to enjoy a hot bath but it wasn't as relaxing as one would think.  While I was enjoying my bath and reading a book, two little boys were playing in the shower near by and splashing water all over the floor.  Oh well... they had fun and I did at least get my hot bath.
The next few days, we enjoyed the pool.  We decided not to go to any of the parks during this vacation.  The kids and I had been down to Orlando the month before so this time, we wanted to just hang around the resort and do some fun, less expensive things. 






All of our kids are water babies.  They would literally stay in the pool all day if they could.  One day... they actually did stay in the water most of the day and this was the result...

That looks uncomfortable!

Perfect reason why the boys are never allowed to sleep in our bed.
On Sunday, we packed our bags to head home. 

Goodbye HGV.  Until next time!
Thanks to TS Debby, we traveled home in the wind and rain but we made if home safe.  It is good to be home!

Monday, June 18, 2012

Our fun weekend...

The kids and I had a fun weekend.  Daddy had to work every night so we definitely missed him lots!  Friday night, the kids and I went shoe shopping for Ethan.  I swear these boys go through shoes like no one else.  I can't figure out what they are doing to their shoes but they aren't lasting.  After a few stops we finally found a pair that Ethan could wear.  Let's see how longs these last.  After all the shopping, I promised the boys we could go to McDonald's for some ice cream. 
They were very specific which McDonald's we went to... it had to be the one that has computers at the tables. 
On the way home, Ethan said that this was the best night.  Wow... Really?!?  Ok, note to self... easy, cheap night out- McDonald's with computer games.
Then it was home to watch a movie before bed. 

I love that Izzy likes to be right by the boys! 
We woke up to find Big Giant Monkey passed out from obviously a late night of partying.  I am beginning to wonder what goes on while we are tucked away for the night.

Saturday, we dropped Izzy off with Nana for a little bonding time and the boys and I did some bonding of our own... Big Kahunas!

 Can you tell the boys are excited?!?  They have been waiting for a few weeks for a trip to the BK.

Snack break
We got up a little early on Sunday for a special breakfast with Daddy before he had to head to work.  We missed him throughout the day but we stayed busy.  Sunday evening, we went over to Nana and Papa's for some dessert and play time. 
Nana, Papa and Izzy

Izzy got some new earrings.  So pretty!

Look who is working on standing.  Right now it is only with the help of Papa.  Papa has a way to get Isabelle to do things she won't do for us.  Stubborn thing!!    
Looking good Izzy!

Just call Papa the baby whisperer.

Having a little fun after her mini therapy session.

Weeeeee!  I like the view from up here.

Listen here everyone!  Sister has little attitude going on.

Papa and Owen

Playing a little Memory. 
 After some individual games, we broke out Twister.  The kids played a few games and then some of the adults joined in.  Thankfully, I don't have any pictures of the adults playing.  That wasn't very pretty!  I think the kids were sorry they asked us to join in.  I sat on Mikayla's head (sorry about that), then- Nana knocked everyone down and Steph butt bumped me out of the way. 


We had a fun filled weekend and now we are getting ready for our little family vacation.  Fun times ahead!!