Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Cousins came quickly!
Thursday, July 08, 2010
where we've been, what we're doing, yada, yada, yada
I post so much on a social networking site now that I forget to update here. Poor, neglected blog.
What was supposed to be 1 week in FL at my parents', turned into almost 2, thanks to a minor yet embarrassing accident that cost us our deductible and the insurance company almost $2400.
The kids and I drove down on Tuesday, taking about 8 hours including stops. It's the farthest I have driven by myself, with or without the kiddos. I don't intend to drive any farther than that by myself, but it really went well. They are good travelers, most of the time, thanks in part to the invention of the portable dvd player that straps to the back of the seat.
Granwendy and Grandaddy showed us around the area on Wednesday, which proved to be a well needed break in between our drive and our visit to the Magic Kingdom. (My first visit ever.) We met the Happy McFamily at the gate and took the ferry across the pond to the park entrance (instead of the monorail). The girls literally ran into each other's arms when they saw one another, it was so sweet. I've always been pretty skeptical of the over-commercialized hype surrounding WDW, but I must say, the place is contagious. When a friend described it as a well-oiled machine, they were just about right. I say just about, because there was one rude employee who was more intent on moving people out of the way of his exit than the guests comfort during a torrential (yet normal, from what I hear) afternoon shower. Other then that man, the employees were friendly and helpful.
The kiddos met Daisy duck, Pluto, the fairy Godmother, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Belle, and Snow White, and we saw the show with countless others on the steps of the castle. We did not meet Ariel. We rode all the youngun' friendly rides we could, and watching Brandon's response was especially magical. Hannah and Juliana are old enough to understand pretend vs. real... Brandon was so enamored with the experience that he glowed. He was such a trooper, barely napping until he fell asleep between the Electric Parade and the fireworks show. My Dad and Uncle Brett really helped when I needed an extra set of hands to hold B, especially when my hip acted up.
Hannah says her favorite things about Disney World are "Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Belle and most of all Snow White." Apparently the monorail ride ("train") back to the parking lot was her favorite ride, though she sure fooled me. She seemed to enjoy Dumbo, the Magic Carpet Ride and Its a Small World the most from my observations throughout the day.
When Brandon saw Snow White in our path, he immediately exclaimed "Why!" (his pronunciation of White- we have that movie). He hugged pluto and seemed amazed by his size. He had fun crawling around the princesses beautiful gowns when we visited them in the ToonTown meet and greet area. He also LOVED the dumbo ride, and when we went through the Winne the Pooh ride (he rode with Aunt Becca), he exclaimed "Pooh!"
The next day, we were supposed to go to the beach, but it rained. The girls did get to see a couple of manatees in the bay while they stood under a picnic shelter with Granwendy and Grandaddy.
Saturday morning... beach attempt #2. I had a run in with a post at the atm, so mom, my kids and I never made it. I did find a shop and get the car dropped off, however. Juliana, Becca and Grandaddy did make it to play in the sun, at least. (It was J's first time to the beach. Ever.)
So, while the kids and I waited for our car to be repaired, we also were able to go to Weeki Wachee State Park. We saw their mermaids' version of the Little Mermaid, rode a boat down the Weeki Wachee River and saw lots of wildlife and crystal clear spring-fed water, and the kids pet a kind snake and baby alligator at their reptile show. Oh, apparently I got bit by a large spider, because I ended up with a welt on my arm, 2 puncture marks, and a trip to the doctor to get antibiotic and steroid treatments just in case. We also spent a decent amount of time at the pool and beach, which was fun. I really need to take advantage of our pool here at the apartment more than I do.
We enjoyed our time with my mom and dad, but we were also ready to get home to our own little place. We made the return trip in 9 hours, got our laundry done, etc..., rested a bit, and then headed to the other grandparents for July 4th weekend. thankfully, Daddy drove that trip. Mommy napped.
We really enjoyed our extended weekend in Memphis, too, especially playing with cousin Ella, who is almost one year old already! We saw the fireworks in G-town, visited Jo-Jo and her family, and relaxed.
No we're home and I'm attempting to get into a semblance of a routine. Ha.
*****
What the kids are up to:
Bear is sweet and sassy. Mostly sweet, but her sass definitely kicks in. One minute she tries to help, the next she resists anuthing I say. I bought Hooked on Phonics 2 months ago, and have finally started the program with her. We'll see how that goes. She just doesn't like to listen, period, and for some reason I am not as patient with her as I was able to be with other people's kids when I taught/tutored. However, she has known her letter sounds for a while, and it is time for her to begin learning to read. Her later birthday keeps her from entering Kindergarten in the public school system, even though she is academically ready. So we're putting her in a 3 day pre-k Program in the fall, something that I feel more and more excited about as the beginning of school approaches. She loves being around other kids, and in our case I think we both need this. She is fun-loving, social, and mostly tenderhearted... with a little villainous streak in there from watching too many old cartoons like She-Ra. We took a break from gymnastics for the summer, she has been asking about dance lessons for about 6 months, so we'll see.
Buddy is our little bundle of physical energy. He's picking up new words weekly. "Again" and "Too" are his new favorites, joining "Why?" and "how?" He loves music, too. And tackling people with hugs and kisses. Unfortunately, he also likes to bite Mommy for some reason. He's also taking interest in potty training, to some degree. He usually poops on the toilet once or twice a day, given the opportunity at strategic times (after meals), sometimes he tells us he needs to go, but it's not regular. And I'm not motivated enough to push it just yet... because just when I think he is completely ready, he fights being put on the potty, and it's just not worth a battle of the wills to me. Nor do I feel like switching to underpants just yet, as an accident in this small space could mean accidentally messing on furniture, toys, etc... and there simply is no place to moved things out of the way.
People ask where Bear got her curls (which are really more waves the older she gets), and where Buddy gets the Blondish hair. (Both Mommy and Daddy had lighter hair when we were his age.
What was supposed to be 1 week in FL at my parents', turned into almost 2, thanks to a minor yet embarrassing accident that cost us our deductible and the insurance company almost $2400.
The kids and I drove down on Tuesday, taking about 8 hours including stops. It's the farthest I have driven by myself, with or without the kiddos. I don't intend to drive any farther than that by myself, but it really went well. They are good travelers, most of the time, thanks in part to the invention of the portable dvd player that straps to the back of the seat.
Granwendy and Grandaddy showed us around the area on Wednesday, which proved to be a well needed break in between our drive and our visit to the Magic Kingdom. (My first visit ever.) We met the Happy McFamily at the gate and took the ferry across the pond to the park entrance (instead of the monorail). The girls literally ran into each other's arms when they saw one another, it was so sweet. I've always been pretty skeptical of the over-commercialized hype surrounding WDW, but I must say, the place is contagious. When a friend described it as a well-oiled machine, they were just about right. I say just about, because there was one rude employee who was more intent on moving people out of the way of his exit than the guests comfort during a torrential (yet normal, from what I hear) afternoon shower. Other then that man, the employees were friendly and helpful.
The kiddos met Daisy duck, Pluto, the fairy Godmother, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Belle, and Snow White, and we saw the show with countless others on the steps of the castle. We did not meet Ariel. We rode all the youngun' friendly rides we could, and watching Brandon's response was especially magical. Hannah and Juliana are old enough to understand pretend vs. real... Brandon was so enamored with the experience that he glowed. He was such a trooper, barely napping until he fell asleep between the Electric Parade and the fireworks show. My Dad and Uncle Brett really helped when I needed an extra set of hands to hold B, especially when my hip acted up.
Hannah says her favorite things about Disney World are "Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Belle and most of all Snow White." Apparently the monorail ride ("train") back to the parking lot was her favorite ride, though she sure fooled me. She seemed to enjoy Dumbo, the Magic Carpet Ride and Its a Small World the most from my observations throughout the day.
When Brandon saw Snow White in our path, he immediately exclaimed "Why!" (his pronunciation of White- we have that movie). He hugged pluto and seemed amazed by his size. He had fun crawling around the princesses beautiful gowns when we visited them in the ToonTown meet and greet area. He also LOVED the dumbo ride, and when we went through the Winne the Pooh ride (he rode with Aunt Becca), he exclaimed "Pooh!"
The next day, we were supposed to go to the beach, but it rained. The girls did get to see a couple of manatees in the bay while they stood under a picnic shelter with Granwendy and Grandaddy.
Saturday morning... beach attempt #2. I had a run in with a post at the atm, so mom, my kids and I never made it. I did find a shop and get the car dropped off, however. Juliana, Becca and Grandaddy did make it to play in the sun, at least. (It was J's first time to the beach. Ever.)
So, while the kids and I waited for our car to be repaired, we also were able to go to Weeki Wachee State Park. We saw their mermaids' version of the Little Mermaid, rode a boat down the Weeki Wachee River and saw lots of wildlife and crystal clear spring-fed water, and the kids pet a kind snake and baby alligator at their reptile show. Oh, apparently I got bit by a large spider, because I ended up with a welt on my arm, 2 puncture marks, and a trip to the doctor to get antibiotic and steroid treatments just in case. We also spent a decent amount of time at the pool and beach, which was fun. I really need to take advantage of our pool here at the apartment more than I do.
We enjoyed our time with my mom and dad, but we were also ready to get home to our own little place. We made the return trip in 9 hours, got our laundry done, etc..., rested a bit, and then headed to the other grandparents for July 4th weekend. thankfully, Daddy drove that trip. Mommy napped.
We really enjoyed our extended weekend in Memphis, too, especially playing with cousin Ella, who is almost one year old already! We saw the fireworks in G-town, visited Jo-Jo and her family, and relaxed.
No we're home and I'm attempting to get into a semblance of a routine. Ha.
*****
What the kids are up to:
Bear is sweet and sassy. Mostly sweet, but her sass definitely kicks in. One minute she tries to help, the next she resists anuthing I say. I bought Hooked on Phonics 2 months ago, and have finally started the program with her. We'll see how that goes. She just doesn't like to listen, period, and for some reason I am not as patient with her as I was able to be with other people's kids when I taught/tutored. However, she has known her letter sounds for a while, and it is time for her to begin learning to read. Her later birthday keeps her from entering Kindergarten in the public school system, even though she is academically ready. So we're putting her in a 3 day pre-k Program in the fall, something that I feel more and more excited about as the beginning of school approaches. She loves being around other kids, and in our case I think we both need this. She is fun-loving, social, and mostly tenderhearted... with a little villainous streak in there from watching too many old cartoons like She-Ra. We took a break from gymnastics for the summer, she has been asking about dance lessons for about 6 months, so we'll see.
Buddy is our little bundle of physical energy. He's picking up new words weekly. "Again" and "Too" are his new favorites, joining "Why?" and "how?" He loves music, too. And tackling people with hugs and kisses. Unfortunately, he also likes to bite Mommy for some reason. He's also taking interest in potty training, to some degree. He usually poops on the toilet once or twice a day, given the opportunity at strategic times (after meals), sometimes he tells us he needs to go, but it's not regular. And I'm not motivated enough to push it just yet... because just when I think he is completely ready, he fights being put on the potty, and it's just not worth a battle of the wills to me. Nor do I feel like switching to underpants just yet, as an accident in this small space could mean accidentally messing on furniture, toys, etc... and there simply is no place to moved things out of the way.
People ask where Bear got her curls (which are really more waves the older she gets), and where Buddy gets the Blondish hair. (Both Mommy and Daddy had lighter hair when we were his age.
Monday, July 27, 2009
then and now:
August 28th, 2008:
July 25, 2009:
July 26th, 2009:
Welcome to the world, Cousin Ella!
Congratulations, Aunt Sara and Uncle Grant- we love our new cousin. She is "soo cute and adorable!"
July 25, 2009:
July 26th, 2009:
Welcome to the world, Cousin Ella!
Congratulations, Aunt Sara and Uncle Grant- we love our new cousin. She is "soo cute and adorable!"
Saturday, October 04, 2008
a visit to the park
We had originally planned to go to the Country Ham Festival in Spring Hill today, but as the time to leave approached, we got really hungry. So we called my GranWendy and GranDad and asked if they wanted to meet for lunch first. Then we decided to go to one of their favorite parks/walking areas... Bowie Nature Park in Fairview.
Pancho's was yummy as always. Bear is really into trying to help people lately. Yesterday she helped me put groceries on the checkout conveyor. (That was also my 1st trip to the grocery store with just the 3 of us, no help from J.) Today she grew very angry that she could not help the waiters carry our finished plates away from the table. She finally settled for picking up her plate and giving it to the waiter.
Upon our arrival at the Nature Park, we stopped at the visitor center to use the restroom. Bear loved seeing the turtles and fish in the aquariums and snakes in their tanks. (She even kissed the glass...) Then we crossed the driveway to see the pretty mosaic-covered statues: a squirrel, a tree, and a giant tortoise. I suspect someone who's into geo-cache left a bobble head happy meal toy on the squirrel's head, and thought of my brother when I saw it there.
Next, we took our loaf of bread that I picked up at Aldi on the way and headed toward the duck pond. Talk about aggressive ducks and geese! They frightened Bear, and I don't blame her. She was a trooper, and continued feeding them from my arms. (Man, she is getting really heavy.) I was bit twice. Thankfully they don't have teeth. We shared our loaf with some other kids, and tried throwing the bits of bread as far away as we could, but there were probably 2 dozen ducks and geese, so distracting them was difficult.
After the duck feeding frenzy, we walked partially down one of the trails. We kept a couple of pine cones for a craft project (though keeping them might not be legal... shhhh).
Finally, we finished our visit to the park at the playground. GranDad and Daddy played with Bear while GranWendy and I sat with Buddy.
Buddy slept almost the whole time, except toward the very end, when he drank 2 oz of formula.
It was a beautiful, warm fall day- perfect. My Dad took all the pictures, maybe he'll e-mail some to me so I can share them with y'all.
Pancho's was yummy as always. Bear is really into trying to help people lately. Yesterday she helped me put groceries on the checkout conveyor. (That was also my 1st trip to the grocery store with just the 3 of us, no help from J.) Today she grew very angry that she could not help the waiters carry our finished plates away from the table. She finally settled for picking up her plate and giving it to the waiter.
Upon our arrival at the Nature Park, we stopped at the visitor center to use the restroom. Bear loved seeing the turtles and fish in the aquariums and snakes in their tanks. (She even kissed the glass...) Then we crossed the driveway to see the pretty mosaic-covered statues: a squirrel, a tree, and a giant tortoise. I suspect someone who's into geo-cache left a bobble head happy meal toy on the squirrel's head, and thought of my brother when I saw it there.
Next, we took our loaf of bread that I picked up at Aldi on the way and headed toward the duck pond. Talk about aggressive ducks and geese! They frightened Bear, and I don't blame her. She was a trooper, and continued feeding them from my arms. (Man, she is getting really heavy.) I was bit twice. Thankfully they don't have teeth. We shared our loaf with some other kids, and tried throwing the bits of bread as far away as we could, but there were probably 2 dozen ducks and geese, so distracting them was difficult.
After the duck feeding frenzy, we walked partially down one of the trails. We kept a couple of pine cones for a craft project (though keeping them might not be legal... shhhh).
Finally, we finished our visit to the park at the playground. GranDad and Daddy played with Bear while GranWendy and I sat with Buddy.
Buddy slept almost the whole time, except toward the very end, when he drank 2 oz of formula.
It was a beautiful, warm fall day- perfect. My Dad took all the pictures, maybe he'll e-mail some to me so I can share them with y'all.
Monday, September 08, 2008
meeting the fam...part 2
(ok, this one's not biological family, but she was there when mommy and daddy met and put up with us in the mushy early dating phase... that counts for something, right?)Friday, May 30, 2008
Vacation photos
Part One: Wisconsin
em & mad watch the ducklings
our room at the b & b- looks a bit different than when it was daddy and uncle nate's bedroom!
the kids' table at great-gramma's
kitty lovers
sitting under an old tree with Aunt Amy at Cherokee Park
playing football with Uncle Adam by the Ohio River
Climbing the pyramid
sunset
Aunt Amy, Uncle Adam, Hannah, Mommy & Daddy
baking cookies
climbing at the playground
em & mad watch the ducklings
our room at the b & b- looks a bit different than when it was daddy and uncle nate's bedroom!
the kids' table at great-gramma's
kitty loversPart Two: Louisville
sitting under an old tree with Aunt Amy at Cherokee Park
playing football with Uncle Adam by the Ohio River
Climbing the pyramid
sunsetAunt Amy, Uncle Adam, Hannah, Mommy & Daddy
baking cookies
climbing at the playgroundSunday, March 23, 2008
Easter Fun
opening her treats
rockin' with grandaddy
sweet hugs
Hannah "won" the egg scramble...
Juliana had just hunted for eggs with her other cousins and was more interested in the goldfish.
sharing
running around the empty, carpet-less master bedroom...
the girls loved how it echoed
Monday, February 18, 2008
while mommy and daddy were away....
hannah went to cousin juliana's to play
I stole the video from Aunt Becca's blog.
I stole the video from Aunt Becca's blog.
Friday, January 04, 2008
the holidays in review: bye-bye '07, hello '08
we celebrated new year's with aunt sara and uncle grant, papa and gramma, & caslon the fluffy white kitty. i had not been to s & g's house since i was 3 months old.
wonder
cuddle bugs
ghosts?
uncles are tickle-monsters (good ones, anyway)
camera man in action
hi down there
under the mistletoe
no problem, i can handle the steps
snap!
wonder
cuddle bugs
ghosts?
uncles are tickle-monsters (good ones, anyway)
camera man in action
hi down there
under the mistletoe
no problem, i can handle the steps
snap!
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