Summer 2011

How does the time go so stinkin' fast... geesh. May and June have flown by.
I guess the time flies when you are having fun saying rings true.

So, what have we been up to?? Well, we jetted off the day after the big kids were done with school to go and visit Papa in Hawaii. We had not visited since Belle was 4 months old and it was Sweet M*'s first time. The kids had a fantastic time. It was an amazing (and relaxing) trip. I forgot how fun it is to be at a beach without a baby. No one was attempting to eat sand. No swim diapers to hassle with. It was WONDERFUL!!!

I was really impressed with M*... he was swimming without his floatie and he was the smallest (bravest) kid in line for the rope swing. I love the pic of him just floating in the air below ;) He volunteered in the luau and did great on the flights. We had minor behavior issues but the idea of missing out on anymore hawaiian shaved ice seemed to help M* snap back pretty quick.

The big kids did boogie boarding and swam like fish. The two of them have recently developed such a great friendship and it was so fun watching them laugh and play together. Warms a mama's heart!

And, Belle was the cutest hula girl I have ever seen. She also was in the water playing with the boys like a champ.

This was by far the best and most relaxing time we have had as a family since M*'s arrival last May. And, it was VERY needed.




5 days after coming home from Maui we set sail to Mexico with my family. Sweet M* did wonderful and had a great time playing at the kids club allowing me and Mr. Wonderful to have some time to ourselves. Cruises are funny. We have done a few in the past couple years and I think we are cruised out for awhile. There is only so much you can do on a boat. And, it is horrible for your diet. I mean really how do you pass up the chocolate buffet... and molten lava cake ever night?? Well... some might be able to but I don't possess such will power :) I did really enjoy spending time with my parents and siblings and getting to know my brothers girlfriend. My brother has become that uncle that the kids swoon over. He throws them skyhigh in the pools... he dances with them and laughs at their jokes (and misbehavior). All in all another good trip.

Soccer Saturday

The big boys had their first soccer games this past weekend. We all had a great time cheering them on.

I am loving my kids ages right now. All of the sudden there has been a big shift in my duties as a mom. At first I was having a hard time letting go of the baby days. Thankfully that has passed and I am embracing all that comes with exiting baby/ toddler era and moving into the kid stage.

Now I am worried that these are going to be the glory days that I miss someday and so I am trying to soak them up as much as I can. The kids are all so innocent still, they still think mom and dad are fun and cool. They want to hug us and be near us. They want to go places with us. They tell us they are going to live with us forever. They think we are all knowing & amazing people. I wish it would stay this way forever. Unfortunately, they will continue to grow. Kind of a fact of life. So for now I will soak up their youth and prepare to watch them each grow into a unique and amazing person :)

Spring Break FUN!

This past weekend we took off for a road trip bc the kids were on spring break. I was dreading the trip a little bit bc we have never taken M* on a road trip before and the past week he had so many changes to his routine (due to us taking off last weekend and the two older kids being on spring break all week) that I was worried this could send him over the edge. But, thankfully ALL of the kids were AMAZING.
They enjoyed the special treats we brought with us and the movies in the car. We left early on the way there so they got some sleep too. It was a really great experience. We are even looking into more resorts to drive to bc we enjoyed ourselves so much.
I was so proud of Sweet M* especially. I could tell he was nervous. It is so hard to watch him struggle like that when the other kids just get to have fun and be excited. He is trying to do that but it is masked by the fear that this change in routine is going to end with him needing to move to a new family. Ugh... is that ever going to change? Is he ever going to be able to relax and just enjoy new adventures? I certainly hope so. But, in the mean time I do my best to reassure him... to prepare him... and to support and love on him as he tries. He is a brave brave boy!
Here are some pics from our journey. Looking back through these pics it looks like all we did was eat... we really did swim a lot too. I swear... we just need a water camera.

Arriving at the hotel after our 5 hour drive... all smiles

Getting ready to see "Horny the Bull"... bc with a name like that we sure weren't going to miss that opportunity.

Why they have a bull stationed in front of this restaurant (that specializes in steak) is beyond me... but Captain Crazy thought it was pretty cool
Can you believe how tall Sweet M* is getting? He passed Belle awhile ago and now he is working his way towards Cuddlebear

Belle has entered the age of not being able to smile for the camera bc she thinks about it too much... its so funny that each of my kids have done this around 3 1/2 year old :)

I think Sweet M* enjoyed the slide down to the restaurant even more than seeing the bull... could it get any better. A restaurant with a bull AND a slide?

YES... Yes it can. The kids eyes lit up when the waitress brought over the huge cotton candy that was included with their meals.

A bull, a slide, cotton candy and paper bull hats... if only every restaurant were this kid friendly right?Check out Cuddlebear's face... I think he was a little nervous that "Horny" was getting closer ;)

Ahhh... there is the smile we love

My attempt at once again trying to get a good posed shot... so not ever happening

The next few shots are of the us at an adorable ice cream parlor. We shared some delicious sundaes. We partnered up to conquer the deliciousness. I think I had the best partner considering how much I LOVE ice cream and how little my daughter does ;)

Our trip ended on a horse and carriage ride under the lights in Old Town. Belle had a smile ear to ear the whole time bc in her mind the only other person that gets to ride in a carriage is Cinderella!

Wordless Wednesday

Cruise-a-Palooza!!!

Vacation time was here and boy did we all let loose and have fun!

Who knew my pesky chunky little brother would grow up to be an awesome uncle who has turned into Mr. Fit losing over 100 pounds!!! Now I call him for workout advice... crazy world.
Here we are getting ready to board.
Sweet M* always brings the party. This little guy has more energy and enthusiasm in his body than anyone else I know.
Hubby and my brother attempting escargo... turns out they enjoyed it?
I think Captain looks more and more like Hubby everyday. So handsome!
Me and Cuddlebear all fancied up.
Belle with her idol.
The beaches were so much fun.

How cute is he in this hat?
Belle has developed the best personality this year. She is one funny little girl.
My million dollar smile man.
I just love this picture.
When M* first came home he would freak out if the slightest drop of water fell on his clothes and here he is 7 months later completely drenched and LOVIN it!
With Mr. Fitness in the control seat we beat every record there was for surrey biking. I thought we were going to run people over as we lapped all the other leisurely bikers. Phew... note to self do not attempt to keep up with someone who works out WAY more than you. Although, Uncle J better watch out bc I'm doing P90x so next year may be different.
Cuddlebear is getting so big. He is finally enjoying some of the faster rides.
Is there any age where a stroller is no longer necessary???
Christmas in Florida. Where else could you be wearing shorts??
The one family picture from the cruise that was decent.

The cruise was so much fun. I am a huge fan of cruises recently (this was our 2nd) since all of my kids absolutely LOVE the kids club. It is so nice to be able to have a few minutes alone with my husband just to relax. And, I was SO impressed with M*. I was really worried about leaving him in the kids center because he had only stayed with me or my mom since coming home. But, he did so well. I can't get over what a brave little boy he is and I am so thankful that we were given the opportunity to be his parents.