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.

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.

Sun Fun 3- Disneyworld!!!

Our 1st Trip as a Complete Family

We had a fabulous trip to Disneyworld for the first time as a complete family. The kids had a blast meeting some of their favorite pals.

The funsome four found all sorts of ways to have fun... some included tricks played on me ;)

We got a lot of stares when we went out together... I thought it was bc of our skin tones, but now that I look back through the pictures I think people may have been staring bc they thought we must be crazy to have so many kids so close in age... I sometimes think so myself.

Sweet M* enjoyed showing Belle how to play some traditional African instruments in Animal Kingdom... too cute.

Our princess met her favorite princess... she was a little star struck.

Big brothers played some jokes on their little brother. Don't worry he plays plenty on them too!One of the best parts about the trip was we were able to spend some QT with my dad (aka Papa) who has been gone working in FL for a few months.

Sun Fun Weekend- Anniversary

Sun Fun Weekend #2

We had a blast last weekend as we celebrated our 7th Wedding Anniversary- this time for the first time we celebrated with the kids...And, friends...And, their kids. Yes its unorthodox but we still had a GREAT time!!!This little man did so well with the two days away from home and all of the changes to his routine that go along with being away. Sometimes I just look at him in amazement. I cannot believe that 10 short weeks ago he was in Ethiopia. And, that 10 short weeks ago he hadn't joined our family yet. His English is super impressive and his tantruming is almost just typical 3 year old. He is also attaching very well to me, Hubby and the kids. I am so so proud of my boy!!!

Sweet M* with his buddy...

Belle married the buddy... hmmmm... should we start planning their real wedding now?
We were privileged enough to get glimpses of a school of dolphins and a whale.
We feel lucky to have such amazing friends.