Spring Break

Today is the last day of spring break. We really packed a lot of fun into our week! Of course there was swimming--almost every day, until it got chilly again at the end of the week!

On Tuesday, we went to the beach with our friends. It was a lot of fun! There were jellyfish everywhere. We had to check with the lifeguard--he said the clear ones were safe but to avoid the blue ones.

Emily made a hole and then created a mermaid tail for herself!

The kids and I also visited Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. We went to every splash park/water feature in both parks! They had the most fun in the Curious George splash park at the studios, but we also played in the Dr. Seuss zoo and the Jurassic Park area, which has a small splash park and water guns that they really liked. One fun part of our day was after we ate lunch in the restaurant near the Jurassic Park water ride. There is an observation area outside where you get absolutely soaked from the boats coming down the hill. Emily and Liam thought it was a blast but poor Bailey had no idea she was going to get THAT wet. She was horrified! It really wasn't a big deal since they were in bathing suits and I had towels and dry clothes, but she was not happy about her dress getting wet.

In Fivel's PlayLand the kids discovered a cool water slide that they could ride without me--and the girls took turns riding with their brother, which I thought was very sweet.

 On the Caro-SEUSS-el

 "If I Ran the Zoo" splash playground

 Fivel's PlayLand water slide

 Curious George splash park

Overall I think it was a great spring break packed with lots of fun. Hopefully next week I'll catch up on some chores and some rest!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

When I saw these "Irish" t-shirts on clearance at Children's Place, I couldn't resist. The kids were great sports about doing a little photo shoot in the backyard.

Happy St. Patrick's Day from my Irish cuties!

Earrings for Bailey!

Well, she did it! Bailey got her ears pierced!

I actually wanted to let Bailey get her ears pierced last year for her 6th birthday because that's when Emily got hers done. But Bailey wasn't ready yet. Plus, Daddy said she'd have to stop arguing with us over every little thing because we'd have to clean and rotate the earrings every day and he didn't want that to be a fight. So Bailey has agreed that the first time she gives us a fuss over caring for her earrings, she loses them.

She chose beautiful blue butterfly earrings that look so sweet on her. I think she was a little shocked at how much it hurt to get them done, but she didn't cry and she was a good sport about it.

I'm proud of my big girl!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Just wanted to share some pictures of my little loves! Happy Valentine's Day!

Bailey took this last one! And now for the pictures Susan took with her much better photography skills!!

Emily's Cross Country Meet

This morning, Emily participated in a county-wide cross country meet at Seminole State College. She ran a mile with over 140 other nine-year-old girls and came in somewhere in the middle of the pack. I was very proud of her! This was one of several races she's participated in so far this season. I think there's one more to go.

This photo is from the race on January 17. Emily joined cross country because her friend Isabella wanted to run. I can't say it's Emmy's favorite thing to do but she shows up every week and does her best to support her friend. I think that's real friendship! I'm proud of my girl.

Bailey learns to ride her bike!

It's only her second day on her bike without training wheels! Bailey is able to start by herself and is riding pretty well!!

Here is the link in case the embedded video doesn't work.

My Little Poet

Emily wrote this beautiful poem at school. I just love it!!

Snowman

Freezing, chilly

Smiling, staring, melting

Quietly standing on guard

Frozen friend

Happy 4th birthday, Liam!

We celebrated Liam's 4th birthday with a little gathering at Big Tree Park. It was a Paw Patrol party so we had doggie treats, bone-shaped cookies, and fun hats and dog ears for our friends to wear. It was VERY warm outside--83 degrees in January! I think Liam had fun.