Background

September 26, 2010

Rain

It amazes me how children are little sponges.  After reading this poem to Henry, twice a day for three days, he had it memorized.  Sean was around for one of those days, and all of a sudden, he was reciting the poem as well.  


Speaking of rain, we got A LOT of rain in July and early August.  The rain storms can be pretty amazing here.  At any  moment, it might just start to down pour, and then just as suddenly as it started, it can stop.  We have enjoyed the "tropical rains" very much, but I do have to admit, when it was raining most of the day, every day back in July & August, we were sick of it.  The beach was calling our names!  Here are some pictures of us trying to make the most of a rainy day...





September 15, 2010

Orlando


For Labor Day, Josh was giving a four day weekend, so off we drove to Orlando!  It is a six hour drive, but we decided to take the scenic coastal route, which added a good hour.  Driving along with a view of beautiful, white, sandy beaches NEVER gets old!  I had packed a picnic lunch, and we found a great place to stop and eat.  It happened to be a training site for D-Day, so we got the added bonus of a history lesson as well.

It was a much needed stop, with a beautiful view
The boys had a great time feeding the seagulls

We stayed at a great hotel right by Sea World.  The hotel had the BEST hotel pool for young children that I have ever seen, and the boys loved it.  
Anheuser-Busch sponsors a "Here's to the Heroes," offering active duty military (and their family) free admission to Sea World for a day.  Thank you, Anheuser-Busch!  We just loved Sea World.  Here are some of our memories....
The Manatee
Waiting for the dolphin show to begin.  Yup, I planned the whole "matchy-matchy" thing...for safety purposes only.  But they sure are cute, aren't they?! 





See that guy in the second row- the one who has the kid in the headlock?  That is Josh and Henry.
Our fearless leader with half of a map.  He was insistent that we go to the "Orca Whale Show," and then he ended up hating the show.  The rest of us enjoyed it.




"Petting" the sting ray
As Josh and Henry approached the front of the line for the Shamu roller coaster, Henry instructed his father, "Dad, I am riding in the front row, by myself.  You can ride in the back."  Josh exited the line at that point, and Henry (my little thrill seeker) had a blast.  And I survived too...
Following suit, Sean insisted on riding the "tornado" ride all by himself.  It was the only ride he was tall enough to ride on his own, and he did.  He unsuccessfully tried to spin the tornado, but it did not take away from the success of riding solo.  
Shark bait




















The next day we spent at Aquatica, Sea World's water park.  It is a wonderful place to be on a very hot day.  Unfortunately, we did not even bring the camera, but you will have to trust me that it is a great place, and we had a great time.  Our favorite part was floating down the "river" together (many times)...all five of us hanging on to each other getting carried along by the fast current.  It was exciting, yet relaxing (Will almost fell asleep), and a family moment that was unexplainably special...I will cherish it forever.  

September 9, 2010

Papa's visit

My dad was here a few weeks ago for a visit, and we had a FANTASTIC time with him!  It was great having his company, and the boys really enjoyed some special time with Papa.  He was here to witness Will's first steps, and he even got Will to say, "Papa"!  Henry and Sean enjoyed his lessons in how to be a "root'in-toot'in cowboys," and showing Papa all around Florida (at least the part we live in)!  

Josh and I were able to take advantage of the free babysitting, and we had a wonderful date night on our 6th anniversary.  Here we are before we left....and right after I fell down the stairs.  Needless to say, I don't wear heals much these days.  Luckily for me, my handsome date was there at the bottom attempting to catch me!  

Dad took a two day side trip to Alabama to visit EWTN headquarters, and The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament.  On his way back to our house, he was kind enough to stop by Costco, and load us up with non-parishables.  We miss having a Costco nearby, but we miss you, Dad, even more.  Looking forward to your next visit....