SeaWorld

SeaWorld was a hot but fun day. Along with the kids, this was Alan's first time at a SeaWorld. We were able to enjoy 3 of the shows, our favorite being the Dolphin Show (I'm trying to upload some video but it's having a hard time). We also saw the Shamu Show-Believe and the funny Sea Lion & Otter Show. Bailee, Braden & Alan got to get up close with the dolphins and feed them. (I stayed back with a sleeping baby) and we all fed the stingrays some shrimp, which was a little weird because there is a certain way to hold the shrimp in your fingers and then you put your hand in the water and wait for them to come get it. It was just kind of a weird feeling when they take the shrimp from you...freaked me out a little and I quickly pulled my hand out!

It didn't take long for Braden to sweat and smear his!

Shamu Show

Hurry Bailee, there's so much to see!

A little slanted but that's okay!

Sea Lion & Otter Show

Catching a few rides

2nd day at Disney!

Trying to wake our exhausted children for our last day

All ready for our last day of fun!

It's a Small World...it just isn't Disneyland/World if you don't ride this ride! It's still one of my favorite rides and Brikelle really enjoyed it too. We rode it twice just for her!

The "mean" stepmother and step-sisters. When I told Braden these were Cinderella's "mean" step-sisters and mother, he didn't want to go say hi to them...he didn't like the fact that they were "mean"!

Bailee's dream of meeting some of the princesses has come true...she was so excited to meet them! Braden was quite a hit with them too, he got kisses from all 3 princesses (which left kiss marks on his face!) And yes, he thinks that was just great!

Pluto was Brikelle's most Favorite! Anyone who knows Brikelle knows that she loves stuffed animals. So when we saw these 3 characters, she was in heaven! To her they were just ginormous walking stuffed animals! She kept running back to Pluto and had an absolute tantrum when we left the room. She kept running back towards the door and the only thing that calmed her down was to buy her her own Pluto stuffed animal. She knows how the system works!

This is the talking Buzz Lightyear you get to see while waiting in line for the ride

Woody & Jesse: We didn't make it in time to get a picture with Woody & Jesse which was a little disappointing for Braden, but I was able to snap this picture and Woody looked right at Braden and waved to him! That was enough to make Braden a happy guy!

The Fairy Godmother

The Tea Cups

Gotta LOVE Braden's face!

Brikelle really liked this ride and kept clapping her hands!

Thanks Disney for a wonderful time!

Independence Day

We hope everyone had a fun and safe 4th of July. Here are some pictures of our day...

Waiting for the food

Outside fun. She wants to do everything her big sister and big brother do!

Waiting for it to be dark enough for fireworks. Unfortunately Brikelle didn't make it...she was one tired baby.

Eating messy but oh sooo yummy smores!!!

Sparklers!!!

And our very own fireworks show!

The grand finale

Never Say Never...

How many of you have said those words "we'll never own a mini van no matter what". Yeah, us too...Alan and I have always said we would never get a mini van. Well, as of yesterday, we ate our words. We are now owners of a Honda Odyssey. We have been wanting something bigger for our family for the past few months now, and as gas prices are on the rise our hopes of owning our dream vehicle (Chevy Tahoe) slipped further and further away. After much research (on Alan's part) we decided that a Honda Odyssey was the way to go...it's practical and fits our every needs. So after more research, Alan found this particular Odyssey so we went to "look" at it. We all know that when you go "look" at something (especially when it's an hour drive) chances of coming home with it are pretty high! So here we are. The kids love it and think it's the coolest thing ever. I love it but still have to get used to driving it and operating all the electronics. And although I'm supposed to tell you that Alan hates it and that he wanted a big ol' 4x4, just between you and me, he loves it and spent all last night in it checking things out and figuring out how everything works! Our true test will be on Monday as we head off for our Orlando vacation...hurray!!!

Simple Summer Fun!

Here are some pictures of the simple but fun activities we have done this past week with the kids. Last Saturday the kids and I went to a get together at a school friends house and they had this fun water slide there. Alan bought the kids that new 3D sidewalk chalk which is pretty cool. Our driveway is a little rough so we drew on the edge of the garage floor which is much smoother! The kids are loving their blow up pool...it's fun for the parents and the kids! Sometimes the simple things we do together as a family are the most memorable...