Beach Day

Well we are not very good beach people. We have trouble picking good days to go.  We picked the warmest day to drive two hours to Clearwater beach thinking that would be the best plan.  It was neither sunny or warm.  But still very pretty, and the kids had a great time.  I sat in a chair and read my book with my sweatshirt on.  You can rent a chair for $7, and it was worth it!  Then last night we drove to Orlando and got to hear my former pastor from Georgia preach who was speaking in a conference here.  So that was neat, but lots of driving in the car yesterday.  Jack's eyes and nose are dripping like crazy and Ava has been scratching her neck and back, so it looks like she's having a reaction to something.  Not sure what is going on there so I think we will be heading to Walgreens today.    Today is the coolest projected day (61) so we are shopping at the mall and the outlets.  I hope to find Matt a watch for Valentines.  Oh and Ava said, "I bewy want to stay heow."  Me too!

Downtown Disney

One of our favorite things to do here is go to Downtown Disney, a "free" shopping area that has the Disney feel without having to buy a ticket.  I don't think Ava remembered it, so she was so excited to see the princesses!

Florida state fair!

It felt weird going to a fair in February, but it was perfect weather here for it!  And we love fairs, so it was a fun thing to do that we hadn't done before.  And although it's not quite the Minnesota state fair, it still had the fair flavor and we had a good time!

Vacation so far

We had some very excited kids at the airport bright and early Monday morning. It made it more fun for us to see them so excited...especially so early in the morning.  Jack said his favorite thing about the airport was taking off his shoes (security) which we didn't even have to do this time.  There was no one in front of us to check in or go through security, and I don't remember that ever happening before.  I don't think Ava remembered going on a plane, and it was kind of fun to feel more like a family of four that could do things together as opposed to having babies.  I enjoy all of the new stages, and this one has perks! 

1.  With Ava being potty trained, it takes that added pressure off.  What a relief it's been!  One of my resolutions checked off the list!

2.  There's less supplies I need to carry.  

3.  We didn't have to bring a stroller.  

4.  I'm looking forward to going to the beach with her being able to play more in the water independently.  

We are so excited to spend some time at our "vacation home" with Carol and Larry.   We don't have as much big stuff planned, just enjoying Florida and being away from the Minnesota winter!

Birthday weekend

We left Minnesota on one of the coldest days we've had this winter, so it was good timing!  The weekend before leaving, we celebrated mom's birthday since we will be in Florida on her actual birthday.  The kids and I were able to spend some time with friends while Matt stayed in Fairmont before joining us Sunday night.  We went to an alumni basketball game at Woodcrest Friday night.  We celebrated Jack's buddy Lexi's birthday on Saturday and then were able to go to Berean on Sunday.  It was the first time visiting a service since we left in June, so that was fun to see everyone and catch up again.  Mostly I think they were excited to see the kids, and I got comments on how much they've grown. I can't tell of course since I'm with them all of the time. Here's Jack trying to outscore Uncle Brent.   And some other weekend pictures.  Happy birthday, mom and Lexi!

War Zone!

Jack has received lots of guns lately, and so the battle was on Saturday!  Still teaching Ava to pull her shirt out after she goes potty.  Ha!

Grandpa and Grandma

Grandpa and Grandma were here!  They always bring lots of love and toys and goodies for us all!  Since they couldn't make it for Jack's party, they came this weekend.  And he didn't mind celebrating again!   Here's one of his gifts, and here's Ava singing to grandpa.