Other perks from today: bed linens being dried on the clothesline outside, supper on the grill, finishing another photo gallery and chocolate wine.
Sunday, March 30, 2014
March 30th: Day 89
This morning we served for the REACH service and then since it was finally a nice, spring day Jeremy & I suggest we go take a walk in the woods. Neither of the girls were at all enthused and Ella claimed it was dangerous. Mom & Dad won the battle and we ended up going, but really the girls won the war because they made trekking through the woods less enjoyable by their whining. The photo is of them on a log that I had them sit at to eat a snack in hopes that they'd stop complaining long enough to let Jeremy & I look around (within sight of course). After we left that location and headed to another, their attitude got a little better. Ella found out how much fun it is to wade through the water with her rain boots and actually got into the exploring.
Other perks from today: bed linens being dried on the clothesline outside, supper on the grill, finishing another photo gallery and chocolate wine.
Other perks from today: bed linens being dried on the clothesline outside, supper on the grill, finishing another photo gallery and chocolate wine.
March 29th: Day 88
What began as a day with no plans ended up being busy enough. First was a trip to Millbrook Place (upscale consignment) and I scored a few awesome things for the girls and I. Then I met Jeremy & the girls for lunch at Asian Garden and we did our grocery shopping. After groceries were put away and supper prepped, I went for my first outdoor walk of the year. It felt amazing! Walk followed by a pretty delicious supper of homemade chicken noodle soup and french bread. I got a little editing done and Maddy came over to have a sleepover with Ella. Surprisingly, they fell asleep within an hour or so of going to bed. A first for those girls!
Saturday, March 29, 2014
March 24th: Day 83
The girls are at Grandma's and I am attempting to catch up on their scrapbooks. One of the digital pages I managed to finish.
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
March 23rd: Day 82
It's finally spring. Well, according to the calendar spring began a couple days ago. Mother Nature says otherwise. At least one little area around here looks spring-y.
March 22nd: Day 81
Girls got new shoes on Saturday...Ella's first pair of heels and she is incredibly proud.
Monday, March 24, 2014
March 21st: Day 80
Just look at their faces as they jump off the snow bank. They know Daddy will always catch them.
March 18th: Day 77
The big day is here! The girls have been waiting for this day since early December. Nope, not a holiday. Or a birthday. Today is the day Frozen is released. Now they can sing along to Let It Go and mirror Elsa's every move.
I planned a Frozen night. We had Anna's Sandwiches (from the line in "Love is an Open Door"- we finish each other's sandwiches), Sven Antlers, Olaf Noses & Troll Dip and Frozen Punch. We also had a little scavenger hunt I found on Pinterest that used lyrics from Frozen songs. Their prize was printed coloring pages and a little treat.
Oh, and while I was getting everything ready for supper Ella saw that I had a pile of dishes in the sink. She asked if she could do them for me. Of course! She actually did a great job and it was very helpful!
I planned a Frozen night. We had Anna's Sandwiches (from the line in "Love is an Open Door"- we finish each other's sandwiches), Sven Antlers, Olaf Noses & Troll Dip and Frozen Punch. We also had a little scavenger hunt I found on Pinterest that used lyrics from Frozen songs. Their prize was printed coloring pages and a little treat.
Oh, and while I was getting everything ready for supper Ella saw that I had a pile of dishes in the sink. She asked if she could do them for me. Of course! She actually did a great job and it was very helpful!
March 17th: Day 76
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
We had a green themed supper tonight- green bow tie pasta, salad and leprechaun dessert.
We had a green themed supper tonight- green bow tie pasta, salad and leprechaun dessert.
Sunday, March 16, 2014
March 16th: Day 75
Ella declared this afternoon "relaxing" and "no electronics". We ate lunch in a fort made of blankets and chairs. We read books to each other. Jeremy & Ella played War and Speed and he attempted to teach her Cribbage. Claire & I did puzzles and built a Polly Pocket village. We went out for ice cream. Ella did have to lift the ban a little early for me so that I could find the recipe for supper that was saved on my Pinterest account. At 5:00 she lifted the ban for everyone else. That Ella, she is a wise little girl!
March 15th: Day 74
Ella the Shortbread selling Girl Scout cookies with some of her troop at Goodwill :-)
March 14th: Day 73
Claire and I did a little shopping/browsing today and met Jeremy for lunch at Culver's. In addition to a couple new puzzles and a Polly Pocket car, I bought two containers of water beads meant for fresh cut flowers. The girls had more fun with the water beads than anything else in the house! I admit, squishing them is fun. And plunging your hands into what appears to be a bucket of plain water but instead having your hands meet little, clear globs is kind of intriguing.
March 13th: Day 72
Tonight Ella had her first grade musical, Swamped. She was a painted turtle and got to crawl across the stage. The entire thing was adorable!
Papa, Uncle Wes, Aunt Heather, Great Grandma & Great Grandpa came to watch, too, and then we went to Dairy Queen afterwards.
Papa, Uncle Wes, Aunt Heather, Great Grandma & Great Grandpa came to watch, too, and then we went to Dairy Queen afterwards.
March 11th: Day 70
Jeremy had a church meeting tonight, so we did things a little backwards with bath first, then dinner once Jeremy got home. Ella read to Claire while I made supper.
March 10th: Day 69
Finally, a day in the 40s. It felt amazing to be outside. Claire rode bike (which I half jogged behind) after preschool and then once Ella got home we headed back outside for more bikes and puddle jumping/wading.
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
March 8th: Day 67
Happy Birthday to my wonderful, strong and supportive mom!
This morning I had a photo shoot with Lacie & Mazie. Lacie was one of the first kids I ever took photos of and I am so thankful and honored that Krista & Andrew continue to have me take photos for their family.
After a brief nap and grocery shopping, Jeremy & I left for Hops and Props with Heather & Phil. Even though I am not a beer drinker, I have lots of fun at the event. It may have helped that this year they had a chocolate fountain with pound cake and rice krispies (among other things)! I love my desserts!
I also found a beer that I really, really liked- New Glarus Raspberry Tart.
This morning I had a photo shoot with Lacie & Mazie. Lacie was one of the first kids I ever took photos of and I am so thankful and honored that Krista & Andrew continue to have me take photos for their family.
After a brief nap and grocery shopping, Jeremy & I left for Hops and Props with Heather & Phil. Even though I am not a beer drinker, I have lots of fun at the event. It may have helped that this year they had a chocolate fountain with pound cake and rice krispies (among other things)! I love my desserts!
I also found a beer that I really, really liked- New Glarus Raspberry Tart.
March 7th: Day 66
Last night Wes called to see if we wanted to come to their house for a fish fry and celebrate mom's birthday a day early since we all had plans on her actual birthday.
Ella was excited to go see her "cousin that is a dog". Usually the girls are timid around Ruger, but he was pretty mellow and the girls had a lot of fun with him.
Wes did an awesome job with the fish fry and I made Oreo dessert (with mint Oreos especially for mom).
We hung out for a while and then headed home so I could prep for my shoot tomorrow.
Love last minute plans with family!
Ella was excited to go see her "cousin that is a dog". Usually the girls are timid around Ruger, but he was pretty mellow and the girls had a lot of fun with him.
Wes did an awesome job with the fish fry and I made Oreo dessert (with mint Oreos especially for mom).
We hung out for a while and then headed home so I could prep for my shoot tomorrow.
Love last minute plans with family!
March 6th: Day 65
Dentist appointments for Ella and I today. She was a rockstar with getting her cleaning and sealants done. And no cavities! Yay!
March 5th: Day 64
First off, Happy Lenten Season!
I was transported back to elementary school today when Heather & I took Mason & Ella to the roller rink for open skating. I felt pretty good that I was able to catch on again pretty quickly. I still can't stop, however, and am very thankful for those carpeted walls! It may have been a different story if there were more than the 8 people who were there besides us and I had to maneuver more. Thankfully it was quiet and there was lots of wall space to run into :-)
At first Ella wasn't so sure what to think. She couldn't get the gliding motion down and took a few falls (once pulling me down with her). I was very proud of how she got back up and tried again though and after a couple rounds she figured out the glide and you could see her confidence increase. By the time we were done, she decided she likes it and wants to go back.
I was transported back to elementary school today when Heather & I took Mason & Ella to the roller rink for open skating. I felt pretty good that I was able to catch on again pretty quickly. I still can't stop, however, and am very thankful for those carpeted walls! It may have been a different story if there were more than the 8 people who were there besides us and I had to maneuver more. Thankfully it was quiet and there was lots of wall space to run into :-)
At first Ella wasn't so sure what to think. She couldn't get the gliding motion down and took a few falls (once pulling me down with her). I was very proud of how she got back up and tried again though and after a couple rounds she figured out the glide and you could see her confidence increase. By the time we were done, she decided she likes it and wants to go back.
March 4th: Day 63
Lately Claire has been hanging out in the bathroom with me when I am getting ready for the day and has started asking to "help" me. This includes putting on my lotion, my deodorant and now my make up. I obviously don't give her free reign, but some day if you see me and notice my eye shadow is a little bolder than normal or my foundation isn't even it is probably because Claire "helped". I figured I'd try and benefit from all of her helpfulness and get her to brush my hair as well. I love, love, love having my hair brushed, so I figured it was a win for both of us. :-)
March 3rd: Day 62
Back to routine today. As wonderful as vacation is, there is definitely something to be said for routine.
While Claire was in preschool I ran some errands and picked up a couple new puzzles. Claire loves puzzles and will do them over and over. Rarely does a day go by that she doesn't do at least one puzzle. We're working our way up to 100 piece puzzles now and she does very well with just a little help from me.
While Claire was in preschool I ran some errands and picked up a couple new puzzles. Claire loves puzzles and will do them over and over. Rarely does a day go by that she doesn't do at least one puzzle. We're working our way up to 100 piece puzzles now and she does very well with just a little help from me.
March 2nd: Day 61
After church today I had a sweet little newborn names Zayla come to have her pictures taken. She was such a good sleeper and we made it though the shoot in two versus the usual three hours it normally takes for a newborn shoot.
March 1st: Day 60
I slacked today. Blame it on vacation hang over. Does it count that I more than made up for it with all the photos I took on vacation?
Thursday, March 6, 2014
February 28th: Day 59
What a bummer to wake up and be the only family left in the villa. Wes & Heather had left right after the pirate show and Mom, Bill and Mackenzie left bright and early that morning.
Our flight didn't leave until 3:50, so we had time to relax by the clubhouse pool while the girls swam one last time. We finally go to try out a Chick-Fil-A on our way to the airport and made it home without any incidents. At least until we got to Appleton and saw a bunch of cars sliding around like crazy and ending up in the ditch. What a welcome home.
It was good to be home but it was an amazing and memorable vacation.
Our flight didn't leave until 3:50, so we had time to relax by the clubhouse pool while the girls swam one last time. We finally go to try out a Chick-Fil-A on our way to the airport and made it home without any incidents. At least until we got to Appleton and saw a bunch of cars sliding around like crazy and ending up in the ditch. What a welcome home.
It was good to be home but it was an amazing and memorable vacation.
February 27th: Day 58
Last full day- we lounged around, went to Target and Ross and began packing. In the evening the four of us stopped at Downtown Disney to see the Lego sculptures and buy some fun Mr. Potato Head parts before we met the entire group at the Pirate Dinner Adventure.
February 26th: Day 57
We made the trek to Lake Placid today to watch Grandpa play ball. It is amazing to see these guys playing softball in their 70s, 80s and even 90s. It's also fun to see how proud Grandpa is to have his family come watch.
The girls ventured to the playground with Connor, Jillian and Aaliyah for a while, where they experienced their first fire ant bites. Bummer. Luckily it was just one bite for each of them.
After the game we all (all 20 of us!) headed back to Camp Florida Resort to see Grandma & Grandpa's new place and eat lunch. Of course as soon as we were done eating all the kids begged to go to the pool. It was quite a sight seeing 20 adults and kids carrying various swimming gear walk to the clubhouse pool. Apparently that is a little overwhelming to some of the other swimmers and they all cleared out of the pool pretty quickly, which left our crew and a whole pool to ourselves.
When we got back to our villa we ate a quick supper and Wes, Heather, Jeremy & I took Ella's sleeping things over to the Newby villa so that Ella could have a sleepover with Jillian and Aaliyah. It sounds like they had lots of fun.
Us "big kids" ventured to Downtown Disney, which was also really neat. We had a drink at one of the bars then walked over to Splitsville for a few more drinks and bowling. Aside from the major headache I had, it was a good time and nice to spend time with cousins.
The girls ventured to the playground with Connor, Jillian and Aaliyah for a while, where they experienced their first fire ant bites. Bummer. Luckily it was just one bite for each of them.
After the game we all (all 20 of us!) headed back to Camp Florida Resort to see Grandma & Grandpa's new place and eat lunch. Of course as soon as we were done eating all the kids begged to go to the pool. It was quite a sight seeing 20 adults and kids carrying various swimming gear walk to the clubhouse pool. Apparently that is a little overwhelming to some of the other swimmers and they all cleared out of the pool pretty quickly, which left our crew and a whole pool to ourselves.
When we got back to our villa we ate a quick supper and Wes, Heather, Jeremy & I took Ella's sleeping things over to the Newby villa so that Ella could have a sleepover with Jillian and Aaliyah. It sounds like they had lots of fun.
Us "big kids" ventured to Downtown Disney, which was also really neat. We had a drink at one of the bars then walked over to Splitsville for a few more drinks and bowling. Aside from the major headache I had, it was a good time and nice to spend time with cousins.
February 25th: Day 56
The long awaited day at Disney finally arrived and it was as magical as we all imagined.
We parked and rode the monorail to the Magic Kingdom and had just enough time to scan in and see the welcome show. Our first stop through the gates was to see Cinderella, Snow White, Rapunzel and Sleeping Beauty. The girls were a little shy at first, but they did warm up and talked a little bit. Next was the Little Mermaid ride and meeting Ariel. We definite had our patience tested while we waited in all the lines, but everything was well worth it. Next we rode the Dumbo ride and the Tea Cups, met Daisy and Minnie and headed over to Tomorrowland for a picnic lunch. We went to Stitch's Great Escape, which we all agreed was our least favorite. We also did the Buzz Lightyear ride and the Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor. Passing through the courtyard on our way to Frontierland to do the Jungle Cruise (probably one of my favorites), the Magic Carpet ride and met Tinkerbelle and Rosetta (which had the longest wait we had all day). Another cross through the courtyard to meet Merida, who Ella didn't want to meet but Claire did. Thankfully it was easy enough for us to split up briefly. And yet another cross through the courtyard to head over to Liberty Square. On that pass through we saw a little parade with some of the characters on floats. We ate at the Columbia Harbor House, which was pretty good and reasonable. We reenergized a little and hit up It's a Small World (on which we got stuck for 20 minutes), Peter Pan's Flight (another favorite) and the Prince's Carousel. By then it was about time for the Wishes Spectacular and Fireworks, both of which were AMAZING.
We did a little shopping after the fireworks and headed out around 9:15 pm.
It was an amazing day and I cannot wait to go back some day!
We parked and rode the monorail to the Magic Kingdom and had just enough time to scan in and see the welcome show. Our first stop through the gates was to see Cinderella, Snow White, Rapunzel and Sleeping Beauty. The girls were a little shy at first, but they did warm up and talked a little bit. Next was the Little Mermaid ride and meeting Ariel. We definite had our patience tested while we waited in all the lines, but everything was well worth it. Next we rode the Dumbo ride and the Tea Cups, met Daisy and Minnie and headed over to Tomorrowland for a picnic lunch. We went to Stitch's Great Escape, which we all agreed was our least favorite. We also did the Buzz Lightyear ride and the Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor. Passing through the courtyard on our way to Frontierland to do the Jungle Cruise (probably one of my favorites), the Magic Carpet ride and met Tinkerbelle and Rosetta (which had the longest wait we had all day). Another cross through the courtyard to meet Merida, who Ella didn't want to meet but Claire did. Thankfully it was easy enough for us to split up briefly. And yet another cross through the courtyard to head over to Liberty Square. On that pass through we saw a little parade with some of the characters on floats. We ate at the Columbia Harbor House, which was pretty good and reasonable. We reenergized a little and hit up It's a Small World (on which we got stuck for 20 minutes), Peter Pan's Flight (another favorite) and the Prince's Carousel. By then it was about time for the Wishes Spectacular and Fireworks, both of which were AMAZING.
We did a little shopping after the fireworks and headed out around 9:15 pm.
It was an amazing day and I cannot wait to go back some day!
February 24th: Day 55
Sea World Day!
We arrived at the park just a few minutes after it opened and stayed until an hour before it closed, so we had a full day. Not once did the girls complain about walking or wanting a souvenir. One impressed mommy right here.
We got to see the dolphin and pet shows, but missed Clyde & Seamore. They are also not currently doing the Shamu show due to maintenance, but we did get to see the orcas in their tank and saw them do a few jumps.
On the Antarctic ride we got a little taste of the yucky cold that we were missing out on back home. That ride was freezing!
Claire was pretty adventurous in Shamu's Happy Harbor on the kid rides. She rode her first rollercoaster and laughed the entire time. Ella was a little more timid but rode the Swishy Fishy and the Carousel with us.
We managed to get in some more swim time once we got back to the villa and then early to bed to get ready for DISNEY!
We arrived at the park just a few minutes after it opened and stayed until an hour before it closed, so we had a full day. Not once did the girls complain about walking or wanting a souvenir. One impressed mommy right here.
We got to see the dolphin and pet shows, but missed Clyde & Seamore. They are also not currently doing the Shamu show due to maintenance, but we did get to see the orcas in their tank and saw them do a few jumps.
On the Antarctic ride we got a little taste of the yucky cold that we were missing out on back home. That ride was freezing!
Claire was pretty adventurous in Shamu's Happy Harbor on the kid rides. She rode her first rollercoaster and laughed the entire time. Ella was a little more timid but rode the Swishy Fishy and the Carousel with us.
We managed to get in some more swim time once we got back to the villa and then early to bed to get ready for DISNEY!
February 23rd: Day 54
Beach day!
Mom, Bill, Mackenzie, Wes, Heather, Jeremy, me and the girls as well as Aunt Cindy, Uncle Colin, Connor, Jillian and Aaliyah all headed to New Smyrna Beach on Sunday. It was the girls first time (and maybe Jeremy's???) visiting the ocean. The water was only 62 degrees, so only a few were brave enough to venture in past their ankles. The girls had a great time jumping over the waves and looking for shells. Claire and I spotted 4 jellyfish on shore as well.
After we were there for three or four hours, the temperature dropped and you could tell rain was starting to come in, so we packed up. The girls rode back with mom and Bill and Wes, Heather, Jeremy and I made a side trip to Bass Pro Shop.
That evening Aunt Cindy, Uncle Colin and the kids came to our villa to eat supper with us and all the kids swam some more. We had so much fun relaxing on the lanai, eating ice cream and drinking wine.
Mom, Bill, Mackenzie, Wes, Heather, Jeremy, me and the girls as well as Aunt Cindy, Uncle Colin, Connor, Jillian and Aaliyah all headed to New Smyrna Beach on Sunday. It was the girls first time (and maybe Jeremy's???) visiting the ocean. The water was only 62 degrees, so only a few were brave enough to venture in past their ankles. The girls had a great time jumping over the waves and looking for shells. Claire and I spotted 4 jellyfish on shore as well.
After we were there for three or four hours, the temperature dropped and you could tell rain was starting to come in, so we packed up. The girls rode back with mom and Bill and Wes, Heather, Jeremy and I made a side trip to Bass Pro Shop.
That evening Aunt Cindy, Uncle Colin and the kids came to our villa to eat supper with us and all the kids swam some more. We had so much fun relaxing on the lanai, eating ice cream and drinking wine.
February 22nd: Day 53
Our first full day in Florida. We woke up, had breakfast and then got in the pool. Having a pool right in the backyard was so, so nice. The girls swam almost the entire morning and afternoon, with just a break to eat lunch. Jeremy & I ran to Walmart to pick up a few things we'd need for Disney. Around 4 pm we met up with all of the Newby clan at the Tiki Hut in the clubhouse. Ella and Claire swam in the clubhouse pool with Connor, Jillian and Aaliyah while the adults had a drink and chatted. Afterwards the entire group, all 18 of us, ate supper at the Newby villa and the girls swam there as well.
A very relaxing, wonderful day.
A very relaxing, wonderful day.
February 21st: Day 52
I obviously didn't blog while we were on vacation. Who wants to sit inside when there is so much sun to soak up outside?!?! I am now backtracking to update this with all of our daily activities while on vacation.
On the 21st we left home around 10:30 am and headed to Milwaukee. The wind was crazy and we were a little worried our flight would be delayed- or cancelled. The morning flight that had been scheduled to Orlando was cancelled (and later we found out that people scheduled with that flight ended up not getting to Orlando u
ntil late Saturday evening!). The noon flight was delayed until about half an hour before our flight left. Thankfully, we had zero issues with our flight.
We ate at Cracker Barrel (it's a Florida tradition) before we got to the airport. Everything went great for check in and the girls were phenomenal in the airport. Once we boarded the plane, I sat with Claire and Ella sat with Jeremy. Claire squealed and laughed during take off. Ella seemed more unsure, but relaxed quickly. Both girls were so good on the flight and the time passed pretty quickly. Aunt Cindy, Uncle Colin and mom met us at the airport. Mom came with us to get our rental car, a Kia Soul, and we were off to our resort.
The villa was stayed in at Solana Resort was wonderful and very well kept. Our only complaint was that the beds Jeremy & I had were less than comfortable. Good thing we were so exhausted from our daily activities that we fell asleep easily and slept hard, so we didn't notice as much.
After a little exploring of the villa and a snack, we all headed to bed around 10:30 pm.
On the 21st we left home around 10:30 am and headed to Milwaukee. The wind was crazy and we were a little worried our flight would be delayed- or cancelled. The morning flight that had been scheduled to Orlando was cancelled (and later we found out that people scheduled with that flight ended up not getting to Orlando u
We ate at Cracker Barrel (it's a Florida tradition) before we got to the airport. Everything went great for check in and the girls were phenomenal in the airport. Once we boarded the plane, I sat with Claire and Ella sat with Jeremy. Claire squealed and laughed during take off. Ella seemed more unsure, but relaxed quickly. Both girls were so good on the flight and the time passed pretty quickly. Aunt Cindy, Uncle Colin and mom met us at the airport. Mom came with us to get our rental car, a Kia Soul, and we were off to our resort.
The villa was stayed in at Solana Resort was wonderful and very well kept. Our only complaint was that the beds Jeremy & I had were less than comfortable. Good thing we were so exhausted from our daily activities that we fell asleep easily and slept hard, so we didn't notice as much.
After a little exploring of the villa and a snack, we all headed to bed around 10:30 pm.
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