North Carolina

Finally! There are so many wonderful photos of our trip to Bryson City, NC. Here is a sample, but to see the rest you can click on this link: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=690724170&sk=photos The kids and I had an amazing trip to Donelle, Averi and Bryson's family house in the mountains. Donelle's mom was there too and the kids just adore 'Nunu'. We packed so much in and the kids discovered they love Cracker Barrell and jumping on hotel beds on the way up. The Lewis home is right on the creek just a few thousand feet from one of the entrances to Smoky Mountain National park! The creek and tubing were a highlight of most of the trip, but the kids even had fun inside playing games, doing crafts, painting nails and having sword fights! We went trout fishing and got caught in the rain, mined for rubys, hiked to a waterfall, saw an indian checking his iphone in Cherokee, watched water rafters and kayakers and much to the kids dismay nobody wiped out! We toasted smores, made our own soaps, saw Thomas the Train, watched movies, caught fireflies and ate a ton of ice cream! We most enjoyed each other's company and the 4 kids loved the whole sleep over situation of 24/7 access to their friends. We are so appreciative to Donelle and family for having us on such a wonderful vacation! It was such a beautiful place. Hard to believe that is their back yard we are playing and tubing in!

Fuhgidabowdit

The newest pizza place in our park square at FishHawk is called Fuhgidabowdit Pizzeria. They have a great deal for kids where for $5 a piece they can come in and make their own personal pizza and it comes with a soft drink as well! We went with our friends Alex and Justin and their mom, Stephanie. The owner and staff were incredible as they spent time at the table with the kids taking them through each step. They pounded the dough, poured and spread the sauce with their fingers (they loved), sprinkled cheese and pepperoni. I thought it an interesting fact that each child put pepperoni on their pizza and each one picked it off before eating! The staff showed them the kitchen including the pizza oven. They played video games while the pizza cooked and 10 minutes later we had a yummy lunch. Another great summer activity to add to our list!

Tired Kids

Tonight the kids were so cute. We saw the new Winnie the Pooh movie after I got home from work. After snacks and a bath they crawled into my bed to watch a little tv and read some books and they turned the pillow sideways on the bed. I guess Ethan thought it was funny to lay the short width of the bed. After a few minutes I realized the room got pretty quiet. I looked down and wallah-sleeping sound as can be. Now I am tasked with transfering them to their own beds. It's nice to see how close they are! On another great note Jillian has reached a new milestone. For a solid week she has gone potty on the potty chair every time and this morning she woke up dry for the very first time. So proud of her and hoping this is the beginning of the end of diaper duty! She told us no more "potty dance" because she is a big girl now. Doh!

A Night to Remember

The photos below represent one of the most amazing nights the kids and I have EVER had together. After dancing we went outside and it started with just getting their feet wet, but as you can see it's a good think Mia pursuaded me to take their bathing suits because in minutes they were all the way in the water. Those of you who witnessed the Myrtle Beach saga where Ethan hated the beach will now be happy to know they are both swimming like fish and love the beach! I have never seen my children happier than they were this night running in the sand in a huge hole someone dug, making sand angels and letting the water splash over them in the surf. They were carefree and squeeled with delight as they played and yelled, "mom watch this" to all of their stunts. It warmed my heart and I will never forget this magical evening, the pink sunset and bonding time with my lovies for as long as I live.

Baby Loves Disco

A couple of weekends ago we went to a very cool event at the Don Cesar on St. Pete Beach. Baby Loves Disco puts on quite a production with DJ and music getting the kids and parents on the dance floor, good food, face painting, stations for making sock puppets and more! These photos are blurry because the kiddos are rockin' on the dance floor spinning and jumping and dancing with delight! Jillian and Michaela got their faces painted together as well. The best part of the night was going down to the beach afterwards, but you will have to await my next post for those fabulous photos!