SandCastles, Tigers and Laughs

The next couple of days on the beach were so much fun! The kids all participated in the annual sandcastle contest where the adults build a big structure and everyone puts a character on the castle. As the tide comes in last character standing wins! We also went to a nice dinner and saw the tigers at BareFoot Landing. They were extremely active that night and we got a real show as you will see!

 Aunt Elyse arrived Monday night

 mama kisses

 the new generation of sandcastle contestants

 pretty good castle in place-my kids were Mcqueen and Strawberry Shortcake

 tide rolling in and taking some of the walls down

 Last turret left and the kids holding their breath!

 And my cousin Renee is the winner with Princess Jasmine

 Aunt Elyse and her mini me looking on

 The boys washing off their toys-look at those faces. Ewww-sand!

 Aunt Karen and my cousin Carly's daughter Gwen

 The girls LOVE Bennett-my cousin Stephen's little boy

 The tigers were awesome

 playful kitties

 hug me

 nice family pic after dinner and walk

silly family photo after dinner and walk

Myrtle Beach kicks off



Hi everyone! I know it's been a few weeks, but I have had a chance to sort through many Myrtle Beach pictures from multiple family members and this is the first in several posts! Our trip started off a bit shaky and yes everyone passed the stomach bug around day by day, but overall our family reunion vacation was a success and we were so happy to see our large, wonderful Roenick family. Some of the photos below are from our drive up, arrival evening and entire first real day at the beach. Enjoy!

 Traditional road trip dinner at cracker barrell

 2 princesses on the porch

 a lesson in checkers

 giving grandma her hand made pottery bday presents

 the grandkids enjoying pizza with their Mia

 Girlies loving being together-wait til AnnMarie is here too

 surfer girl is a natural in the water

 A shot from the balcony above of our family hogging the pool

 Brayden was great on the boogie board

holla from Ethan in the surf

 Luke Skywalkers

 Poppy and the girls heading out deep

 my grandparents chillaxin

 "It's not a beach vacation until you've had icecream"-Mia Roenick

me with the girls having a nice walk on the beach



Florida Summer Fun

Summer time in Florida means many days at the pool. We are lucky that many friends have joined us and had some fantastic days relaxing and jumping and playing. We've graduated to another pool in FishHawk that has swimming blocks the kids can jump off of-enjoy as they soar and splash below! Tomorrow we leave for Myrtle Beach, so no posts for a couple of weeks-but we'll be sure to have some good ones after that family vacation reunion!

 Averi, Hunter and Jillian sharing a smoothie

 Bryson and Ethan of course picked blue

 Ethan and new friend JJ we became friends with at pool this summer

 Riley and Jillian play so well together (JJs sister)

 swimmer or cheerleader-we shall see

 awesome jumps

 in she goes

 Jack and Ethan jump in unison

Ethan and Jillian jumping together



More Camp Fun

The kids are at home with me on Thursdays, but Ethan found out the senior campers were going to the aquarium for a field trip so he asked if I would take him and Jillian and meet up with them! Turned out to be a great afternoon running with the kids, seeing the awesome animals and playing outside in the water area and on the pirate ship! Add another great activity to our busy summer.

 love this tunnel surrounded by fish

 taking down a shark

 Surfin Sweeties

 gator wrestling she called it

 campers

funny faces in the shell



Ethan's Belt promotion

This was a very special week for Ethan and we are so proud that he had his first belt promotion at karate. He is a superdragon and they start with striped belts, so once they receive them all in order they start again (when a little older) on the solid color standard karate belts. He spent a full hour testing in front of the 3 instructors and showed kicks, punches, answered questions about powerful words they have learned like Integrity and Trustworthiness and then for the grand finale had to use their skills to show how they would "escape" if someone grabbed them. Enjoy the video-Ethan definitely has skill! Then a few nights ago they had a wonderful promotion ceremony for all parents and kids at the studio who passed their respective level exams and received their new belts. We are so proud and excited that Ethan is enjoying and excelling at an activity of his choosing!

 Ethan receives yellow stripe and Alex earned his orange!

 Our good friend Hunter joined the studio recently as well

 Receiving his new belt-love the old white one draped around his neck

 A well deserved high 5 from owner and 4th degree black belt Mr. Cabrerra

He just couldn't stop celebrating and kicking