Fun in Florida

FINALLY! My trip to Florida! I can't tell you how much fun this trip was. We were treated like queens and spoiled rotten. Tawdra, thank you so much for EVERYTHING. It was the perfect trip - relaxing, fun, lots of laughter, treats & trips and most of all being with dear friends.


The plane ride was fun. I hadn't been on a plane since 2005 and before that it had been at least 10 years. I still don't have the new security thing down pat but I did okay considering. Here are some shots I took on the ride down.

The clouds were absolutely breathtaking. At some points they were so thick it looked as if you could climb out and walk on them.

Look Out Florida!

After Tawdra picked me up at the airport we met Devyn & Tammy at a local restaurant. Here we are united once more!

David with the monkey & outfit (for the monkey) that the kids sent for him. The grin on his face was precious.

Sweet kitties


Tammy enjoying her Mudslide.

WE'RE GOING TO DISNEY!!!!!!!

Can you believe both Tammy & I had never been? What a treat!

Ferry Ride

We took the ferry over. Here are David & Ian enjoying the view.

One of the Resorts




Devyn

Here we are! Hooray!

We're going to see the pirates! Tammy was super excited. She LOVES those movies! Here are pics from the boat ride.

NEXT.......

The Country Bears!

I simply HAD to take a pic of the moose for Dave.

The Haunted Mansion

Couldn't Resist

Lookie!

While waking to our next destination we saw this beautiful bird. And yes it's real!

CINDERELLA'S CASTLE

Inside the Castle

Tammy searching for her picture on the wall. After all she IS a princess. *grin*

The inside was beautiful with these mosaics on the walls. The only disappointment was that I thought there would be more to touring the castle. But it was neat to finally visit inside! I've always wanted to see Cinderella's castle!

It's HUGE!

Best Friends

All that's missing is our tiaras!

Chicken Little!

Not just anyone can say they've hugged a giant chicken. Lol

Next Stop..........Lunch!

We stopped to eat lunch at Tony's Cafe. Tawdra had called ahead and made reservations. It was nice, bright, and cool.

This movie holds special memories for Dave & I. I loved these sun catchers.

Rotini!

As we were finishing lunch the parade came by. I am a BIG fan of parades and rushed outside to watch & take pictures.

Peter Pan & Wendy

Cinderella, the Prince & her Fairy Godmother.

Beautiful Belle

Belle & the Beast

Ariel & Prince Eric

Miceky Mouse & Gang

Group PHoto!

L to R

David, Ian, Me, Devyn, Tammy, Tawdra, Clint

Entering a new world........

Buzz challenges us to an adventure!

Go, Tawdra, Go!
This ride was FUN!

Laser the bad guy!

Yes Sir!

Hello, Friends

Tammy & Clint

A Classic Ride

Heading to the Polynesian on the Monorail

Dolphins!

I saw this and immediately thought of my E-boy.

Cheers!

Tawdra enjoys her Island Sunset.

Dinner!

Tammy indulges a little. Lol!

The next day we went to the beach. It was gorgeous.

It was beautiful at the Gulf. We saw some dolphins playing in the wake of a boat, jellyfish big & small, tons of little fish, lots of sea birds and pelicans. I had forgotten how big and solid pelicans are. The sea birds were fun to watch. They would spot a fish and literally fall out of the air and nose dive into the water. They weren't afraid of the people in the water at all. At one point they were diving all arond a group of people. The people were screaming and laughing as they didn't know where the birds would nose dive next! Lol.

I took this pic for my Dad. This place was called "Crabby Bill's". Catchy! Lol!

Palm Trees

I took these pics at the request of Sweet Pea.

Chef Clint!

When we arrived home we were gretted by the most delicious smells! Clint was cooking us a gourmet meal.

Kitty Time!

Calypso poses to show who is king. Lol!

A very excited Tammy!

Dinner (top)

Oh my goodness it was amazing!!!!!!!!

Isn't this cute? Tammy gave this to Tawdra. (last)

What could be more perfect.....

than a lounge in the hot tub after dinner?

Our Last Day

I took pictures of my room. You can see how pampered I was!

The last one is a view from the windows in my room. Isn't that a neat enclosure over the pool?

At the Airport

We had a little more fun before I had to leave.

It was fun posoing for the pics & spending some last minutes together.

Flying Home

Back on the plane again I took some pictures for my kids. They have never been on an airplane before.

The flight home was clear and I was able to get some neat pictures.

Proof! See? Right where I left it, ladies. *grin*

Home

My Mom kept the kids overnight at her house b/c we didn't get home until after midnight. I picked them up the next morning and then we came home & I gave the their surprises from Florida. Or as E-boy calls them "per-prises".

Pops!

That's what Bugs calls lolipops. First I passed out some Mickey Mouse lolipops I bought for them. They were a big hit!

Blaster!

E-boy's special gift was a Buzz Lightyear lazer. He's been going strong protecting us all ever since. Lol.

Tinkerbell

A necklace was Boo's special gift.

Being Silly

Boo entertains Bugs as he holds onto his pop & new Mickey Mouse cup.

Sweet Pea loves her new Tinkerbell earrings.

Clowing Around

E-boy poses & clowns around with his new laser.

Bugs with his new cup.

Ahoy Mateys!

Bugs also received a pirate telescope.

Hip Hip HORRAY!

I am celebrating a new addition to our family. Yes, it is a brand new potty! Our downstairs toilet has been acting up all summer and then into the fall. A toy or something is stuck in it and Dave has tried everything to get it outta there. No success. Finally out of desperation I begged Dave to buy a new one. Well, we were given an extremely generous money gift a few weeks ago & some of the $ went for a new potty! Can I tell you how excited I am?!?!?!? Lol. It is wonderful to have 2 bathrooms again. I've been spoiled these last 3.5 years.

New Potty Meets Old Potty

Our New Addition ~ Welcomed by All

Bugs says, "My hero!"

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Whirlwind

I can't believe a week has gone by since I last posted. But it's true. Life is running away with me. We have had appointments after appointments, commitments, activities..........

Last week and the week before we had doctor's appointments for all the kids. We had scheduled them a couple of months ago. I'm very thankful we did since Dave's insurance will end in less than 2 months. We didn't know that at the time they were scheduled. They were their regular annual visit. Some a bit late but that was okay. All the kids did well and came out with clean bills of health. I just love our pediatrician. She really listens to me and to the kids as well. And she always ends the visits with telling us how good it was to see us again and how she likes seeing us. Awwww..............

This week I took Sweet Pea to see the nutritionist and Bugsy to his first ever dental appointment. I was pleased with both. For S.P's visit we met with the nurse and she explained the program, asked many questions and talked. Next week we go again and see the nutritionist. S.P. is keeping a food journal this week. This program is aimed to teach her how to make healthy choices. It is NOT a diet program. I am very pleased b/c I do not like those kinds of programs. I've worked very hard to build my children's self-esteem. Not so that they have big heads but so that they are happy and proud of who they are. Special, one-of-a-kind, made by God. I love this approach of not focusing on the scale or looking like everyone else, or even needing to fit into a certain sized pair of jeans. I'm excited to see what lies ahead and am looking forward to next week's visit. Better yet, Sweet Pea is looking forward to it!

With Bugs I was a little worried. He doesn't like getting his teeth brushed most of the time and prefers to be a "big boy" doing it himself. Dr. Lisa was beyond wonderful. She talked to him on his level establishing a trust first. She knew just what to say, how to approach him and how much to expect from him. I ended up with him in my lap sitting in the dental chair. At first I felt a bit foolish as the chair was a little smaller and Sponge Bob was playing over my head. Lol. But then I realized that this was the perfect set-up. Bugs was much more comfortable in his mama's arms. He was super cute afterwards too thanking everyone in sight. Lol. Soon it will be E-boy's turn to go in. He has never been either. I'm not worried about him though.

There seems to be so many things to fit into our schedule before the end of the year. Wow. We are making lots of phone calls in addition to the appointments trying to prepare as much as possible. We have so much going on in our "regular" life and now all this is being added in. Wow!

Dave has sent his resume out to many people and places. We are waiting on the Lord to show us where He wants Dave to be. It's scary and exciting all at once. Thank you all for your prayers, your help and your encouragement. We are blessed to have such an amazing group of family & friends!