Fall Beach Trip 2014

We just got back from the beach! Yes the beach in November! Its the first time we have taken a fall trip like this since Colby was just a few months old. It was a wonderful getaway and something I feel like we needed! Although getting ready for it I was almost ready to back out! Going on a trip in the middle of a school week with so much going on was hard but we made it!
So we left Thursday morning. We weren't in a HUGE hurry to get out of here so we finally left around 9:30. With being out the night before until late at church it was hard to jump up and be ready that morning. We did our usual stops on the way. We stopped in Mississippi at the rest stop and then in Florida to get up with Austin's parents who were joining us this time as well. We stopped at Ruby Tuesday's for lunch as usual and it was fun visiting and catching up with everyone. We got to our condo around 3 or so that afternoon. Once we unloaded everything Austin and I walked the kids down to the beach. The weather was overcast and in the 70s that day. The beach was empty! It was so weird being there that time of year with no one out there! We walked and just let the kids play in the surf and the sand. We found several dead jellyfish a long the way which was crazy but made it exciting! We went up and got cleaned up and ready for dinner that evening. We ate in the condo that first night. Everyone is always so tired and ready to wind down so we eat in. Again it was just nice being with everyone. After dinner we got the kids to bed so we could have a little time to relax.
Friday morning we awoke to pretty chilly temperatures. We ate breakfast and decided we would take the kids to the Gulfarium. Austin has always wanted to check it out and we figured since swimming and beach time were out it was a great time to do so! Austin's parents joined us too. It was actually really fun and nice. They had dolphins, sharks, penguins, sea otters, sea lions, sting-rays, alligators, and many other sea creatures. The kids really enjoyed it! Most of the exhibits are outside and with it being such a beautiful, fall crisp day it was fun just letting them roam and run around! They also really loved the animals! We got to see the Dolphin Show which was really a hit with the kids especially Colby! Again the adventure was just so fun! I think the place seemed even more fun b/c the weather was so nice and it wasn't crowded at all!
We went back to the condo around lunch time. We ate lunch and then Lindsay needed her nap. The boys went outside to swim and play on the beach while us girls took a nap. I was a little sad I didn't get to spend as much time on the beach and swim like usual but I must admit I liked my rest time too! With such a busy season of life it was good coming home re-freshed and not overtired!
That evening we went out to eat at The Back Porch. Again a really fun dinner just visiting and hanging out! And good food! Afterwards we did our usual stop at the Destin Commons. The kids always love walking around. They loved the vehicles and boats at the Bass Pro shop! After that we walked down to the play area and let the kids just have at it! I loved being there when it was cold outside! Somthing about it just felt so fun and holiday like! We even got chocolate icecream for the kids to enjoy. We stayed out there about an hour before heading back to the condo. The kids were so sad to leave but we knew another fun filled day awaited us!
Saturday we got up to a cold, cloudy day at the beach. Once again we knew swimming would be out so we opted to go bowling instead. After a relaxed breakfast we took our time getting ready and headed to Fish Bowl. It was a fun time! The kids had never been bowling before and I honestly can't remember the last time I bowled either! We had a great time! We bowled for an hour. Colby got quite good after awhile although his approach of basically tossing the ball down the lanes was quite humerous! Afterwards we had lunch back at the condo! That afternoon Lindsay and I rested again and the boys took on the beach! I hated we didn't get much beach time but I always enjoy a good nap on vacation too!
That evening we got ready and went to dinner at Baytown in San Destin. Again it was a beautiful night so we enjoyed walking around and enjoying the scenery. We ate burgers at the diner. It was such a fun trip. I really loved going in the fall! I really think it might be a repeat for next year!
I really felt relaxed and refreshed after this trip. The last month has been so busy and crazy for us that I think we really needed this time away to re-group. It gave us some great family time and I loved having Colby at home for 4 days straight! I miss him so much!
The next day (Sunday) We traveled back. We did our usual Panera Bread stop. The kids were great travelers and it was so fun going on vacation with our 2 and 6 year old!!
Now back to real life! We have a busy week ahead with regular church and school stuff then a pancake breakfast on saturday so look for an update on that!

The Rest of the Weekend

So our weekend continued to be fun and somewhat busy. Saturday we had no real plans except a birthday party to attend. It was lovely staying in all morning. I was able to catch up on housework while the kids watched Cinderella. Its so rare that we don't have to rush off in the mornings so this was quite lovely. It also helped us recover from the Halloween craziness!
We left around 12:30 to go to Jackson's birthday party. He was turning 5. Colby and Jax have been friends their entire life but don't get to hang out as much anymore just due to life being so busy. Since Jax is in prek4 and Colby in 1st grade I don't think they see each other at school much like they did last year either.
There were a lot of kids for my kids to play with at the party. They had a lot of church and school friends there. Colby did have Ella from his class and Lindsay just enjoyed running around with everyone I think. I think she mostly enjoyed Jax, Eli, and Kale who she knows from church. We stayed until about 3ish. The entire party was outside. It was a beautiful day so I think a lot of fun was had by all. I think sometimes the simple, home parties are the best. There was no schedule or agenda and I think that makes it the most fun. I think the kids just loved the outdoor time and being together! I looked around and was just so grateful for all the families my kids have to grow up together! I am thankful for the last 2 years of relationships and friendships made. Moving back over to Calvary was one of the best decisions we ever made!
That afternoon we just rested from the party and enjoyed time at home.
Sunday was church. Austin was working so the kids and I went. I was teaching. We had a good class even though I was the only teacher well besides the youth oh and one mom who stays. We had a great class with about 7 or 8 kids. It was one of those Sundays that I really enjoyed teaching. That afternoon again the kids and I just tried to rest. We had some great quality time outside then Austin came home and we had a pancake dinner! It was the perfect way to end the weekend!

Halloween 2014

Today has already been quite a busy day for us! I guess that is life with littles on the holidays!! So today was the first time I really had both kids' parties at the same day at the same time and had to make both! So first we got Colby to school for Farm day. We parked and got him situated and helped him pass out his pumpkin cookies. Next I brought Lindsay to school and got her settled and helped her pass out her cookies! Next up was going back to Colby's school to help out with Farm Day. This year I was asked just to help with all the students in colby's class going from one activity to another. I got there while they were at the Farm Station. This is such a hit each year having all the animals out for the students to hold and pet! Colby really loves it! He's such an animal lover! Although I don't think he quite spent as much time with them this year as last year!
They went to Trunk or Treat after that. I just walked with Colby during this time. After that the students had a restroom/water break so me and a couple other mothers waited outside for them. It was nice to just sit and visit with some other moms. These just happened to be 2 that are also signing their sons up for Cub Scouts. Last night was the first meeting. We are all very excited about this opportunity for them! I think it will really be good for Colby.
Their next stop was Chapel. Ms. Laekan did a Gospel presentation to them using a jackolantern. I am so thankful for these opportunities that Colby gets in school. I am thankful that even on Farm Day they are taught about Jesus. I hope this leads him to decided to follow Jesus one day on his own. We are just so thankful for so many people pouring into his life at such a young age.
After that they went back outside to pick a pumpkin and do the maze. They had fun just running around and playing. I was glad they just got some fun free time. I have to say though his school is very good about giving recess and outdoor time. Afterwards we left to go get Lindsay from her school. I hated we had to leave early and miss his lunch but I also wanted to participate and see Lindsay at her school. One day they will both be at school together!! Anyway we got over to her preschool and they were having recess. It was nice to visit with other moms and the teachers while they played outside.
We were able to rest and get things ready at our house that afternoon! We have had the tradition of having friends and family over to our house for hot dogs and chili since Colby was 3. Its been a wonderful tradition and so fun to see our gathering change and grow each year!
This year we invited my parents, Randall, Elizabeth, Mrs. Eva, Mrs. Doris, Melody, Nijel, and Mia. The kids were so excited to put on their costumes at 4! They ran around the house just enjoying being in costume! They were so anxious to eat by 5. Then we could hardly contain them inside until it was dark and time to get out! They really enjoyed having friends to play with and run around. We trick or treated to more houses this year then normal! The last 2 years we have ended up a little early b/c it was a school night and b/c Lindsay was so young and needing to go to bed early. This year she was SO into it! Colby loved running to the houses with Nijel. They were part of the reason we stopped at every single house with a porch light on! They were so funny! They trick or treated with us for the first half then we went on about another hour without them. Colby was so exhausted by the last house! I think Lindsay on the other hand could have kept going! It was so cute having them dressed up! Colby was Mr. Gru and Lindsay was Ariel! It was also fun being with family! This is like the kick off to the holiday season so I feel like so much fun awaits us!! I have a feeling this year is going to be really fun with an almost 3 year old and a 6 year old!!
We were also thankful Halloween was on a Friday night! The kids loved looking through their candy when they got home! Reminded me of so many nights I had as a kid! Love these traditions!! Cannot wait to see them each year as they grow!

October Weekend

I just love the mont of October and we have had a very fun and busy one! I hate to see this month coming to a close in a week! This weekend has been filled with fun just like the last several!
Friday afternoon after school Colby had a birthday party for a little girl in his class. I thought a Friday afternoon birthday party was kind of a neat idea. Get it over with haha! It was 4-6 at a local bounce place. Although I did honestly think about skipping it b/c I do love my LAZY fridays but we skipped his last class party so I didn't want to become anti-social plus I knew he really wanted to go! I think its important to get to know the parents and kids he's with 5 days a week! Now that Lindsay is older and enjoys outtings too I brought her along. A year ago I probably would not have but I knew she would enjoy it. I had hoped to only stay an hour but we ended up being there the whole time. Lindsay ran around and didn't cling to me at all which was super nice! She used to be scared of the inflatables! I was able to visit mostly with Nijel's mom. I was a little disapointed in some of the parents discussing the teacher and school issues. I just don't believe a birthday party with that many people around is the time to do that! Anyway we stayed the whole time and the kids had a blast! We got home around 6:30 and had to still feed them dinner b/c my crazy kids refuse to eat at b-day parties! Afterwards we did let them stay up and watch The Lego Movie after bath. It was a tiring day but a good one!
Saturday Austin was off which is awesome! Its been so nice to have him home on Saturdays lately! Lindsay's little school had Family Day at the pumpkin patch that day. I wanted to go and suport the school and church that has helped our babies for the last 5 years! We had a lazy morning since we didn't have to leave until 10:30. The kids watched Planes and Austin and did some things around the house. The kids had a blast at the Festival. They loved just running through the pumpkins and playing games. They also got to pick and paint a pumpkin. There was a cake walk and Colby won! Ofcourse Lindsay had to have her cupcake too and she actually ate the whole there where Colby only took a couple bites! They also jumped in the bounce house and just enjoyed the scenery. We stayed a little over an hour. After we left we went to Moe's a new place to eat. Again fun just to eat and hang out as a family. After lunch we came home to watch football and rest. We hung out for a couple hours inside then the boys got busy doing outside work. Well all went out around 4 to carve pumpkins and decorate for Halloween. Again more fun family time! I hope our kids always remember these days! They are so special! Especially as they are growing SO fast!
Sunday Austin had to go back to work so it was just the kids and I. It was the first Sunday in awhile we were able to just go to first service and come home. So we are enjoying a long afternoon at home. We will play outside later and also work on school stuff at some point. This weekend has been fun but not too teribly busy so I feel like we are rested before the school week!
This week there will be lots going on with our regular routines on top of Farm Day, Halloween Parties, and Trick or Treating!!

Pumpkin Patch Field Trip

So Lindsay had her very first school field trip today! She did the Aurora pumpkin patch! I cannot believe she is old enough for this b/c I remember Colby's 2 fieldtrips there so well! Anyway ofcourse I signed up to be a chaperone. I dropped her off and went to visit my parents since the field trip began at 10. Sadly I think this will be her only preschool pumpkin patch field trip b/c they do it every other year. Colby got one at 2 and 4.
When I arrived she was so excited to see me. Her class was lining up and we walked out to the patch. The kids sat down on the sidewalk to wait for all the other classes to get in line then the lady who is in charge of the children's ministry at the church talked to them about the pumpkin patch. Afterwards they were allowed to walk around and play for a little while. She loved this part. She just ran through the pumpkins and would stop and look at them every now and then. Her class is 8 girls so they were all so adorable. Especially she and Stella though who always wear the little smocked outfits. Lindsay was able to wear her pumpkin dress from the last 2 years. It fit as a top this year. Its a 9 month dress and has lasted us from 10 months now through 2 1/2 years. I really think we might be able to squeeze her in it one more time next year =)
Next they gathered all the kids under a blanket to read a few fall stories. Lindsay got a little antsy during this time. She kept saying she wanted juice. After the storytime they took a class picture then went to make a craft. She seemed to really enjoy the craft time. She loves her some arts and crafts! I also got to visit with Stella's mom during this time. Its so funny b/c they all thought Stella and Lindsay were cousins b/c they were dressed sorta alike. After the craft they got apple cider and powdered donuts. Ofcourse she loved this too! Once the field trip was over and the class went back Lindsay and I picked out our pumpkins. Usually Colby would have wanted to stay the whole day but I figured Lindsay would 1) want to leave with me 2) I wanted to get home early so we would have time to eat lunch and hang out before picking Colby up that afternoon!
That evening we also had Chickfila night for Calvary. This was the first one of the year. I was sorta dreading going b/c I thought it would mean 3 straight nights of us being gone. I knew we should go though and I knew Colby would BEG to go! It ended up going well. We got there at 5 and left by 6 so I think we missed most of the chaos.
Lifegroup got cancelled for Tuesday and I skipped Bible study in order to grocery shop so thankful we had a sort of rest day in there!
Many things still to look forward to: Church, haircut, b-day party, and family day at Lindsay's school! Fall is just so busy but fun!

Pumpkin Patch & Sunday

So we were finally able to take the kids over to Mrs. Heather's Pumpkin Patch. This is something we have talked about doing since Colby was 1. We went to the Strawberry Patch in the spring and the kids had such a great time we knew we had to go back! So Austin was off this Saturday which like NEVER happens so we wanted to do something fun with the kids! We gave Colby a few options and he chose the Pumpkin Patch. We also invited Austin's parents and sister and nieces.
We got the Patch around 10ish. There was a lot of people! We had no idea it would be so busy but it was big enough that we neve really felt crowded. The kids really enjoyed playing on the country type stuff. They enjoyed the swings and running down hills. They also had this little Haunted Nature Walk that was really cute! We spent some time looking at the animals and checking out all the sights. The kids loved all the different playground equipment. While they were playing and jumping on the haystacks though Colby started feeling nauseous! I dunno what the deal is with this boy getting overheated! I know it didn't help either that he had donuts for breakfast and no protein. That's when it seems to happen most. I am wondering if he has low blood sugar? Anyway he sat down in the shade and drank some water and started feeling better again. They went on to play on the see-saw. Well all was well until the see-saw came down on Colby's legs. Poor baby he must have been seeing stars! So after that it wasn't long before we decided to go. It was approaching noon and the meltdowns were coming! They kids went and picked out their pumpkins and it wasn't long before they were all happy again!
We left the Patch and went to eat at Chime's. It was a long lunch but it was nice to visit over lunch. The kids were really well behaved too thanks to being entertained by their cousins. I love seeing how they connect. Maggie and Colby seem to connect really well. They are the closest in age and Maggie is more of a tomboy so she and Colby love running around and playing together. Shelbi and Lindsay connect the most b/c Shelbi is the oldest and seems to "mother" Lindsay. Anyway it was great seeing everyone!
Afterwards we drove home and hung out here the rest of the day. It was a low key evening.
Sunday Austin was off again which was nice. We spent the morning at church. I had to work in the preschool again. We had 8 kids which wasn't too bad. It was a lot less hectic then the week before! After church we came home to rest. That afternoon at 4 we had to be back for the church work day. It was a really great turn out. Austin worked with the guys on the baptistry and Lindsay and I worked with some of the ladies cleaning the preschool classrooms. Colby was upstairs with the children. I think they also put them to work. Even though it made for a tiring and short afternoon I think its important for us to help take care of our church/school. I think it was also important for our kids to see and help in that as well.
It was a very busy weekend full of many wonderful things! This week will also be filled with field trips, school events, errands, church stuff, etc!

First Quarter Conferences and Awards

So today has been a super busy day for us! It started out with Awards day for Colby. I was so proud of him for making Alpha Honor roll this quarter. Last year he only made Honor Roll once and it was Beta. I really don't care that much if he gets these everytime or not but he has worked so hard and I have seen such a maturity in him that he def deserved it! Austin and my parents were also present for the Awards.
After awards we had to bring my van in and get the rental van. So glad to finally have that ball rolling! Its been bugging me all week driving the van! Although I know things could be so much worse. So after that Lindsay and I had to go back up to the school bc I had offered to help count money for the cookie dough orders. We did this with my friend Stephanie. Lindsay behaved so well for the hour and a half we had to do this. It was tiring but I was glad that I was able to help. Afterwards we had Parent/Teacher Conference. Even though Colby had all A's and he makes an A in behavior I still like to meet with the teacher and just hear how he's doing socially and academically at school. Its also a good time to get to know her as well. She basically said he's doing great! She said she can already see huge growth in him and that he's really well mannered in class. She did say he is quiet and she is working with him to be a little more outspoken. All in all I felt great after the meeting. I really feel like Colby has learned and grown so much in a year! I really love his teacher! Colby seems to really love her too! I really feel like I like her philosophy of teaching. Last year his teacher was firm but fair. He learned a HUGE amount and I am glad he had last year but this year not that she's not firm and not teaching them but I feel like she is focusing on the whole child and not just reading and math. It seems like she is trying to teach them how to work in groups and how to talk in front of the class. That afternoon I was really ready to relax. The evening was nice just the kids and I. We watched Aladdin and had our Friday night tradition of popcorn! It was really lovely especially after a crazy busy day!