Disney Cruise Day 1 & 2

We just got home from our Disney Cruise. This was Austin and I second trip and Colby's 1st. It was a wonderful trip but as always its GREAT to be home!
The first day we flew from NOLA to Orlando. We had an early flight so we had to be up by about 5 and be at the airport by 7. We were able to grab a quick bite of breakfast at the airport. Colby was really excited to ride on a plane. This would be his second time flying on a trip. The last time he was 2. He did really well in the plane. We arrived in Orlando about 11. We hopped on a Disney bus and they brought us to our hotel. We got checked in but our room wasn't ready. We quickly grabbed lunch b/c we were all starving by that point. We stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. This was our first time staying there but we loved it! After lunch we set out to explore the hotel. It was neat seeing the giraffes and zebras up so close! We even found a shady playground spot for Colby to burn some energy. We walked around a little more and by this time we could tell Colby was in NEED of a nap. We went back to check on our room one more time and thankfully it was ready! We went to the room and got settled in. We knew he needed to lay down and rest or he would never make the rest of the evening. He never fell asleep though in the bed. We gave up around 3:30 and got on a bus to go to Downtown Disney. Ofcourse he conked out like the minute the bus started to roll! I was glad he atleast got a short nap! We got to Downtown Disney and met up quickly with some old friends. Colby and Blake were nursery friends. They ended up reuniting and playing really well together. It was so nice to catch up with Andrea and Beau as well. We have known them since before we were married. After visiting we ate dinner at the House of Blues. After dinner we wanted to do a little shopping. All the stores were CRAZY so we got in and out. Colby picked out a couple things we then ate icecream which again was nuts! We did a little more shopping then got back on the bus to the hotel! By that poing we were all exhausted! It had been a busy, but fun day!
Our second day was another busy, long day. We woke up early again b/c we had breakfast reservations at the Grand Floridian. In order to get there we had to take a bus to the Magic Kingdom then get on a monorail to get to the resort. It took like an hour! Breakfast was nice but also took a long time! When we finally got the transportation back to the hotel we were running late for our cruise bus! We were scared we would miss it. They were literally lining up and walking to the bus! So glad we made it! In hindsight we should have just stayed around the hotel but we were trying to make the most of 24 hours in disney world! I think Colby loved all the transportation we rode on! After about an hour long bus ride we got to the cruise terminal. We got checked in and onto the boat about 1. We immediately went to grab a light lunch. We were all so tired again! Once our room was ready we went there to take a nap. Colby crashed! After a nice nap we had to get ready for the required safety drill. We then went to check out the sailing away party. Colby wasn't as crazy about the party as I had thought/hoped...he was ready to move on. We walked around then got ready for dinner that evening. That night we ate at the Enchanted Garden. The food was really yummy. I think we all 3 enjoyed it! After dinner we brought Colby to the kid's club. We figured he needed some time to run around and be with other kids while we went to the show. We had checked out the area earlier in the day so he was excited! We didn't stay for the entire show b/c we figured it would be late. The show was really good we had seen it on our other cruise but it was slightly different. We picked Colby up and he seemed really happy. We then went back to the room for baths and to unwind. Colby slept on a bed that came down from the ceiling...it was like a bunk bed. He loved that! I think we all slept good after 2 straight busy days!

Family Picnic & Weekend

Thursday Colby had a picnic at school. This was just his class. After school that day Mrs. Susan had told the parents to meet the kids on the playground at 12:10. We were told to bring lunches and blankets. It was so adorable! I thought it might be the whole school but it was neat that it was just his class. She had nametags for everyone. It was nice putting names & faces together. I knew most of his class from last year but it seems they have several new kids. Some kids moved away and others I am sure went to prek4 at bigger schools. His class has about 12 kids in it I think. We sat near his friends Christopher, Giovani, and Boston. It was neat seeing him in a  school setting with his friends. It was just Colby and I. Austin couldn't leave work and I didn't want to bring Lindsay if I was there alone. She would have been very hard to keep up with and I try to make Colby's school events about him. I knew she would take a lot of focus off him. He was adorable he's so confident and friendly at school. He is not that same shy little boy of 2-3 years ago! He walks around that school like a BMOC "Big Man on Campus" he knows everyone all the teachers all the kids and the parents. I am so thankful for another great teacher this year! We have been so blessed the last 3 years there. After everyone ate their lunches they got cookies. Apparently the class helped Mrs. Susan make cookies that morning. Ofcourse Colby and the other children LOVED this. After cookies she had them sing/do the hokey pokey for us. Adorable! Ofcourse my little man didn't participate! He never does...he will sing it at home but not at school! I met the infamous Sean and his parents. They were actually really sweet. Apparently Sean is autistic. He seems like a really sweet boy. He and Colby share the love of cars so they get along really well. His parents said he only ever speaks of Colby. I am glad Colby is friendly to everyone I hope he stays that way! After the picnic we went to pick Lindsay up. We came home to rest...I think we were all spent! Lindsay didn't really nap, Colby and I were exhausted from the heat. It was nice to come in and take a nap!
Friday Colby had school and Lindsay and I went grocery shopping. After shopping we came home to relax. Colby was going home with my parents that day. They miss him so much since he goes to school 5 days a week. I figure going home with them on Fridays may be our new tradition. I don't like him doing it so much in the middle of the week b/c he gets so tired but Friday its like a treat for the weekend. He stayed over there until about 5. I missed him but it was nice to have a quiet day with Lindsay.
Saturday has become our relax and stay in day! After a busy week of going places I just long to stay home! Its also nice to not wake up to an alarm which I now do ALL week! I knew we needed to get out and do something Saturday though even if it was a short time b/c Austin was going out of town and would not be home that night. We tossed around ideas of libraries and book stores but my friend Honey ended up calling and inviting us over. I was excited b/c Colby has not seen his friends Max and Isabella since July. I knew he would be so happy to see them. Plus they live in our neighborhood so it was an easy quick trip on a rainy day with 2 kids. We stayed about an hour and a half. The 3 big kids mainly played in Max's room. Lindsay was very good too and let Honey and I visit. It was good to catch up with her. We don't get to talk as much now since the boys are at different schools and life is so busy! Once we left their house we came home for lunch and naps! Even with Austin gone it ended up being a really good day! Colby didn't nap but we still had a good afternoon. We played inside and watched movies. That evening I even cooked chicken nuggets, green beans, and salad and we all 3 ate together! Now that the kids are older I didn't mind being alone with them so much! I tried to view it as a nice bonding time and not a burden. After dinner started the whole bathtime/bedtime routine. Well the kids played for about 45 min after dinner while I cleaned up then it was Lindsay's turn to get bathed and put to bed. I had her in bed by about 6:45. I let Colby watch a movie on tv until about 7:15 then it was his turn. Since he did not nap that day he needed an early bedtime as well. I actually had him tucked in bed by 7:45. I expected him to come out atleast once but nope he never did. He was so sweet and so tired! I couldn't believe though by 7:45 mommy duty was over. Now I could catch up on phone calls, emails, books, tune into the USM game, take a liesurely bath, whatever! So nice! I missed Austin being around but i have to say the quiet night actually wasn't bad! Both kids even slept ALL night which was great!
Sunday was church day. Its been strange getting into a "new routine". We used to always have to be out the house for 8:30 so a Sunday was basically like a "school day" for us. Now that we don't have to be at church until 10:30 and the church is like 10 min from our house we get to have a casual morning. Its been so nice! I am able to spend time cooking breakfast and slowly get the kids dressed. Colby was able to watch cartoons and Lindsay took a nap. Austin drove in from Hattiesburg too to meet us which was nice. We arrived at the same time. It was nice having him there this week to check the kids in. Colby was a little unsure but he seemed to do fine. Lindsay cried a little but I don't think it lasted long. We loved the worship service. Once we got out of church it was POURING! It was sorta hectic trying to pick up the kids and get to the vehicles. Austin was sweet though and got the van for Lindsay and I then he and Colby ran to the truck. They went to pick up burgers b/c it was so late when we got out of church we knew Lindsay wouldn't be able to handle eating out too. Like I say its taking some getting used to getting into a new routine but I like being closer to home. It was a nice afternoon just being together as a family.

A New Week

The last few weeks have been a little hard. Maybe it was me maybe it was getting adjusted to our new fall schedule...maybe it was a lot of things. But this week things have clicked and we have had a wonderful week so far!
Austin was off Monday and Tuesday so that started our week out to a great start! Monday since he was off we all 4 took Colby into school. After dropping him off we decided to go and visit Calvary school. I figure its not too early to  get a jump on this whole kindergarten thing! We have about 5 schools total that we want to visit. I hope we can visit all 5 by December and then by January we can make a decision. We brought Lindsay with us and she did really well. We stopped in the office and asked for registration info and a tour. The principal was not there but a lady that actually worked there when I did took us on a wonderful tour. She showed us the kindergarten classroom and went over the curriculum with us she then showed us the rest of the school. Some may think its funny we even had to get a tour b/c I went to school there and subbed there and taught 2nd grade there. But things have changed...A LOT! I also want to look at this school from a parent perspective. I have tried to clear all other things from my mind and look at it from a clean slate. We were very impressed. We still want to check out other schools but we did leave with a very good impression! After visiting the school we came home to clean, rest, hang out while Colby was at school. This was a lunch bunch day so we had more time then usual. Austin and I were able to lay down and even take a nap! Once Colby got home he and Austin did a lot of work outside then we had another yummy homecooked meal as a family. Lindsay was able to eat with us again since we ate early also!
Tuesday Austin was home with us again. Colby had school and I had Bible Study so it was another busy morning. Austin stayed here with the kids and got Colby off to school so I could go to my 8:30 study. I am so enjoying this Bible Study. It is on Revelations and already I have learned so much. Just going to Bible Study once a week I feel makes such a difference in who I am as a wife and mother. I am thankful I am able to do this. I think Austin also enjoyed his morning with the kids. I think its good for him to have them alone sometimes. It gives him an idea of what I do but it also gives him some great bonding time with them that might not occur when I am around. Once I got in from Bible study I took over with Lindsay and Austin did some stuff around the house until it was time to pick Colby up at noon. The 3 of us ate lunch at the table while Lindsay was napping. Its always a great time to spend with Colby and I think he really likes having our undivided attention that way. After naps Austin and Colby ran some errands while I stayed home with Lindsay. We ordered pizza that evening so we could sit back and enjoy that night and not spend so much time cleaning up. After dinner we took Colby for icecream. Poor Lindsay though was miserable. Its so hard with her 6:45 bedtime. She screamed the whole way home! I hope one of these days our night activities aren't so limited!
Wednesday Austin was back to work so it was back into the groove for the kids and I. Colby went to school. Lindsay had GymRompers. Its fun doing something with just her and having a mommy/daughter date! It makes me miss those days with Colby now though! She had such a fun time. This was her 3rd class. She was REALLY into it this week. She was a lot braver and would actually crawl away from me and interact with the other kids. Its amazing the difference between her and Colby. At this age he would have been so scared of other kids but she was right up in the middle of these bigger boys! She's such a mess! She had a really great time though! At first I thought 9 months she may be a little young for it but she's doing really well and it seems already to be paying off! It will be fun to watch her progress like we did with Colby! That afternoon we took it easy. Colby was in lunch bunch so it was nice to have a couple hours of quiet. That night we had thought about going to church...I really want to get involved in Wednesday night church especially since we are visiting Calvary and its not as big a production to go but I was nervous about going for the 1st time alone with 2 kids. I hope sometime Austin can go with us. I knew Lindsay would not make it for the whole time. He would need to be there by 5:30 to pick her up and bring her home. So we stayed in. Hope we can make it soon!

The Weekend

Its been a great weekend and even though Austin had to work I feel like we got some great quality time in. The weekend before was very tough. Colby was moody and I felt like we were all in adjustment mode. This week has been great and things just seemed to click again with everyone! We are all tired from a busy week but it was a good week!
Saturday I knew I didn't want to do much considering our busy week. Unfortunately grocery shopping had to be done. I never look forward to this chore but especially on Saturday and with 2 kids. I have to say though they both did great! Afterwards we came home put it all away and I made lunches for the kids and we all napped! It was so great to have some down time. Our week was crazy busy and I am just not used to that! My parent's had volunteered to keep the kids for us Saturday night. At first I didn't want to go anywhere but I realized it would be nice to get out with just Austin. We went to Tony Mandina's. It was so nice to have dinner with him and actually be able to talk. I feel like I am in constant competition with Austin and Colby. When Austin gets home from work Colby is SO excited he wants to absorb all his time so I feel like its hard to get a word in! Afterwards we did a little shopping at Target. When we got in Lindsay was already in bed and Colby was on his way. I really enjoyed the night out!
Sunday morning was a big day for us. We made the decision to start visiting other churches. There are many things that have gone into this decision..too much to go into here but we have felt God calling us to look at other options. We chose to visit our old church Calvary. We still know a lot of people there and location wise its a great choice for us. Plus they have a lot going on with kids and young people! Austin had to work but he drove over for his lunch break and met us at church. I was nervous ofcourse bringing my kids to a new place. I wondered how both would react. It turned out though both were with people we knew so that was good! We really enjoyed the worship service. It was so nice to leave church feeling like I had worshipped. Lately at our church I have been in the nursery so much I feel like I never go to church! We were anxious to pick the kids up and hear all about their morning. They both ended up having great mornings as well which I was so relieved and thankful! Lindsay was happy when we picked her up. She cried a couple times they said but never just unconrollable. Colby seemed VERY happy when we got him. He left with a bunch of papers and a sucker! After church Austin had to get back to work. I called my parents to see if they were out of church yet. They were just leaving so I brought the kids back home. I told them they could bring Colby with them to eat and I would just stay home with Lindsay. She didn't nap all morning and I could tell she was exhausted. They then brought Colby home with them for a few hours. I think they miss him now that he's in school 5 days a week! It was nice to have some time to relax. He got home around 4:30 about the same time Austin did! We were able to have a nice home cooked meal and eat as a family! SO NICE! Lindsay even joined in! It was a great weekend!

Busy Week

Well we are having another marathon week here! I guess now with Colby being in school 5 days a week every week is going to be so busy!
Monday Lindsay had her 9 month doc appointment. My parents brought Colby to school that morning b/c her appt was at 9. I am so thankful for their help it makes life so much easier! After her appointment we just came home b/c it was a yucky rainy day outside! This was a lunch day for Colby so he did not get home until about 2:30. I enjoy the longer days but I do miss him. I am thankful though to have quiet days with Lindsay.
Tuesday I had Bible Study at 8:30. This was our first experience of getting out the house before 8. We managed though...it meant the kids had to eat their breakfast on the run but we got to my parents house at 8. My parents were going to get Colby to school and keep Lindsay while I had my Bible Study. Once again its nice to know they are in good hands. I loved the study! This fall the study is on Revelation. I have missed the last month of going to a weekly Bible Study and honestly I could tell a difference in my mood! Amazing how that works right?!? Anyway it was a wonderful morning. I went back to my parent's house after the study and waited until it was time to go pick up Colby. After getting Colby we got home and I put Lindsay down for her nap. Since it was lunchtime I made he and I sandwhiches and took them outside to eat! He loved this! We have actually had "fall" like weather this week so it was fun spending time with him outside. It was some nice one on one bonding time for us. That afternoon we even went back outside to enjoy the weather. Lindsay sat in her swing and Colby played. I am excited about this fall and spending more time outdoors with them both. We hardly did anything like that this summer b/c it was just too hot and during the spring she was still so little so I am glad to get back to using our backyard!
Wednesday was once again a busy morning. I dropped Colby off at school then Lindsay and I ran home for a few minutes b/c she had GymRompers that morning. We have been going on Tuesdays but now with my Bible Study we have to switch to Wednesdays. Well the baby class was at 10:20. I figured we had a few minutes to spare so we came home to eat a quick snack and change her diaper before heading over. Well of all things we get there and I am told the 10:20 class has been cancelled. I was so annoyed. My poor baby girl had been in her carseat all morning. She was so happy to be there too and wanted to stay and play! So she only got to play for about 10 min before I had to load her up and bring her back home. I have to say I was glad that we got home earlier but felt bad she didn't get to play! I will now bring her for the 9:30 class which actually is better b/c now we will leave from Colby's school and will get home earlier all of which I like better so it works out! This was another lunch bunch day for Colby so he didn't get home until around 2:30. Well the thing about when he stays for lunch bunch he is so HYPER when he gets home! I think its b/c he's actually really tired but his body is in overdrive! He gets into trouble a lot! By 3 I couldn't take it anymore he was hyping Lindsay up and they were both getting into everything so we went for a walk. It was nice getting out with both of them! I hope one of these days we can go to Wednesday night church. That's my goal but right now with Austin's late schedule and Lindsay's early bedtime it makes it impossible for me. I am hoping there will be times where I can just bring Colby atleast.
Thursday was another busy day for us! I had MOPS and Colby had school. On MOPS days I have to drop Lindsay off at my parent's, drop Colby off at school, then go on to MOPS. I was tempted to just not go but I know I am always so glad when I do! its a nice change of pace and so nice to visit with other women. I feel like I don't get to visit a lot with friends during the week so this is a nice break! They always have something fun planned too! This week was the question and answer session with the mentor moms which is always interesting. After MOPS i had to pick Colby up from school then pick Lindsay up from my parent's then head home! After all that I'm exhausted. When we got home I put Lindsay down for her nap then Colby and I enjoyed another picnic outside. I really enjoy that special time with him. I think it helps him feel special too! I try really hard to give both kids their alone time with me and Austin. We all took naps then just hung out that afternoon! We are always so happy when Austin gets home though!
Friday Colby had school once again. my plans were to go over to my mom's house and make meals for 2 friends. My friend Casee and my friend Nicole both just had babies. I have been wanting to cook for someone after so many people did that for us. It felt good to give back. We were blessed with like 2 or 3 weeks of meals after Lindsay was born. It was easier for me to go over to my parent's house to make the meals with my mom. It helped b/c there were 3 people to handle Lindsay...when I try to cook she is usually right under my feet. By the time we finished the meals it was time to go get Colby again. I got both kids home and we just hung out the rest of the day!

9 Month Doc Visit

Lindsay had her 9 month well visit today at the doc. Everything looks great! I am so thankful for a happy, healthy baby girl. She weighed in at 17 lbs 1 oz. She is 27 1/2 inches long. That puts her in the 10% for weight and the 25% for height. She's still our itty bitty! I looked back and Colby was 24 lbs and 30 inches. She did really well at the doc. She never really fussed at all while the doc was checking her out. She did have to get blood drawn today...they do an anemia test at 9 months. She DID NOT like that at all but she quickly got over it! The doc already called and said her test was fine! I know we have so much to be thankful for! I am proud of what a sweetie she was at the doc office. She is just growing up too fast!

USM Game Weekend

This weekend we spent in Hattiesburg for USM's first home football game. We went up on friday after picking Colby up from school. It works out pretty well to pick him up and have the van packed and hit the road. We stopped in Slidell for a quickie lunch. The kids both traveled very well. Although neither really slept! Once we got in to Hattiesburg we unpacked and rested for awhile. Austin and Colby went over to his parent's house to visit. Lindsay needed a nap b/c she had been awake ALL day! Well it took her 2 hours to finally settle down! We were all going to go over to Austin's parent's house for dinner and to hang out but since it was after 5 before Lindsay woke up we decided to move dinner to the apartment. They picked up pizza and we ate in. It was much easier that way with 2 tired kids! After pizza Austin took Colby in swimming. The rest of us visited and watched Lindsay play. It was a rough day we were all tired and moods got a little bad. Everyone got a good nights sleep though so we were ready for Saturday.
Saturday we woke up early and started our day! For some reason our kids wake up earlier there. We ate a good breakfast then Austin and I started out with the kids to go to the Hattiesburg Zoo. It was a beautiful day and actually a little cool out. Colby has been to this Zoo a couple times but Lindsay has never even been to a zoo so we wanted to bring her a long too! We got there and first rode the Merry Go Round and Train. Lindsay rode them both! She seemed to enjoy them! She probably wondered what in the world? It was neat though b/c that's about the age Colby was when he rode his first Carousel. After the rides we decided to head to the playground. That is one of Colby's favorites! We also knew Lindsay wouldn't be able to take much more it was approaching her lunch and naptime. She drank her bottle while he played! Once we got back to the apartment we put both kids down for a nap. We knew Colby would need a rest before the game...he would miss his normal naptime plus he was up crazy early that morning. I even laid down which was nice to get refreshed. We got to the game around 2. I am so thankful my dad has the club level seats where we get free food and nice comfy seats that are covered. They had hamburgers and hotdogs I think we were all ready for lunch by then. Colby enjoyed his hotdog. I think by the time the football game started Colby was already ready to go! We got him popcorn and that lasted maybe 5 min. He was antsy the WHOLE time! I thought he would be easier this year but I think he was harder! He whined and complained the whole time! Maybe one day he will enjoy it! I took him home after the 1st half. I could have stayed the whole time but I heard it got hot so honestly I was glad I was able to leave with him. Plus the Eagles lost =(. We got back to the apartment with my mom and Lindsay. I thought it would be a nice time for them to play but Colby ended up being in time out most of the time. This past week he has gotton a real big "attitude". I am not sure if its tiredness from being back at school or too much time with extended family or what?! It created for some rough moments though. I think its probably a combination of many things, but we are working through it. Anyway when he gets around my parents he thinks they must play with him nonstop. This is fine when he goes over there on occassion to play but not when we are all staying together for the weekend...it gets old fast! He would not leave my mom alone. Well when the game ended I had to go back and pick up my dad and Austin. Originally I would have left Colby with my mom and Lindsay but I did not like his attitude or how he had been treating her so I thought it was best for him to come with me especially since my mom had to bathe Lindsay while we were gone. His attitude did change i think he just needed that "timeout". He gets overwhelmed with grandparents even though he loves the attention its like his body goes into overdrive! Anyway that night ended a little better after dinner. We did still all go to bed early it was an exhausting day!
Sunday we woke up and got ready to head back to nola. It was a fun weekend. Sad the Eagles lost. We always enjoy our trips to Hattiesburg...especially Colby. It was a nice quick getaway. We probably won't be going back until late October.