Pictures from Spring Break

I just received some pictures that my sister in law took while she was down visiting and I thought I would post some of them...

Above you see one some serious hanging out at Yoo-Ma and Papa's house. We eat, play video games, and try to drive Neil absolutely crazy! Oh yeah, and swim too... Vicki and me at the temple
Some of the 'playing' in the pool mentioned above.
Being silly with their cousins.

Kerstyn and Kylea
Yoo-Ma (Mom), Papa (Dad), Vicki, me and 7 of Mom and Dad's grandchildren eating at Cracker Barrel.

Aislinn waiting before sliding down Mom and Dad's slide. I must have gone down that thing thousands of times growing up. I really love to see them enjoy their pool, it brings back such memories.

Cutie!

Wonder what my job is?

It would be this!

If you click on 'this' you will be linked to Elder L. Tom Perry's talk in conference titled "Mothers Teaching Children In The Home".

I was moved by many of the talks in General Conference and I can't wait to read them all again. I was overwhelmed with the feeling that our leaders are very worried about our children.

That worries me.

Here are a few of the statements in that talk that stuck out to me:

"Parents must resolve that teaching in the home is a most sacred and important responsibility."

"Parents must bring light and truth into their homes..."

"The health of any society, the happiness of its people, their prosperity, and their peace all find common roots in the teaching of children in the home."

"Teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ in the home adds another layer of insulation to protect our children from worldly influences."

What is great about that though is the fact that while they are worried, they follow that concern with specific instruction on how to help them. I pray that I do my part.

I encourage all of you to study their words too.

Blizzard Beach, take 2.

Same stuff, different day.

More fun, plus Dad!

Blizzard Beach, Take 1

The kids and I went to Blizzard Beach today. It was our first trip there since last fall and we were ready! Today, however, we were joined by Mary and Taylor. We all had a great time.
Mary and me

Aislinn doing the zip line. She was scared at first, but once she did it once, she did it all day. Not kidding, all day! I loved watching her do it too!

Lauklan doing the zip line.
Greyson falling from the line.

We're hoping to go with Chris tomorrow for day 2.

It seems really cold to me...

But they don't seem to care at all!

They are all really enjoying the pool again and I like that it makes them quite tired at the end of the day... ;)

Temple trip and swimming day

Today was just gorgeous! After another breakfast at Cracker Barrell and some more swimming, we loaded everyone up and went on a field trip to the temple.

Afterwards, it was time for TCBY then back home for more swimming and eating.

It is becoming very clear that we do a LOT of eating and swimming... ;)

Coming home!

Vicki, the kids and I all headed back here late this afternoon. We had a great time at Mom and Dad's and the kids loved playing at Yoo-Ma and Papa's.

Daddy wasn't feeling well for Monday afternoon, so we didn't get to spend as much time with him, but he headed off to work and I hope he improves quickly.

After arriving home, the kids got in the pool and we fed them leftovers galore.

Bedtime... well, it was late.

Swimming, eating and playing at Yoo-Ma's and Papa's

The pool above is the pool that I grew up swimming in. It is also the pool that inspired our pool at our home. I love that pool. Now, the kids love that pool! I have such great memories there as a child and I am so glad that my children have the opportunity to make memories there too.

I think Cracker Barrel is my favorite place to eat! We all love it there and especially when we are there with family.

All we can say about that is "FUN".

Easter 2010 Shipley Style

Happy Easter!

General Conference

Wonderful.

Inspiring.

Scary.

Moving.

Uplifting.

Perfect.

Both days.

All sessions!

Clash of the Titans

It was Chris' turn to pick what we did for date night and he chose to go see Clash of the Titans.

My recommendation, don't waste your money, but do go on dates with your husband. ;)

Drain field

We have been having MAJOR trouble with the septic system. It was determined in November that the drain field was saturated and not draining. So, that meant that we sometimes couldn't flush our toilets and do laundry or dishes.

Needless to say, it was EXTREMELY stressful for me.

Well, today arrived relief! I felt like a huge weight was lifted. As soon as they dug the ground from around the existing drain field, the water started draining like a faucet. I couldn't believe it. It was very bad.

The men who fixed it dug the trenches by hand. I think they were slightly crazy, but the job is done and I am glad! They told me that I should never have any more problems! I sure hope that is the case.

He's shy, I'm not

We're pretty different.

However, we have a lot in common too. One thing that we really love, is each other!

It's not easy.

Sometimes it's not even fun.

But, it is marriage, and we're trying our best.

I'm just glad he's willing to take it on.

He really didn't want to do a kissing picture, but he did. I'm so glad.

Laying on the floor

Yep, I did it. I layed on the floor of the gym during my personal training session last night. Charlie, my trainer, had me doing a 300 workout which about killed me. No kidding! Then to top it off, I went to cycle class after that. What was I thinking?

Chuck E. Cheese's and shopping

I got all the kids off to school and stopped into the office and then headed home to Michelle and CJ whom I found playing hockey on the Wii. It was so cute!

Mich, CJ and I got into the car and headed to Altamonte Springs to let CJ play at Chuck E. Cheese's. He played his little heart out while Mich and I ate and laughed. I loved every minute of it.

On our way there, we spotted a Kohl's and of course, we had to stop in on our way back. Michelle is really working with me on getting some accessories, so I bought two bracelets that I sure hope I know when to put on.

After getting home, I got the kids and when I got home the youngest 4 were swimming with CJ. They headed home when I headed to the gym.

I loved EVERY minute of my visit with them. The only sad thing was when the time came for them to leave. :(

Visiting

Michelle and CJ arrived today around 3. The kids were so happy to see CJ and they all played and played! That was great, becuase that gave Michelle and I the opportunity to visit.

We had a dinner that sweet little CJ tolerated and then sent them to bed. They were supposed to go to sleep, but that didn't happen, of course. But, Mich and I watched a movie while Chris serenaded us with snoring.

I can't wait for tomorrow.

Finally, in the pool

It is cold, but they were in. I'm really looking forward to them being able to enjoy it this summer because it is really helpful. You know what I mean...

Friends

I feel blessed to have great friends. I know that they are hard to come by and I have had to lean on them quite a bit the last year or so. I am thankful that they have been there for me.

I know that sometimes I am not the best friend. I don't do high maintenance well. However, the ones that I have stick with me through thick and thin.

I also thought tonight while I was passing out the brownie sundae dessert at the baby shower for Katelyn that I have quite an odd personality too. I guess that most of you already know that though. Just tell me to be quiet when you need to. Deal?

New rule

Chris and I decided to implement a new homework rule at the house. We are really trying to help Brennan and all the kids for that matter be successful in school.

So the rule is, that you come home from school and sit at the table to do your homework. Brennan and Kerstyn are to devote one hour to homework and or reading time.

Lauklan, Greyson and Aislinn are to do their homework, read and or color for at least 30 minutes and then the other 30 minutes they are to go outside to play or play quietly in their rooms as to not disturb the older children as they finish their work.

Well... you would have thought I was killing Brennan when I told him the rule. He did NOT want to sit at the table. But, he did it. He even survived to live through the night.

Now, will we see improvement? I pray so.

Wow, parenting is hard, hard work! It pulls at heart strings that I didn't even know were there.

Relaxing Sabbath though busy

We all got up and made it to church on time. Clean, dressed and fed! I told the kids after we were all in the car that they did a good job. I don't think I even raised my voice!

Church was great except for the pouring rain that was trying to ruin my straightened hair! ;)

I lead the music in primary since Debbie is out of town and Lurlene played the piano. I always love to work with the children, so it was a lot of fun for me.

After church, we came home and ate grilled cheese that was hold us over until dinner time. The Shaw's came over and ate with us which was fun.

Chris had a meeting at 6 and Brennan had a fireside at 7 so the evening was busy, but good.

I hope we have enough charge in our batteries to make it through the week. Spring Break isn't that far away...

Cycle, chores and EPCOT

I got up this morning and had a bad attitude, again. Ugh. So, Chris sent me off to cycle class at the gym and for a better attitude. I came hope with a better attitude, it worked!

Chris and the kids did some chores around the house while I was gone and when I got back, I did some too then we finally headed off to EPCOT for the afternoon and evening. We met Disney Grandma there too.

We headed straight to ride Soarin which was an hour and a half wait but quite fun once we finally got on it. After that, we walked around the countries and ate, of course! Don't forget that we stopped at practically every bathroom too!

There was only a 5 minute wait to do Mission Space, which we did and some of the kids did twice, then we headed to the Test track where the wait was only 30 minutes.

It was after 9:30 when we finally got to the parking lot and we were all tired, but happy.

Getting up tomorrow and showered and ready for church should be interesting. To top it off, I won't have Chris to help because he needs to be in Belleview. We did it last week, but I had Grandma's help, so we'll see how I do tomorrow all by myself.

Can you hope for this?

I think I can. There was even one speaker at Time Out For Women that talked about it.

I hope today, for a better attitude. Yesterday, I had a rough day. I was down on myself, discouraged, gloomy, you name it. Sad.

I know that life is crazy sometimes and certainly not like the rosy picture that I would love to see. However, I also realize that my life is nowhere near as bad or rough as some. So, why do I get discouraged? Why can't I just see the good and focus on that. It's all about perspective really and I should just choose to be positive.

I need to go back to my hope focus, at least internally. Things aren't perfect, they never will be and some things that I worry about I can't possibly change, so I should stop.

I'm going to try.

Today, I'm looking for the good. It's all around me, I'm going to focus on that and move forward.

Pictures from the Magic Kingdom on March 13

I'm finally posting the pictures from Magic Kingdom on March 13. We really had a good time, but it was SUPER busy!

All of the kids after our first bathroom stop of the day.

Me

Disney Grandma on the monorail. I think this is a really good picture of her.

Monorail of Lauklan and Kerstyn

On the monorail on the way in to the Magic Kingdom.

Brennan in his Mad Hatter hat. The people in the park loved it and he got many, many compliments.
Kerstyn and Greyson with Eeyore.
The Mad Hatter and Eeyore.

All of the kids with Eeyore and me.

We ate lunch at Crystal Palace to celebrate my birthday. That is one of our favorite places to eat at the Magic Kingdom.

A little perspective

A distraught Aislinn today, "Mom, Gavin and Gabe told me today that I do NOT have an "S" in my name! I told them that I do. They are being mean to me. MOM, DON'T I HAVE AN "S" IN MY NAME? I write it A I S L I N N. See, there is an "S"." As she cries to me...

I respond, "Aislinn, yes you have an "S" in your name. Those boys are just not being nice. Don't you worry about it. You know how to spell your name, "S" and all."

To which she replies as she sniffles, "I knew it!"

Man, if all I had to worry about was the spelling of my name!

I love being a mom. (most of the time) ;)

Ward Conference

The choir sang the prelude music. We warmed up by singing Come Follow Me then stood and sang For All The Saints followed by Lord, I Would Follow Thee.

Bishop Saunders spoke on the blessings of the atonement followed by President Carter speaking. President Carter spoke about 7 sources of learning that we need to do to be better prepared.

I am going to list below so I can look back at this to remember his talk years from now.

1. Daily prayer - family and individual

2. Daily scripture study

3. Attend all church meetings

4. Magnify your calling.

5. Follow the prophets and your priesthood leaders.

6. Attend the temple

7. Family Home Evening

I feel blessed to have been able to attend and be spiritually fed. Now, if I could just hit more right notes on the piano, that would be nice. Is that too much to ask? ;)

Magic Kingdom

Apparently everyone and their brother was at the Magic Kingdom today. However, we still managed to eat about every hour and use practically every bathroom in the park! I call that accomplishment!

I took some cute pictures and so did Grandma, that I will put on later.

We had a great day.

Hope, Day 6

Today I have hope in:

1. The ability that I have to be blessed with great friends that I KNOW are there for me, no matter what.

2. That one day, I will look back on all this 'craziness' that I'm in the middle of right now and actually MISS it.

3. It will stop raining in time for all of us to celebrate my birthday tomorrow at the Magic Kingdom.

Hope, please!

I hope that we get our issues fixed with the septic and drain field so that I can actually use my house as designed.

That's not too much to ask, is it?

Not fun

Can I just say that it is not fun to have to stagger your showers and anything and everything that deals with water in your home!

Our drain field is apparetnly not sufficient to support our family size so we have been having issues since the fall.

Well, I've hit my limit!

We can't flush the toilets.

I can't just run the washer or dishwasher when I need to.

I have to instruct the children on where they can use the toilet in the house.

Not fun.

Not fun at all.

Hoping some more

I have hope that I can be the person that my Heavenly Father knows I can be.

I have hope that I can be kinder and more patient.

I have hope in the fact that I can be carried by my Savior when I can't carry myself.

Day 3 of hope focus

Today I have hope in:

1. The possiblities of eternal families.

2. That I can continue to try to raise my voice less.

3. That my children will not 'really' drive me crazy!

Hope, Day 2

Today, I have hope in:

prettier weather to come,

attempting to not raise my voice tonight with the kids,

staying positive when I try to discourage myself.

Good start, right?

Hope, Day 1

Today was fast and testimony meeting. I really enjoyed listening to the testimonies and I procrastinated so long that I missed my opportunity. Maybe next time...

Since Time Out For Women's theme was Infinite Hope and all the messages were centered around that, I have been pondering many things in my life and things that I have hope in.

Today, I have hope in my ability to be a good primary pianist and choir director. I went home and practiced piano tonight and this afternoon, we had our last choir practice before singing prelude next week for ward conference. The choir is really progressing and I was really encouraged. My piano skills, well, I have hope that they will improve and carry me as needed. I am practicing though and I am thankful for Debbie and her ability to have patience in me.

I felt prompted this evening to have Chris call his mom. I was just sitting there reading something and the thought came, we need to call. So, I told Chris. He said, "Okay". I then replied, "We need to call now". He picked up the phone and called. I am thankful for the blessing of the holy ghost in my life.

Time Out For Women, Day 2

Kenney got up this morning at 6:30 and I woke up then too but stayed in the bed until 7 when I started to get ready. We were supposed to get to the convention center early, since we stayed down there, and save seats. However, Danette and Debbie got there before us and they drove down from here. What great friends they are! I couldn't even seem to get my tired self out of bed across the street and they came from an hour away. Go girls!

We had a wonderful spirit filled day and here are some pictures to prove it!

Dannette and Debbie

Kenney and me
Ashlea and me. I was really glad to get to see her. She and her family used to be in our ward for several years and we served together for most of that time. She is an amazing woman!

Stephanie and me. All I want to say about us is that I LOVE her! She is a blessing.

Following the meeting, Kenney headed back to Tallahassee and Danette, Debbie and I headed to Cheesecake Factory for dinner. I believe that it was the FUNNIEST dinner I have ever had. I'll leave it at that.

I can't wait for next year...

Time Out For Women, Day 1

Danette and Debbie picked me up at 11 and we headed to Orlando to do some shopping before needing to arrive at Time Out For Women at 5 something.

We went to eat at Zaxby's and then to Nordstrom Rack where I found a pair of jeans, a shirt and a sweater that I just couldn't live without!

Following my little shopping spree, we headed to the mall where we walked around and looked for Crocs, but were unsuccessful and then we ate some very tasty ice cream while we people watched. I must say that we had fun doing that. I wonder if people work?

We headed to the convention center where we waited for a few minutes for the door to open. Wendy Watson Nelson and Sherri Dew spoke to us. Kenney arrived late, due to traffic, so she missed Sister Nelson, but she at least got to hear Sister Dew.

When the meeting was over, around 9:30, Danette and Debbie headed home while Kenney and I headed across the street to the Westin. I was exhausted!

I have learned from past experiences that Time Out For Women weekend is wonderful, but NOT restful! Tomorrow morning is going to come fast!

Wow! 36 today!

I can't believe it, but it is in fact true. I am 36 today! Here's the picture to prove it!

I feel truly blessed today with birthday cards from Chris and the kids, phone calls and Facebook messages. It certainly makes the day seem happy instead of sad that I'm getting older. Guess it doesn't really matter that I'm getting older because we all are and there is nothing we can do to change it.

Happy Birthday to me! Aislinn is very glad that it is my birthday today because now she knows that she is next! That is what she's been worried about for months. ;)

Relief Society Meeting

I love that the Relief Society meeting in March is always right around my birthday and that we celebrate Relief Society's birthday then. Why? Because I get to eat cake and visit with my friends and have my own little birthday party while at the meeting. See, it's good for everyone!

Last night, about 4 or 5 of us were asked to share about service and how it affected our lives. I was asked to share and I of course, told about all the service provided to our family while Aislinn was sick in the fall of 2008. It changed my life. To have people love and care for you and your family without any expectation of anything in return is truly amazing.

I am richly blessed and I am thankful that I had the opportunity to share that with my sisters and to remind myself of what a miracle it was.

Filling my bucket

I am very thankful for Sunday's. I love that I can have that day to go to church and spend time with my friends and family.

Here are some things that I enjoyed today:

1. Making breakfast for the kids plus Taylor. I made bacon, had doughnuts for them, which is a treat and whatever else they wanted. I think the kids really enjoyed that.

2. We all arrived at church on time, not crying, and minus Chris with plus one kids. If my arm was long enough, I would pat myself on my back... ;)

3. The messages were great during sacrament meeting. I needed to hear what they had to say.

4. Debbie Carter and I were in sync, as always, but today, it was great! I even didn't TOTALLY embarrass myself on the piano, which is an added bonus.

5. I survived choir practice and when choir finished, we sounded better than when we started. So, that was progress.

Pinewood Derby and meetinghouse cleaning

We were assigned as a family to clean the meetinghouse this morning. We got a late start, but got there and I really enjoyed the opportunity to serve in that way. The kids even had fun too.

After cleaning the building, we went home and Chris and Lauklan made the final adjustments to Lauklan's Pinewood Derby car.

We loaded up and arrived at the church for the Derby at 3. Lauklan raced and won second place. I think he was okay with that but I had to talk to him on the way there and the days prior about how it was just for fun and it didn't matter if he won or lost. I can say that we did leave without any tears, so I was glad.

Chris wen to see a movie with some of his friends tonight and I took the kids home, fed them dinner and got them into bed. It was a busy, but nice family day. It was also good that we had the cleaning and derby to do because it rained all day and didn't get out of the mid 40's so it would not have been a good Disney day.

Date night with the Shaw's

We left with Carl and Stephanie and headed to The Cheesecake Factory for date night.

The food was delicious, as always, but the company was divine!

Neck

I tend to take my health for advantage until I start to feel bad in one way or another.

Well, my neck is killing me! I think that I am sleeping on it funny and I am very thankful right now for Motrin.

Thank goodness I have a massage scheduled for tomorrow and maybe I can find some relief there.

Do you have a gift?

The answer, is of course, yes! I know that we are all given 'gifts' or 'blessings' or whatever word you use to call some type of talent that you have.

I have been thinking lately about my 'gifts' and I thought that I might like to focus on them today since I am VERY good at beating myself up and focusing on the negative. So, here I go.

2 of my 'gifts':

1. Health - I have always been blessed to be healthy. I am not sick very often, which I am always thankful for. Now that I am getting 'older' I can see more clearly that being blessed with good health is truly an amazing thing.

2. Music - I think that I took this for granted for many years. I guess that I thought everyone was like me in the fact that they took lessons on multiple instruments, etc. However, in the last several years, I have come to realize that my love and aptitude for music has truly blessed my life. It continues to bless my life and I am so glad that I again, have the opportunity to use it and share it with others.

Swim Team

Kerstyn started with the Mount Dora Swim Team this week. She basically has practice every day during the week except Wednesday from 4:30 - 6. It is quite hard to get her there and pick her up with my gym schedule, but so far, I think we can work it out.

I always enjoyed swimming when I was her age and I am very glad that she has found something that she enjoys. However, given how much time it takes for practice, I reminded her that it will only happen if all of her grades stay up. We'll have to see how it goes.

Come Follow Me

The choir sang it today.

It was beautiful, powerful and perfect!

I was also blessed to be able to do sharing time today in Primary. I was asked to do a music one and I couldn't have been happier. Melody, music, primary... you get the idea, it is my 'happy' place.

It was a great Sabbath day!

Disney, here we come!

Our annual passes expired the end of January and I splurged, yes, really splurged, and bought them again.

I kind of tried to justify the expense saying that we were getting 15 months instead of 12 and saving $35.00 a ticket. You know, stuff like that.

Bottom line is they are very expensive. But we LOVE going there as a family. So, here we go...

You're going to see many more posts of Disney day trips and I am glad. (So are the kids.)

Temple date

Chris and I went to the temple tonight on our date. We hadn't been planning on going there, but I got the feeling that we needed to at lunch time. So, off we went around 5:15.

We were in the 6:30 session and we both had a wonderful, peaceful experience.

I'm so glad that we went.

We ate at Carrabba's after that and of course, it was quite tasty!

I think that I must really enjoy eating because I sure mention it a lot...

Busy week

We had the dog spayed while we were on the cruise. Well, ever since, it has been trouble!

She broke her collar which kept her from licking the incision and I had to take her back becuase when I came home from work one day last week, she was open and bleeding. GROSS!

It has been WAY more expensive than it was supposed to be. Of course! I had to have her stiched back up and put on antibiotics, not to mention all of the extra trips to the vet's office.

Over it!

On top of that, the office is crazy, the kids are busy, and I am stressed.

Grace

Grace and I attended Hudson Elementary, Hudson Middle and Hudson High school together. We were in band and classes together every year from middle school on. We even rode the bus together in middle and high school until I started driving.

To say she is a dear friend would be a very accurate statement.

Above is Grace, Lillian (her 10 month old daughter), and me.

Grace and I.

Grace now lives in Seattle, Washington so for me to be able to see her was quite a treat. She and her family was in Treasure Island, which is near St. Petersburg for the week so I took advantage of her being close and went over for a visit.

To sum up our visit, it was just like old times. That makes me happy.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Chris stayed with me today to help me at church with the kids instead of going to Belleview. I really appreciated that. He helped get the kids to primary on time and to get them fed after church.

We were visited around 3 p.m. today by two youth and a leader that were acting as home teachers during youth conference that was held this weekend. Home teaching is kind of like Family Home Evening as far as kid behavior if you get my drift. However, we all survived.

After the visit, I got in the car and headed to Mom and Dad's to spend the night.

Tomorrow, I go to Treasure Island to visit with Grace. A friend of mine since 3rd grade.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Date

Chris and I went out tonight after a full morning.

Chris headed to an East Lake County Chamber of Commerce meeting while I went to cycle class.

After my cycle class, I took Kerstyn, Lauklan, Greyson and Aislinn to Noelle's birthday party. Aislinn was the only one invited, however, I paid to get the other kids in and they played while Aislinn did her thing.

After the party, we went back home. Chris was already out to his second meeting of the day.

This afternoon, around 4:15, Melissa arrived to babysit and Chris and I left on our date.

We ate at Chili's.

We stopped at Wal-Mart.

We watched a movie.

Then home.

What a nice date in my mind. However, a nice date to me is just having time for Chris and I, and that, we did have.

Girl's Night Out

I went over to Stephanie Shaw's tonight for some girl fun.

We ate, smelled candels, ate, and played one round of Catch Phrase. Then, I think we ate some more! ;)

It was nice to visit with her, her mom and her sister and also with some of her other friends from the Apopka Ward.

Carl, Stephanie's husband, went to our house to hang out with Chris and the kids while the girls did our thing.

I had a good time and was appreciative of the invitation.

Activity Day's for Girls' Recognition Night

Kerstyn sang Did Jesus Really Come Again? tonight to show one of her talents. She is a really good singer. Each of the girls were to prepare something to share that they did the past year as they worked on their Faith In God program.

I played the piano while Kerstyn sang just beautifully. I am so proud of her!

Flattery

I was loading my purchases from Target in my trunk this morning when a man stopped right behind me in his car and rolled down his window.

I turned to look at him to see what he wanted and he said, "You go home and tell your husband that some man was checking you out today and that you are hot!"

Wow, I feel good!

We don't need to mention that he was probably in his 50's now do we?

I'll take what I can get. :)

Happy 43rd Chris!

Today is Chris's birthday!

It was kind of a stressful morning since we were not wanting to get up after our super relaxing cruise vacation.

However, we got the kids off and headed to work.

The office took Chris our for lunch and then Chris and I went out for dinner.

Happy Birthday Chris! I love you!

Choir

Today, I was told that I was 'butchering' someone's favorite hymn.

I just can't seem to win!

Oh well, I pray about what I do then go forward. That is the best I can do.

Day at sea

We couldn't dock at Castaway Cay today because the winds were too high, so we ended up spending the day at sea. That was super relaxing too.

Thursday night, Chris and I had a couples massage at 7.

Friday, Chris, Mom (Nancy), and I got off the ship just for a few hours to walk around Nassau. The kids stayed on the ship at their activities. We got back in time for Chris and Mom to hang around the pool and the kids to play while I went for a facial and had my hair washed and blown dry. I forgot my flat iron at home, so I was in need of some 'sprucing' up. Dinner was for Chris and I tonight at Palo which is for 18 and up and was just delicious! We had an amazing time. Apparently Grandma and the kids were having fun too because we couldn't find them for hours afterward.

Chris even commented that he underestimated how relaxing it would be. We are having the time of our lives!

Disney Cruise

The BEST vacation ever!

Not kidding!

Relaxing is an understatement.

We are already planning our next trip.

Cruise, here we come!

We get on the ship, The Disney Wonder today at 1 p.m.

The kids are beyond excited and I am too. I know Chris will be as soon as we get on.

We leave Port Canaveral today at 4 and arrive at Nassau tomorrow morning.

We leave Nassau Friday afternoon and go to Castaway Cay. Castaway Cay is Disney's island.

Sadly, we get home Sunday morning and will have to get off the ship.

Groundhog Day

I thought it was really cute today how Aislinn told me all about Groundhog Day. She was wanting to not have 6 extra weeks of winter. However, she said, "The groundhog was scared and ran back in".

Six more weeks of winter, here we come.