New York City, Day 2

The view from our room. Times Square, well some of it.

We woke up this morning and went to the USS Intrepid that was docked at the pier. It is a retired Air Craft Carrier. I was glad to go on it because my dad lived on one for a few years during Vietnam.
See the white stuff by Chris's feet? It was about 20 degrees today.

Chris having fun.

That is cramped quarters, for sure. Dad, I don't know how you did it.

Chris and I on the Intrepid.

Following our neat visit to the aircraft carrier, we headed to Tavern on the Green for our lunch reservations.

Me at Tavern on the Green

Chris with the cake that I had made for him. It was EXACTLY what I wanted!

One of the several Hot Chocolates that I consumed during our trip. This was at a Starbucks off of Wall Street. We had to go in there to warm up. It was after dark and really windy, which made the temperatures even worse.

Finally, found the bull!

We enjoyed riding the subway to and from the World Trade Center site and back to Times Square. It's a whole world under there!

New York City, Day 1

Chris right outside the hotel in Times Square. We dropped our stuff in the room and set off to explore. In the 30 degree weather, mind you...

Ice skating rink at Rockefeller Center. It was quite a bit smaller than I thought it would be.

Chris and I walked and walked this afternoon. It was REALLY, really cold, but it was nice. We ended up eating at some little restaurant near Central Park and the food was not to my liking, but oh well. After that, we headed back to the hotel room to relax. We probably walked a few miles and I DID NOT have my walking shoes on. :(

We met Jeffrey and Jay for dinner in the Hell's Kitchen area and it was great!

Salad that Jeffrey got and sandwich Jay got.

Chris' meatloaf.

Chris and I

Jeffrey (my cousin) and me.Jeffrey and Jay

The elevators inside our hotel. They were quite cool.

Police officers on their horses in Times Square.

After dinner, Jeffrey, Jay, Chris and I walked a few blocks around Times Square. It was SO cold, but I loved every second of it. I've never seen a place like that. Busy, busy, busy. Quite the contrast to Sorrento, FL. :)

Happy Anniversary!

Fifteen years ago today:

I was 19 years old and Chris was 26.

I was 15 to 20 pounds lighter and Chris was lighter too. :)

I was a blonde. Chris had more hair.

I was head over heels in love and I believe that Chris was too!

I believed that love could conquer all!

Here we are 15 years and 5 children later...

Taking each day a day at a time

Loving each other always

Liking each other most of the time

Wanting forever.

Still.

Watercolors and triage

Tonight Brennan and Kerstyn had their activities. Brennan did Boy Scouts and Chris taught Taylor, Ethan , Thomas and Brennan about triage and first aid.

Kerstyn learned about watercolors and painting things from Sister Garrett.

I am thankful for the programs that my children benefit from through the church. It really helps them be more well rounded individuals.

Spin class

I did a spin class last night and I think that I am going to know it for a week!

I love that class!

Saturday happenings!

Chris and I decided that it was time for our family to do the "Disney thing" again. So, we headed off to Disney on Saturday for a day of fun!

The kids and I in the parking lot. I didn't want to have to worry about my camera all day, so I left it in the car. But I will take it into the park some soon.

Chris and the kids.

Before we headed to Disney, the children took my camera outside to capture some fun they were having while Chris had a morning client appointment. After he got home, we headed to the park.

Kerstyn taking her own picture, I think.

Aislinn apparently got someone to take her picture.

The boys on the 4 wheeler.
Fun going around the pool. Aislinn just snapped and snapped and snapped.
Like the finger?
Finger again.
The woods, as the kids call it, which is in the backyard behind the pool.

Ward Conference

We had Ward Conference today. For those of you that don't know what that means, it just means that all of your stake leaders are there and they come to teach and watch what is going on in your ward.

The primary was asked to sing the prelude music. We were supposed to start about 10 minutes before Sacrament meeting was to begin and end about 1 minute before the 12:30 start time.

The children sang beautifully! We sang If The Savior Stood Beside Me, Teach Me To Walk In The Light and closed with Love is Spoken Here. The only thing that could have been better was if my children had actually been there!

I had to be at church at 11 for a Ward Council meeting with the Stake Leaders, so I left Chris home with the kids with directions to be at church 15 minutes early. Well, as you know from the previous paragraph, that didn't happen!

When I asked Chris why he wasn't there, he kind of cracked me up. He said that they didn't do anything that he asked and that he couldn't get ready. I know exactly what he means since I live that life everyday.

I went out to call Chris right after we finished the prelude music and he was pulling into the parking lot. I walked in with 3 out of the 5 kids in time for the last verse of the opening hymn. I was sitting there wondering why the opening prayer person wasn't coming up to do the prayer and then I realized that I was the person saying the opening prayer! OOPS! So I hustled to the stand and gave the prayer. Oh my!

The rest of church ran smoothly and it was a nice Sabbath day.

I wanna go!

I am a Time Out For Women junkie!

It is going to be in Olrando March 20 & 21.

I really want to go, but I don't want to go by myself.

Anyone interested in going with me?

It is a great way to recharge in a relaxed atmosphere where you feel great about being a daughter of God and a women/mother.

Full weekend which is Friday night and Saturday all day is $57.

Saturday only is $50.

Come on you all...enjoy it with me. Please?

No water!

I didn't realize that it was going to be as cold last night, but we woke up this morning and I took a shower as usual. But, when Chris went to go start shaving, he didn't have any water!

It was 26 again this morning, and Chris was outside with the hairdryer trying to get the pump unfrozen so we would have water.

I had Melissa come early today, at 3:45 or so and I headed to the Mall at Mellinia for some shopping and dinner. Chris was in training all day at Sea World, so he met me at the mall.

I got a really cute skirt and two shirts at Anthropologie.

We had dinner at The Cheesecake Factory and it was delicious. After dinner, we did some shopping in Victoria's Secret and then did some people watching.

It was a nice day and date. :)

Brrr

The front yard.

Ice dripping from the slide. I know I don't want to jump in that pool anytime soon!

Backyard

Ice hanging off the pavilion and plants. I hope our plants made it. It was looking pretty scary, for sure!

When I got in the car this morning to take Brennan and Kerstyn to school, the temperature was 26.

Wow!

First YW/YM activity

Brennan had his first combined YW/YM activity tonight at the church. They Young Women were teaching the Young Men how to dance.

I'm sure that was a sight I would have enjoyed watching!

Brennan's friend, Thomas went too and both of the boys said they had a good time. I asked the Bishop how Brennan did and he said, "About as well as you would expect any 12 year old boy to do". Not sounding good....

Have I mentioned lately?

How much I LOVE going to the gym?

It gives me some much needed time alone and I feel better about myself when I'm done.

I believe that is a win - win situation for all!

Kennedy Space Center

Kerstyn the astronaut.

Kenney took "the girls" to the Kennedy Space Center today for Kerstyn's birthday present. I had never been there before and Kerstyn has gone once before. We had a really nice time together and I really appreciated it.

This is Kerstyn with the space shuttle in the background. They already moved it out for a launch that is scheduled in a few weeks. I thought it was quite an impressive sight.

Kerstyn and I on the observation tower.

This was the view that Kenney, Carolyn and I had for most of the day. Cute, huh?

We got home around 5:30 p.m. and the Tallahassee family headed straight home. I am told that they arrived safely around 11:30.

Chris and Dad/Ryck, stayed with the other 4 kids today. They went to the dump, bowling and to Publix. They also rode the 4 wheelers and played hard. I am told however, that it was not a good day for them. Apparently all they do is fuss.

I feel really bad for Chris and Dad. :(

Brennan's Big Day!

This is the whole crew that came to be here on the day that Brennan received the priesthood. I know that one day, he will love to see how many people cared enough to travel so far to be with him for such an important event.
From Tallahassee came Grandpa, Grandma Kenney, Alyssa, Aunt Carolyn and Bay. From New Port Richey came Yoo-Ma and Papa. I know that Aunt Holly and Grandma would have loved to be here, but I know they were here in spirit.

Our family.

Chris and Brennan

My dad, Brennan and my mom.

Grandma Kenney, Brennan and Grandpa.

After leaving church, we stopped by to see the progress being made on our new Stake Center. We are so excited to have this new building to meet in.

Shuffle, shuffle

Both Kerstyn and Brennan had a busy day today. Brennan had his first Young Men's activity today from 11 - 2 and Kerstyn had Natalie's Birthday Party at 11:30 - 4. We went to breakfast as a family, then dropped Brennan off at his activity.

I dropped Chris and all the other kids off and took Kerstyn to her party.

We all went to Target to get some stuff and then picked up Brennan and took him to his party. I picked up birthday gifts for their friends, which Brennan would not give to his friend because he didn't think that he would like it. Too childish, I guess.

After that, I took Chris's car to the car wash and went to pick up Kerstyn. After dropping off Kerstyn, I went to go get Brennan and then got home to make dinner.

Around 7, Ryck, Kenney, Alyssa, Carolyn and Bay arrived to eat and relax.

I love having a full house!

School's out

The younger 4 kids and I tried to have some fun today. We were actually pretty busy. We went to the gym this morning for 2 hours and then to Chick-Fil-A for lunch. After lunch we came home and the kids played in the yard until time to load back up and get Brennan.

Tonight was date night for Chris and I and we had a nice time being alone together. I can't wait for the end of the month, except for the fact that it has sunk in that I am going to freeze to death up there!

Random shots and thoughts

Greyson took this of me just a few minutes ago. I am really surprised at how old I look sometimes. :(

He's really getting big! He is my SOLID boy.

We went to Chris' office on Tuesday night, to sing Happy Birthday and have Brennan's cake. Then right off to other activities, but we had fun.

All of the kids except Brennan are out of school tomorrow for a teacher planning day. I think I'm going to go to the gym for the full 2 and a half hours tomorrow morning. Sounds like a good plan to me!

I'm so excited!

I can't keep a secret!

I get too excited and have to tell EVERYONE!

I just booked 2 plane tickets and hotel rooms for two nights!

Chris and I are going on a trip for our 15 year anniversary!

We have been married 15 years on January 29, 2009 and we are leaving the morning of Friday, January 30 and coming back on the evening of Sunday, February 1.

Guess where we're going....

NEW YORK CITY!

Chris hasn't been there since he was a child and I have been the last two summers but not with Chris. I can't wait to experience it with him.

Any volunteers to help with my kids while I'm gone? Chris's mom will be here Friday afternoon and needs to leave Sunday afternoon. I need a place for Kerstyn and Brennan and rides for the others on Friday. Anyone have an itch to help? :)

Happy 12th Birthday, Brennan!

Brennan showing that he is 12 years old. I took this picture this morning before he left for school.

This was taken in November. I think it is really good of him and every time I look at it I think that he looks like he's really growing up!

I believe that this is the oldest digital picture I have of him. It was taken the day Lauklan was born. So, Brennan was 4 and a half.

Brennan at 8 years old.

Brennan 9 years old.

He came into this world 6 weeks to the day early weighing 4 lbs. 15 oz. and 18 1/2 inches long. He has always been a fighter! Brennan was off oxygen and ready to go home from the hospital before I even was. The doctors were quite surprised.

Brennan is a very spiritual person and is definitely the oldest child in our family. He worries about his siblings and wants them to do well. He is an excellent example to all around him.

This Sunday, Brennan will receive the priesthood from his father. I know that I will cry, because I already am! We sang to him this past Sunday in Primary, Happy, Happy Birthday Brennan dear and the goodbye song that I make up. I cried, of course!

I love you Brennan! Happy Birthday!